From this point the officer crossed over to the starboard side of the vessel and at a large stand-pipe stooped down. Alfred tried to ascertain what he was doing, but was unable to detect the nature of his work. The sub-lieutenant then crossed back to the other side, and, working his way quickly to the motors, stooped down. Ralph could no longer restrain himself. He quickly and quietly moved toward the officer, as he saw him with a long tool of some kind in his hand reach down to the base of the motor.
"Hands up!" shouted Ralph.
The tool dropped from the hands of the officer with a click.
Alfred was at the side of the sub-lieutenant in an instant. "You may go on deck," said Ralph.
The officer glanced at Alfred, whom he had seen emerge from the aft hiding place, and then turned a look of contempt on Ralph.
"Move!" said Ralph, pointing to the gangway.
Alfred cocked his revolver and menacingly pointed it at him.
There was only one thing to do and he did it. He was met by the captain at the head of the stairway.
The boys followed quickly. The captain looked on at the leveled revolvers and appeared to be surprised.
"What does all this mean?" he asked.