The Grampus, being of light draught, was able to go close inshore. Anchor was dropped within a couple of cables' length of the wharf. The "mud hooks" had hardly taken hold before a man in a tawdry blue uniform came off from the shore in a boat. He was rowed by two negroes, and appeared to be very much excited.
When his boat was laid alongside, the official stood up, flourished his arms, and spouted a stream of language. It was Spanish, and came in such a torrent that Matt, who knew something of the lingo, could make nothing of it. Glennie was better versed in the tongue, and listened attentively and with growing concern.
"Here's a go, Matt!" exclaimed the ensign, as soon as the official paused to catch his breath. "This man is the captain of the port, and he has placed us all under arrest."
"Arrest?" cried Matt incredulously. "What for?"
"He says we're thieves, and that we have stolen this submarine boat."
"Dot's aboudt der lasht t'ing vat I oxpected!" muttered Carl. "Take der uniform off dot feller, und ve vill find he iss a Son oof der Rising Sun, I bed you. Led's go to der pottom oof der pay und infite him to come down und ged us."
[CHAPTER V.]
A SURPRISING SITUATION.
"Sink me!" growled Dick. "Here's a rum go, if anybody asks you. It's bobs to sovereigns that those Japs are mixed up in this."