“The Captain,” Quest replied.
The Captain came down from the bridge, where he had been conferring with the pilot.
“Keep away from the side there,” he shouted. “Who are you?”
“We are in search of a desperate criminal whom we believe to be on board your steamer,” Quest explained. “Please take us on board.”
The Captain shook his head.
“Are you from Scotland Yard?” he asked. “Have you got your warrant?”
“We are from America,” Quest answered, “but we’ve got a Scotland Yard man with us, and a warrant, right enough.”
“Any extradition papers?”
“No time to get them yet,” Quest replied, “but the man’s wanted for murder.”
“Are you from the New York police?”