The lieutenant-commander brought him up with a round turn.
"Enough of that!" he said sternly. "Where is the gunner of the Alerte?"
Pengelly shook his head. That was a question that he could not answer. He was still unaware of the fate of Mr. Marchant.
"And the bo'sun—Barnard, I believe, is his name?" continued Raxworthy.
Again Pengelly let his tongue run riot, dwelling on Barnard's action in siding with Cain and going below with him.
"For what reason?" asked the lieutenant-commander.
"Cain will probably try to bring the Alerte to the surface when he thinks the coast is clear," replied Pengelly readily enough.
"Two men cannot do that," interrupted Raxworthy.
"There may be more," rejoined the pirate. "I remember two hands at least going below. I did not see them come on deck again. Please remember, sir, I've done my best to answer your questions. I deeply regret——"
"Remove the prisoner," said Raxworthy sternly.