But the pilot kept himself directly in front of him, and he was unable to gratify his curiosity.
"The builder has sent out at least half a dozen steam yachts of the hundred-feet order which are so near like this one that you could not tell the difference in them," added the pilot in answer to his remark.
"If this is not the Sylph, I have no business on board of her," continued Paul. "I shall be very much obliged to you if you will put me on shore, or pick up my boat for me, though I am very sorry to trouble you."
"You were not invited on board, and you must look out for yourself."
"Why did you cast off the painter of my boat?" asked Paul, not pleased with the situation.
"I obey my orders."
"Who gave the order, if you please?"
"The owner," replied the pilot. "Something was going on ashore there just before we came over here. It looked like a very hard fight between two fellows."
"It was a hard fight," answered Paul.