"Come on board, all of you," called Captain Ringgold to those still on board of the Maud; and they promptly obeyed, Scott declaring that there was to be "music" very soon. "Mr. Boulong," continued the commander a little later. "On deck, Captain," reported that officer, touching his cap. "That Mohammedan humbug will probably attempt to get on board of the Guardian-Mother; and he is to be prevented from doing so even if you have to fling him overboard," said Captain Ringgold in his firmest and most severe tones, and with his two fists clinched. "The Maud is abreast of the gangway, and he will doubtless board her first. Don't let him or any of his people on board of her. Take eight men with you, and station them along the port rail. "He shall not board her, sir," replied the first officer, as decidedly as his superior had spoken; and in five minutes more he and his men were on the deck of the Maud. Mr. Gaskette, the second officer, was directed to patrol the starboard side of the ship, and permit no one to come on board from that side. CHAPTER XXIII A FUGITIVE FROM THE ENEMY The Fatimé came to anchor just inside of the New Mole, not more than three cable lengths distant from the Guardian-Mother. When Louis first saw her off the castle at Tangier, he concluded that the Pacha had business at that port. When seen three months before, he declared that he held no official position under the government; but this might have been, even while he was one of the most influential men of his country. If His Highness had business on the Mediterranean, especially at Tangier, which was a Moroccan port, it could not have been very pressing, or he would not have been at liberty to follow the Maud. Now he seemed to have a roving commission to go where and when he pleased. As the voyagers had learned at Funchal, he was a lawless character; and this information had been fully confirmed by Felipe, who had observed his outgoings and his incomings as engineer of the little steamer. After Mr. Boulong had taken possession of the Maud and his men had been stationed on board of her, Felipe, who had been obliged to remain in charge of the engine when the rest of the ship's company left, was in a very disturbed state of mind. From the starboard door of his apartment he had seen the Fatimé when she rounded the end of the New Mole and came to anchor. He was absolutely terrified at the sight of her, for he knew that the Pacha was on board. But he had not been told that the distinguished Moor claimed to own the Maud, and had recognized Scott on board of her, for Louis thought this information would needlessly alarm him. Captain Ringgold descended the gangway steps and went into the cabin of the Maud, in order that he might be close at hand to direct any movement that might become necessary. The commander had hardly seated himself before Felipe, who had seen him when he came on board, presented himself before him.