“I am coming aboard you,” was the message the German commander flashed to Captain Anderson.
A small boat put off from the cruiser and soon bumped alongside the Yucatan. A moment later an officer in a smart uniform came over the side. He made his way at once to where Captain Anderson stood on the bridge.
“Is this the way you meet a German naval officer?” he demanded angrily.
Captain Anderson looked at him in surprise.
“What would you have me do?” he demanded, taking a step forward.
“And when you address me, say sir!” exclaimed the German, who seemed rather young and possessed of much self-importance. “You should have met me as I came over-side.”
“Say sir to you, eh?” exclaimed Captain Anderson. “If you don’t get off my ship in five minutes I’ll throw you over the rail.”
The German officer stepped back, and half drew a revolver. Captain Anderson advanced another step.
But interference came from an unexpected source.
Captain Von Blusen, who had stood close enough to overhear this conversation, suddenly ascended to the bridge. He walked quickly up behind the German officer, and seizing him by the shoulder, swung him around sharply.