"Mr. Hackleford wishes your report forthwith on board the ship."
"Mr. Transit, Mr. Pillgrim is under arrest. You will permit no one to communicate with him except the surgeon."
"Under arrest!" exclaimed Mr. Transit.
"I have no time to explain," replied Somers, as he directed his coxswain to pipe down his boat's crew.
When the second cutter was hauled up to the accommodation ladder, Somers stepped on board, and a few moments later, touched his hat to the first lieutenant on the quarter deck of the Chatauqua.
"I have to report that I have captured the Ben Nevis," said Somers.
"Where is Mr. Pillgrim?" asked Mr. Hackleford, the captain standing by, an interested and excited listener.
"He is wounded, and under arrest, sir."
"How wounded?"
"He fired at me, and in self-defence I was obliged to shoot him. I think he is not seriously wounded. He boarded the Ben Nevis, and had given the captain of her permission to proceed, though the vessel was headed towards Cape Fear."