The flag was run up at half–mast, and, this being the signal of distress, it was hoped that the American steamer, perceiving it, would change her course a little, so as to succour the pilot–boat.
船旗降到旗杆的中部。这是一种求救的信号。他们希望能被美国邮船看到,这样就有希望使它改变一航线向唐卡德尔号开来。