A moment later the searchlight of the approaching vessel picked the
Algonquin out of the darkness.

"Drat those searchlights!" shouted the angry captain. "If it wasn't
for those things a man would have a chance."

The wireless operator hurried up.

"Message, sir," he exclaimed.

"Well, why don't you give it to me. What are you standing there for?"

"Vessel orders us to heave to or she'll put a shell into us, sir," said
the operator, paying no attention to the captain's anger.

"She will, eh? What right has a bloodthirsty pirate like that to tell
me what I can do? I won't do it."

Nevertheless Captain Stoneman gave the command to heave to.

"What's he sign himself ?" he demanded of the wireless operator.

"He doesn't sign himself at all," was the reply.

"Drat him!" exclaimed the captain again. "Oh, well, we'll see what
happens."

Half an hour later a small boat from the vessel that had accosted them
scraped alongside the Algonquin.