The frigate reduced her sail as she came up and, as she neared the polacre, the order was shouted:
"Send a boat alongside!"
The boat was already prepared for lowering. Four seamen got into her, and rowed Bob alongside the frigate. The first person he encountered, as he stepped on to the deck, was Jim Sankey; who stared at him in astonishment.
"Hullo, Bob! What in the world are you doing here?"
"I am in command of that polacre, Mr. Sankey," Bob replied.
"Eh--what?" Jim stammered, in astonishment; when the captain's voice from the quarterdeck came sharply down:
"Now, Mr. Sankey, what are you waiting for? Bring that gentleman here."
Jim led the way up to the poop.
Bob saluted.
"Good morning, Captain Langton."