"No, but a craft very much like her. We captured her while she was coming through the Central American Canal. Six of the men on board were killed. The engineer took the oath of allegiance to England and I got aboard a new crew of men I could trust. We shall now be able to give the Yankees a dose of our own medicine, captain."
"It is a strange story, Peeks—a strange tale, truly. But you were always a wizard, by the war reports—captured to-day and free to-morrow. Where is your craft?"
"At the stern. Will you come on board?"
"I am needed on deck now."
"I will go aboard and wait for you, for I want you to help me. Everything is going wrong, and this movement on Alaska is the worst of all."
"I would like to see that strange under-water ship," spoke up one of the yellow captains, who had listened to the talk with interest.
"Then come with me," said Oscar, grimly. "And you'll be a prisoner in five minutes more," he added under his breath.
The turn of affairs delighted him, for the Chinese commander was the same who had spoken about President Adams' daughter. Once he was a prisoner, Oscar was certain he could wring the yellow wretch's secret from him.
"Remain here for a moment," said Oscar, as they neared the stern. "My men are on guard and may not like to see me with a stranger, after my telling them I had come on a secret mission. I will be back in a minute."
The Chinese captain agreed to wait, and Oscar hurried to the rear rail of the Corcoran.