He returned in a moment with Captain Tucker, who was as excited as himself. The look on my face as I glanced at him led him to stop abruptly and ask: “What do you think of her, Master Dunn?”
“That she is a British merchantman, bound for New York, with a cargo so valuable she is taking extraordinary means to prevent capture. She has double papers, sir, and has shown only the false ones to us.”
“I think you have struck the nail on the head this time,” he declared. “But if we again overhaul her, she won’t outwit us again.”
Possibly her captain was of a similar opinion, for he did his best to keep out of our clutches. It was clear he did not relish a third interview with Captain Tucker.
It was, however, inevitable. Gradually we came up with the craft, and a shot from our bow-chaser brought her to.
“Master Dunn, you are my prisoner.”
(p. [97])
“Take the yawl and ten men with you, Lieutenant Stiles, and send Captain Saunders over here, no matter how much he may protest, while you remain there and make a thorough search of his cabin. Find everything you can to throw light on the ship’s real character,” was Captain Tucker’s command.
“Aye, aye, sir,” the officer responded in a tone that showed he relished the order; and I confess I almost envied him his assignment.