As the officer took it, Ned struck in once more.
“Will you see that the note reaches Lieutenant-Commander Scott at once, sir?”
“Why, I——” began the puzzled officer; “see here, young man, has this note anything to do with that whistle that sounded right under our bows a few minutes ago?”
“I think so, sir,” responded Ned gravely, while the curious watch clustered about him. The thoroughly mystified officer glanced upward. He saw and hailed a passing orderly, and gave the note into his charge, to be conveyed at once to the commander of the Brooklyn.
“See here, young man,” he said blusteringly, this done, “don’t try to temporize with me—how did you come on board this vessel?”
“I think that note explains that, sir,” responded Ned quietly, but with adamantine firmness.
His coolness incensed the puzzled officer.
“What the dickens do you mean by your impudence, young man,” he fumed; “are you aware that this is the United States gunboat Brooklyn?”
“Perfectly, sir. That’s why I boarded her,” rejoined Ned.