"So they have," Jack agreed. "But we may as well go aboard."
They commandeered a small boat and rowed rapidly to the Brigadier. Jack swung himself up on deck and Frank climbed up behind him.
A young lieutenant greeted Jack respectfully after a quick glance at the latter's bars.
"What can I do for you, sir?" he asked.
"You may go below and tell the engineer to get steam up immediately," replied Jack. "We may not sail before morning, but I may desire to leave before."
"Very well, sir," replied the young officer, "but may I ask who you are, sir?"
"Certainly," replied Jack, "I'm the commander of this ship, Captain Templeton. This is Mr. Chadwick, my first officer. What is your name, sir?"
"Hetherton, sir, second officer of the Brigadier."
"Very good, Lieutenant. You shall stay on here as second officer until further notice. Now below with you."
Lieutenant Hetherton disappeared.