"Maybe the sailor doin' it got tired," offered Torry.
"R-O-S-E-N-M-E-Y-E-R!" came the signal presently.
"See them coming, boys!"
"He's after us," said Torry. "Whip up this old tub, Whistler. Let's start the engine."
"Hold your horses," advised Morgan. "He knows we are aboard. We'll get there all right, give us time."
The chaser was circling around, and finally headed toward them. The excited boys in the catboat saw Mr. MacMasters examining them through a glass. The S. P. 888 came to a stop near the usual mooring of the Sue Bridger. Captain Bridger put off in a dory from the float and began to scull out toward the Government boat.
"We're going aboard!" cried Torry. "Say, Whistler! do you suppose he's been sent for us? Shall we join up with the crew of that shark?"
"Oi, oi!" groaned Ikey. "No dreadnaught for us, then? What will my papa and mama say? I've been tellin' 'em maybe I get to command a battleship this next cruise."
"I had no idea Ensign MacMasters was in service again," Whistler said. "But I am glad he is on this particular boat."