'Here Oi be, surr!' said the owner of the head, scrambling out of his cubby-hole, and appearing on deck in jersey and sea-boots. 'What'll you be waantin', surr?'
'Where d'you come from?'
'Brixham, surr.'
'How long have you been out?'
'Nigh on three-fourr days, surr.'
'What's your name?'
'Jarge, surr—Jarge Willyum Cobley,' answered the man, in unmistakable Devonshire accents.
Wooten turned to the first lieutenant. 'Lower the dinghy, and go on board and have a look at her,' he said rather disappointedly. 'Seems to me she's as innocent as a new-born babe; but ask 'em if they've seen any men-of-war or submarines about, and find out how long they've been here. Get back as soon as you can.'
'Ay, ay, sir.'
The boat was lowered, and the Jessie and Eva, for the first time in her career, found herself boarded by an officer and two men armed to the teeth.