The skipper and the mates said "Whew!" and Banks was fairly dancing.
"And where's your ship?"
"Bottom of the Indian Ocean," said a voice that Banks recognised as Spiller's.
"Is that you, Captain Spiller?" he inquired, with much exaggerated courtesy.
"It is," growled Spiller.
"Did you by any chance come across my rocks as you sailed along so pleasant?"
Spiller swore in a muffled voice.
"Not by your description of 'em: far from it," he replied at last.
"We'll see about that," said Banks. "Now then, come under the lee quarter, and we'll have some of you aboard; the captain of the Palembang last."
"Whad yer mean?" cried Spiller sulkily.