"What's he sign himself?" he demanded of the wireless operator.
"He doesn't sign himself at all," was the reply.
"Drat him!" exclaimed the captain again. "Oh, well, we'll see what happens."
Half an hour later a small boat from the vessel that had accosted them scraped alongside the Algonquin.
"Throw over a ladder," came a voice in English. "I'm coming aboard you."
The captain of the Algonquin growled again but he gave the necessary order.
A moment later three figures scrambled on deck. At sight of the first man, Captain Stoneman's frown changed to a smile and he stepped quickly forward.
"Dash me if it isn't Lansing!" he exclaimed. "When did you get into the service, old man?"
The man in the uniform of a naval officer looked at the captain closely a moment, then extended a hand.
"Well, well, well!" he exclaimed. "If it isn't Stoneman. Where you bound, Captain?"