The necessary replying flags were run up on the General Barrill’s stumpy signal mast. In reply the Calvo steamed closer, and then lowered a boat.
As the two vessels lay bobbing on the swell, at a distance of a thousand yards or so from each other, the small craft struck the water, and the next instant was gliding swiftly over it toward the Barrill. The early sun glinted brightly on the gold lace of the personages seated in her stern as she approached.
“Officers!” exclaimed Stark.
“Of course,” rejoined the captain. “They are of the impression that they are on their way to pay a visit to an American vessel.”
“Well, if they actually were, they’d get a warm reception,” rejoined the middy. “Firing that gun was the nerviest thing I ever heard of.”
“You must recollect, senor,” put in the captain gently, “that the insurgent navy is not versed in naval etiquette.”
“It’s time they got a sharp lesson,” sniffed the middy.
There was little time for more conversation of any sort. The boat from the Calvo, a double-ended whale craft, ranged alongside, and the officers on board her stepped nimbly to the Barrill’s low decks, being aided on board by several sailors. Drawn up in hospitable array to receive them were Midshipman Stark and his companions. None of these could repress slight smiles as they noted the glances of astonishment the visitors bestowed on the dark-visaged crew. Evidently they were puzzling their minds over what such palpable South Americans were doing on board an American ship. The new arrivals, however, bowed politely, although they evidently had a dozen questions quivering on the tips of their tongues.
Without giving them time to speak, however, the Americans ushered them aft and below into the leather-upholstered cabin. Up to this time not a sign of Captain Gomez had been seen. Shortly, however, he was to make a dramatic entrance.
“You gentlemen will pardon my saying so,” began the officer, who evidently outranked the rest of the visitors, “but I could almost have sworn that this craft was the General Barrill of our—or rather formerly—of our navy.”