"Throw over a ladder," came a voice in English. "I'm coming aboard
you."

The captain of the Algonquin growled again but he gave the necessary
order.

A moment later three figures scrambled on deck. At sight of the first
man, Captain Stoneman's frown changed to a smile and he stepped quickly
forward.

"Dash me if it isn't Lansing!" he exclaimed. "When did you get into
the service, old man?"

The man in the uniform of a naval officer looked at the captain closely
a moment, then extended a hand.

"Well, well, well!" he exclaimed. "If it isn't Stoneman. Where you
bound, Captain?"

"Buenos Ayres. What ship are you?"

"American cruiser Pioneer, Stoneman. I'm the first officer."

"Good for you, son," exclaimed the captain. "First I took you for that
German raider they say is sailing about in these parts."

"That's what I took you to be," declared the lieutenant. "I know there
is no need searching your ship, Captain. You're true blue, but I'll
have to have a look at your papers."