Pagina 275 di 416

Martin coughed a little before answering. In all his experience

he had never before been asked to dress the skipper of a fishing

vessel.

"I was told to say, sir, in case you asked, that you are aboard

the mystery schooner, sir."

"What! The mystery schooner that led the steamer that chase?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, by the great trawl hook! And I didn't know it!"

"No, sir. Remember we came up behind the Nettie B., and when you

were transferred you were made to sit facing away from this ship

so you would not recognize her."

"Then all the guns were fakes, and the whole business of a

man-of-war as well?" cried Code, astonished almost out of his

wits by this latest development in his fortunes.