"Zis is a friendly port," replied Captain Pons, with a wave of the hand. "Ze Japs will not dar-r-r-e make attack in ze friendly port."
Matt was disgusted. He felt that he had never met a man so dense as this Captain Pons.
"The Japs stole your submarine in a friendly port," he remarked dryly. "I guess that proves that they're not above committing lawless acts in a Chilian harbor. You have no right to detain Ensign Glennie and myself. We are under the protection of the Stars and Stripes. If you are determined to keep us with you on this ridiculous charge of stealing the torpedo, then will you not accompany us to the Grampus while we take measures for the boat's protection? While there, perhaps we may be able to convince you how foolish this charge of yours is."
"Zat is reasonable talk," admitted Captain Pons gravely. "I vill spik wiz my good friend, Captain Arco."
Matt and Glennie drew apart while the two captains held a whispered conversation, although a very animated one.
"A couple of jumping jacks!" muttered Glennie; "and blockheads, to boot. I wonder what those French shipbuilders were thinking of to send a man like Captain Pons with their submarine."
"Well, he may know all about the submarine, and be perfectly trustworthy," answered Matt.
"I wouldn't trust him to drive a pair of mules on a canal."
The ensign was completely disgusted.
"Ah!" he said, a moment later. "The two great minds have at last come to a decision in this momentous matter."