The lieutenant turned to the figure at his side. They both dipped and rose with the movement of the destroyer. The crew were on deck. Faces appeared at the head of the engine-room companion. Two forms crouched at the seven-inch bow gun.
“I’m coming aboard!â€� shouted the commander. “Hold your headway—no more! Give her quarter speed! We’ll see about that fellow!â€�
Saidee Isaacs grasped Fay’s sleeve. “Get into the boat,� she said, pointing toward the ladder which led to the upper deck. “Hurry, Chester!�
Fay pocketed the revolver, shot a final glance at the mute figure of the sharper in the cabin, then he leaped for the ladder. Up this he went until he had reached the upper-deck. He started aft, keeping in the shelter of the boats and ventilators. He stopped and drew himself into a narrow alley-way.
Three seamen were casting off a bo’swain’s ladder. They turned and stared forward as the mate and the captain loomed through the gloom.
A spot-light from the destroyer swung over the ship’s upper rails and brought out every detail.
“Here he is,� said the first officer. “Yes, this is the man we want.�
Fay bowed as he stepped from the alley-way. “What do you want with me?� he asked.
The captain pointed toward the destroyer with a steady finger.
“They want you,â€� he said heavily. “England wants you for some reason. The war is over, but England rules this sea. I’ve got to give you up—young fellow.â€�