It was not until the derelict was actually within the lagoon that one of the Zug's crew spotted the unexpected arrival. A boat was manned and rowed off to the Cormorant.
"I suppose I ought to sink the old bus," thought Alec. "If I did, it would look fishy. After all, I don't suppose they'll be able to make use of her."
"Where do you hail from?" inquired the coxswain of the boat. He spoke in English, knowing from grim experience of recent history that English is the master-language of the Pacific, and that German is at a discount.
Claverhouse, with a comprehensive sweep of his arm, indicated a good 180 degrees of the horizon.
The German grunted.
"Get on board," he said gruffly.
Nothing more was said until the boat ran alongside the Zug's accommodation-ladder. There were plenty of men looking over the bulwarks, but they certainly did not appear to be overburdened with work.
Von Giespert's greeting of his uninvited guest left no doubt in Alec's mind about his idea of bluff.
"How's Harborough getting on at Nua Leha?" asked the German bluntly.
"Quite well, when I last saw him," replied Claverhouse. "As a matter of fact, he sent me to see how you were getting on."