“And we bear you no ill will, captain,” declared Colonel Ashton. “It is true that you have made us considerable trouble, but I appreciate your position in the matter. I know that you were acting under orders.”
“Thank you,” replied the captain.
“I can say the same, sir,” declared Mr. Willing, “Here, at the last, you have been of service to us, and in view of that, things that have gone before must be overlooked.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The little boat now scraped alongside the Yucatan. Several moments later the three were aboard the big steamship and rushing toward Captain Anderson’s quarters.
Their arrival had been reported before they came aboard, and so they found Captain Anderson alone.
“Glad to see you gentlemen again,” said the captain, shaking hands with Mr. Willing and Colonel Ashton. He looked Captain Von Blusen over coldly. “I shall talk to you later,” he added.
Captain Von Blusen bowed.
“Oh, he is all right, captain,” said Mr. Willing. “He has been of great aid to us in searching for our daughters.”
“So?” Captain Anderson’s stern expression relaxed a trifle. “I am glad to hear it.”