"It's possible," admitted Walter.
Whoever was in charge of the revenue cutter, seeing that their signals to speak the Tartar had been observed and answered, cut down the speed somewhat, so that the government vessel came on more slowly. In a short time, however, she was near enough for a hail, through a megaphone, to be heard.
"What boat is that?" was the demand.
"The Tartar, from San Juan," was Jack's reply.
"Where bound?"
"It's too long a story to yell this way," was Jack's answer. "Shall we come aboard?"
"No, I'll send a boat," came back. Presently a small boat, containing three men, was lowered, for the sea was very smooth, and in a little while a trim-looking lieutenant was at the accommodation ladder of the Tartar.
"Why, it's just like a play!" murmured Bess, as she saw the sword at the officer's side. "I wonder if he's going to put us all under arrest?"
"Would you mind?" asked Cora.
"I don't know. He has nice eyes, hasn't he?"