"It's a big thing you've helped to do, lads," Jacob Farnum assured the two strong young sailors. "You're entitled to some of the fruits of your work. How will this do?"
Whereupon he pressed upon each Jack Tar a couple of twenty-dollar bills.
"We've a couple of hours of shore leave left to us," grinned one of the sailors. "Is there anyone else you want caught, friend?"
By the time that Farnum, Pollard and Captain Jack had returned to the pier they found a midshipman awaiting them.
"Admiral Bentley's compliments, gentlemen," said the midshipman. "He begs you to go to him aboard the flagship. He has information of importance to communicate to you concerning the missing steward."
"By the way," laughed Mr. Farnum, contentedly, "that steward is no longer missing. We've just had the pleasure of seeing him placed under lock and key, where he'll keep until he's wanted."
"Will you come aboard the flagship in our launch?" asked the midshipman.
"Yes, thank you," replied Farnum. Thereupon Jack signaled to Hal Hastings, aboard the "Pollard," which lay to, not far off, to return to moorings.
"Catch your man?" yelled Hal, through a megaphone. His chum nodded in the affirmative.
"Toot! toot! toot!" sounded the "Pollard's" auto-whistle, in three long, triumphant blasts.