Something in the boy’s manner impressed the marine, and stepping forward, he took the note and scrutinized it carefully.
“This beats me,” he muttered. “See here, young fellow, you’d better come with me. I’ll report this to the officer of the watch.”
Ned marched forward with the sentry in a perfectly docile way. Presently they came upon the officer of the watch. He gazed at the sentry and his companion with unmixed amazement.
“Who in blue blazes is this?” he demanded, gazing at Ned.
“Dunno, sir,” was the sentry’s prompt rejoinder. “He says he’s a messenger from the deep sea, sir. It’s a fact that he did climb over the starn. I think—begging your pardon, sir—that he’s a bit off in the head.”
“That will do, my man. Go aft.”
“Not before he’s delivered my note, sir, please,” requested Ned.
“What? This—this boy brought a note with him?” demanded the amazed officer.
“Yes, sir,” rejoined the sentry; “here it is, sir. It seems all addressed regular.”