“But—but, look here, you can’t impose on me, you know. You’re a stowaway. That’s what you are. Come, out with the truth now.”
“I never set foot on this craft till five minutes ago, sir,” rejoined Ned, with perfect truth.
“Nonsense. Either you are insane or a wilful impostor. I warn you, sir, you are playing a dangerous game. This is a Government vessel, and——”
At this moment the irate officer was interrupted by a voice from the bridge. Lieutenant-Commander Scott, in a hastily-assumed bath robe, stood outside his stateroom door.
“What is all this nonsense, Dacre?” he demanded sharply.
“Just what I’m trying to find out, sir,” replied the officer of the deck. “Sorry to have awakened you, sir, but the affair was so mystifying that I thought it ought to be brought to your attention.”
“But—wait a moment, and I’ll be down there,” exploded the chagrined skipper, running down a couple of ladders and reaching the main deck, where Ned stood surrounded by the watch.
“This note says,” fumed Lieutenant-Commander Scott, “that a submarine is fast to my stern. Listen: