Captain Garcia gave a hurried order and a six-inch shell soared in the air, raising a column of water close to the merchantman.
“That did the business,” O’Neil exclaimed as the merchantman stopped and ran up Verazalan colors at her gaff.
In a few minutes the “Aquadores” was hove to near the “Mercedes” and Captain Garcia and O’Neil were quickly rowed to the intercepted vessel.
They climbed to the top of the sea ladder, where the merchant captain met them.
“You have a sick man on board,” Captain Garcia began in a tone of authority; “we want to take him back with us immediately. Do you understand?”
The sailing master gave the naval men a look of inquiry and amazement.
“We have a man who is very ill; he was brought on board by Señor Mareno just before we sailed,” he answered. “This is irregular,” he added, more boldly.
“You are on the high seas,” Captain Garcia retorted savagely. “I alone am responsible for my actions. Take me to this man.”
The merchantman was not in his employer’s secret, but he readily saw that these officers were defeating his intentions. Fear of Mareno made him hesitate. But he knew he was at their mercy; a glance at the formidable cruiser close by assured him of that.
“Come with me,” he said gruffly, leading them to a stateroom on the lower deck.