"Thank you; I shall find her. Please report me to Admiral Buchanan, and say I shall run out immediately."
"It's a good night for it. I beg your pardon, Captain Pillgrim; have you a pass?"
"A what?" demanded Somers, as if astonished at the request.
"A pass."
"No; where should I get a pass, or what should I want one for?"
"Excuse me, but my orders are very strict. I cannot let a boat or vessel pass me without the proper papers."
"What papers do you want?"
"Simply a pass."
"I have no pass."
"I shall be obliged to detain you, then."