"Captain Pillgrim?" said the officer of the deck.
"I said so. Is the ship ready to sail?"
"She is, sir; we have kept steam up all day, waiting for you."
"Good! You are the right officers for me. I commend you," replied Somers, as he mounted the accommodation ladder.
The pretended commander went up the side, closely followed by Longstone and a dozen of the sailors, and stepped down upon the deck.
"I have not the pleasure of your acquaintance, I believe," added Somers, confronting the officer.
"Mr. Swayne, second lieutenant, sir," replied the officer. "Mr. Langdon is below, sir. I will send for him."
Langdon! It was all up with Somers! Langdon knew him, had dined with him, had been intimate with him, and of course it would be useless to attempt to pass himself off as Mr. Pillgrim.
"Stop, sir!" said Somers, sternly, and with great presence of mind. "When did Mr. Langdon come on board?"
"Nearly a week ago, sir, when the rest of us did."