"A customs officer, then?"
"He comes from the shore."
"Then perhaps it's an invitation for us to go and dine with the French
captain?"
"I've no doubt it's an invitation of some kind, and probably one that
is meant to be accepted."
At this juncture the French boat dashed alongside, and, without leaving
his place, the lieutenant in command said in fair English:
"Is not zat ze boat of Monsieur Baldwin of Pretty Harbour on ze cote
Francaise?"
"It is," replied the young skipper, curtly.
"You haf, of course, ze papaire of health, and ze papaire of clearance
for St. Pierre?"
"No; I have no papers except a certificate of registry."
"Ah! Is it possible? In zat case ze commandant of ze frigate 'Isla'
will be please to see you on board at your earlies' convenience."
"I thought so," said White, in a low tone. Then aloud, he replied:
"All right, lieutenant. I'll sail over there, and hunt up a good place
to anchor, just beyond your ship, and as soon as I've made all snug
I'll come aboard. Up with your mud hook, Dave."
As Mr. Gidge began to work the windlass, Cabot sprang to help him, and,
within a minute, the recently dropped anchor was again broken out.
Then, at a sharp order, David hoisted and trimmed the jib, leaving
Cabot to cat the anchor. The fore and main sails had not been lowered.
Thus within two minutes' time the schooner was again under way, and
standing across the harbour towards the big warship.
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