The Portuguese officer in charge advanced and punctiliously raised his cap, a courtesy that Captain Restronguet returned.
"We haf come to take possession of the pirate, senhor," announced the former.
"To take possession of what?" asked the "Aphrodite's" captain.
"Of pirate ship, over thar."
"You're too late, my friend," announced Captain Restronguet affably.
"Too late? How so?" asked the perplexed Portuguese. "She thar. Me come to take possession in name of Republica."
"You go to blazes!" retorted Captain Restronguet, beginning to lose his temper. "She is my prize."
"By what authority you hold her?" demanded the Portuguese.
"By what authority--we had the permission of the Portuguese Government to ascend the Zambezi."
"Yes; to destroy pirate, not to capture. Since she captured is in Portuguese waters she property of Republica."