There was John Dash, holding on to the bobstay, his frightened face just above the surface of the water. In an instant he was hauled on board.
"Ah, there's where you've been all the time, Mr. Dash!" said Captain Morrison, sarcastically. "And how strange I not knowing it! This gentleman has been asking for you very kindly."
The poor man, dripping wet, was standing erect before the boarding-officer.
The titter that had run through the English sailors ceased as they saw the look on his face. He was drawing quick breaths, half-snarling like a dog, but he was trembling from head to foot.
"Oho!" said the servant of the King, lifting his eyebrows, "and here we are, eh? I think you know me, as I remember you, Charles Rice! You left us at the Port of Spain and forgot to return, you may remember. You owe his Majesty an accounting."
"I AM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN," RETURNED THE SAILOR, HOARSELY.
"I am an American citizen," returned the sailor, hoarsely, "born at Barnstable, Massachusetts! I was impressed from the ship Martha on the high seas, and owe accounting to no one."
"None of your insolence," cried the Englishman, drawing back his closed hand. "We'll see about that. You'll come with me, and these other two fine fellows also."