By this time Darrin was well forward. He peered closely at the approaching craft, for she might be a Mexican Federal gunboat that had fallen into the hands of rebels or outlaws.
"It's our own launch," pronounced Darrin, a minute later. He reached for the whistle pull and blew three blasts of welcome, which were promptly answered.
The two craft now neared each other. "Launch ahoy, there!" called a voice from the bow of the other craft.
"Aye, aye, sir!" Darrin answered.
"Is that you, Ensign Darrin?"
"Aye, aye, sir."
"Lay to. I am coming alongside."
As the launch under Dave's command lost headway, then lay idly on the light ground swell, the other launch circled about her, then came up under the port quarter.
"Did you find the American party, Ensign Darrin?" demanded Lieutenant
Cantor.
"Yes, sir; I have the entire party aboard and uninjured."