This seemed reasonable enough and so they sailed along.
"Hello!" exclaimed Walter, "is this another boat trying the same trick?"
A launch was steering very dose to the Petrel. The lights were conspicuously bright, and the engine ran almost noiselessly.
"What is it?" asked Jack, seeing that the captain wanted to speak with some one.
"I want you," replied a voice of authority. "You have no lights."
"Oh, you're the inspector," said Jack candidly. "Well, that steamer that just passed doused our lights, and we are going to land here to relight."
"Sorry, but that's against the law," replied the officer. "You fellows always have an excuse ready, and I can't accept it. You will have to come along with me."
"Arrested!" exclaimed Belle aghast.
"That's about what it amounts to," replied the man coolly. "Can you get in here?"
"Who?" asked Jack.