"I am in charge of this boat, captain," Matt called up to the commander of the war ship, "but there is a representative of the United States Navy with us, and his orders are that the boat is not to undergo inspection. I am sorry, but, you see, this boat has virtually been purchased by the United States Government."
"If you're in charge," came from the man on the war ship's bridge, "then come up here—I want to talk with you."
"I shall be glad to do so," Matt answered, "but, first, we have some prisoners we should like to turn over to you."
"Prisoners?"
"Yes, escaped convicts."
"Ah, ha! You found those five rascals, did you?"
"Yes, captain. Their boat had overturned and we picked them off the craft's bottom not far from Cape Virgins during the storm late yesterday afternoon."
"Good enough! We were looking for those men. Come up close under our lee and we'll send down a rope for the prisoners and a sea ladder for you."
"Better drop a bosun's chair, captain," suggested Dick. "One of the men has a broken arm."
The officer turned and gave some directions. While these were being carried out, the Grampus was manœuvred around the stern of the war ship and up under the lee. As they passed the stern, Matt and Dick saw the war ship's name. It was the Salvadore.