As that petty officer appeared, Darrin ordered him to turn out a boat crew and put one of the boats over the side.
“First investigate the nearer canoe, then the second. Bring them both in alongside. If you see any swimmers in the water, pursue and pick them up.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
Still the searchlight continued to play over the waters. The “Castoga’s” small boat ranged alongside the smaller outrigger canoe, and soon had it in tow with a line astern. A minute or two after the second canoe was picked up. A short search was made for swimmers, after which, on signal, the boatswain’s mate turned and headed for the gunboat.
“Ship’s boat ahoy!” Dave called, as the boat and its tows came near.
“Ahoy the deck, sir!”
“Are both canoes empty?” Darrin inquired.
“The first one isn’t, sir,” replied the boatswain’s mate. “There’s a dead Chinaman in it. Head almost cut off; sword work, I should say, sir.”
“Bring both tows alongside,” Dave ordered, with a shiver. “I will communicate with the police.”
After ordering a wireless operator turned out, Ensign Darrin went over the side, down a sea-ladder, to the smaller of the outrigger canoes.