" admitted Captain Magowan. "We
will make the search, and, on finding but three torpedoes aboard the
'Thor,' we will place everyone on board under arrest, and send the
'Thor' into port under charge of one of our own naval crews. Gentlemen,
there is no need of further delay. Commander Ellis, I will ask of you
a cutter, a crew, a corporal and a file of marines."
"The boat and men shall be ready at once, sir," replied the gunboat's
commander, hastening from the room.
Grimly the three officers comprising the board rose and hooked their
swords to their belts, for they were going on an official visit.
Nor was any time lost. Jack Benson and Lieutenant Danvers were ordered
to accompany the members of the board.
So John Rhinds's question was destined to have a prompt answer, even if
of a kind different from what he had expected.
On the platform deck of the "Thor," as the cutter approached, stood
several men whose faces expressed the utmost astonishment.
And again Rhinds inquired, this time with a little tremor in his voice:
"What's wrong gentlemen? What has happened?"
"We're coming aboard," retorted Captain Magowan.
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