Lawless picked up the glasses and examined the approaching vessel.
"Signal her to stop," he said. "I'll board her myself and have a peep round; it'll be something to do."
The signal was made and the steamer immediately hove-to. Then a boat was lowered from the Knat, and, with Lawless in the stern-sheets, pulled towards the stranger.
"What ship are you?" called out the Lieutenant, as the boat came alongside.
"Krajero, Boston for Stavanger, with wheat," answered the officer on the bridge.
"I'm going to board you," said Lawless, whereupon the skipper of the Krajero obligingly lowered an accommodation-ladder over the side for the convenience of his visitor.
Upon examination, the ship's papers proved to be in order, but Lawless, determined to leave nothing to chance, ordered the hatch-covers to be removed. The captain complied, and the Lieutenant was permitted to look into the holds, both of which had loose grain up to the combings.
"You can proceed, Captain," said Lawless.
"Tanks, ver goot," answered the skipper, and, as soon as the Lieutenant had regained his boat, resumed his course.
"Nothin' doing," said Lawless, when he returned to the Knat. "Business is dull, Trent."