"She is, sir; we have kept steam up all day, waiting for you." "Good! You are the right officers for me. I commend you," replied Somers, as he mounted the accommodation ladder. The pretended commander went up the side, closely followed by Longstone and a dozen of the sailors, and stepped down upon the deck. "I have not the pleasure of your acquaintance, I believe," added Somers, confronting the officer. "Mr. Swayne, second lieutenant, sir," replied the officer. "Mr. Langdon is below, sir. I will send for him." Langdon! It was all up with Somers! Langdon knew him, had dined with him, had been intimate with him, and of course it would be useless to attempt to pass himself off as Mr. Pillgrim. "Stop, sir!" said Somers, sternly, and with great presence of mind. "When did Mr. Langdon come on board?" "Nearly a week ago, sir, when the rest of us did." "Indeed!" added Somers, savagely. "Mr. Langdon and myself have a little account to settle. He has disobeyed my orders, and I never will go to sea with such a man as executive officer. Mr. Swayne, for the present you will act as first lieutenant. I shall put Mr. Langdon under arrest at once." "Here he comes, sir." "Mr. Longstone, you will arrest the first lieutenant at once; put him in irons if he resists," said Somers, as he saw Langdon come up the companion-way. The stalwart boatswain confronted the astonished officer, as he approached the spot where Somers stood with the second lieutenant. "By order of Captain Pillgrim, you are placed under arrest," said Tom, as, with a couple of seamen, he placed himself in front of the executive officer. "Under arrest?" "Yes, sir." "What for?" "For disobedience of orders." "By whose command?" demanded the bewildered Langdon. "Captain Pillgrim's, sir?" "Impossible!" "I beg your pardon, sir, but the captain told me to lose no time. He is going to sea at once." "Is Captain Pillgrim on board?" "Of course he is. I just came off with him. He ordered me to arrest you." "Who are you, sir?" "Blarney, sir!" exclaimed the boatswain, impatiently; "I can't stop--" "Mr. Blarney, will you do me the favor to ask Captain Pillgrim for a moment's conversation with me. There must be some mistake, Mr. Blarney." "Can't stop, sir," answered Tom, who could not even pause long enough to laugh at the rebel's blunder. "My orders are to put you in irons if you resist. What do you say, Mr. Langdon?" "Of course I do not resist; but there is some mistake." "No mistake, upon my honor. You may take my word for it, the business is all straight." "With what am I charged?" "With disobedience of orders; and, Mr. Langdon, you'll excuse me, but there's a suspicion that you mean to go over to the Yankees." "I! To the Yankees!" "Beg pardon, sir; but I can't stop to blarney any longer. My duty is plain; and I'll bet a month's pay you will see the captain sooner than you want to. Down below if you please, sir, to your state-room."