"He'll be about the maddest thing between here and 'Frisco when that little runt gives him your message," answered the pilot with a grin.
"The whole thing's as clear as daylight now," went on Calamity. "He got hold of Rossenbaum's ship and palmed it off on me as his own, so that, when the time came, he could get me arrested on a charge of piracy and collar the whole of the proceeds himself. There are two things he didn't count on, however, and one of them was that I might get rid of the stuff before reaching Singapore."
"But you've still got to prove that you didn't pirate old Rossenbaum's hooker."
Calamity laughed softly, but made no answer. Very soon afterwards a naval steam pinnace hove in sight, and, without signalling the Hawk to stop, came alongside. A young Lieutenant caught hold of the rope by which the water-clerk had lowered himself into the motor-boat and scrambled on board with the agility of a monkey.
"Captain Calamity?" he inquired briskly as the latter, who had left the bridge, came forward.
"At your service," answered the Captain.
"It is my duty to inform you, sir, that you are under arrest," said the officer.
"On what charge?"
"The charge will be formulated by the authorities," replied the Lieutenant, who, apparently, had no very great liking for this police work.
"What do you propose to do with me then?"