"Perfectly proper," said Captain Stoneman. "Come below."

The two disappeared below, but returned on deck a few moments later.

"Who are your passengers, Captain?" asked the American officer.

Captain Stoneman explained.

"Guess I'd better have a look at them anyhow, if it's no trouble," said
the lieutenant.

"No trouble at all . Bo's'n," he called, "summon all passengers on
deck."

Frank and Jack were already there, and approached. The American
officer asked them a few questions, and then waved them away.

"All right," he said.

Mrs. Wheaton and her daughter appeared a few moments later. The former
was angry. She approached the lieutenant.

"What do you mean by holding us up in this high-handed fashion?" she
demanded.

"Necessity of war, madam," said the lieutenant with a bow.

"Necessity fiddlesticks," was the reply. "Who are you, anyhow?"