The bearded one swore, but the corporal and his two marines stood at the
rail with their rifles ready, waiting only the midshipman’s order to aim
and fire.

Eph allowed the “Farnum” to fall back a little way. Then he exerted
himself to show his best in seamanship as he ran the submarine up to board
the sloop by the starboard quarter. The two boats barely touched. Mr.
Terrell, his three marines and two seamen leaped to the standing room of
the yacht. Eph, all aquiver, let the nose of the “Farnum” fall back
slightly. Then he trailed along, under bare headway.

Then a shout came from the sloop, as the two seamen reappeared, bearing
the forms of Jack and Hal.

“We’ve found them aboard, Mr. Somers,” shouted Terrell. “Drugged, I think,
sir. Will you come alongside, sir.”

Eph quickly rang the signal, then did some careful manœuvring. As he
touched, one of the marines leaped back to the platform deck, then passed
a line to Mr. Terrell. The two craft were held together until Jack and Hal
had been passed, still unconscious, over the side. The naval party quickly
followed, then cast loose from the sloop.

“This whole proceeding is high-handed,” growled Curtis, as soon as he saw
that he was not to be molested.

“Oh, you shut up, and keep your tongue padlocked,” retorted Midshipman
Terrell, in high disgust. “You’re lucky as it is. Now, Mr. Somers, are you
going back to the bay, sir?”