"The Teaser, prize to the United States ship Bellevite," answered the lieutenant.
"Boga-hobble-good!" continued the man on shore.
"Rabble-gabble-weed!" responded Christy.
"There's a Chinaman on shore there; but I am glad you speak his language," said Beeks, trying to repress his laughter.
"You are all right as to position!" shouted the islander.
"The guard-boat must be about a mile astern of me," added Christy.
"We will take care of that," replied the shore speaker.
Christy rang to stop the engine, which was done, though the steamer continued to go ahead under the impetus of her former headway. The leadsman on the port side reported two fathoms a little later, and then there was a ring to back her, for there could not be more than two foot of water under the keel. At this moment the peal of a twelve-pounder came from the shore, and a little later the bursting of a shell was heard astern of the Teaser.
Beeks was very much perplexed by the strange speech which had passed between the lieutenant and the shore, and now by the discharge of the gun on the island; but he was a well-disciplined quartermaster, and he asked no questions.
"I don't think that boat will come any farther this way," said Christy, as a second report from the gun reached his ears.