Noiselessly one of the cranes swung outboard; the block with its electrical grappling device was lowered, and engaging the framework fairly amidships, held it in a vice-like grip. The next instant the monoplane was swinging in the air, a cascade of water and oil pouring from every point of its complicated framework. "You've come to grief, I see," observed Captain Brookes genially, as the airman slipped from his seat on to the deck of the cruiser. "No need to tell me that, sir," replied the stranger, speaking with a pronounced American twang. "I guess I'd give a dollar or two to find out how she busted up. First time I've known an engine of the Maxfield Universal Gold Star Motor Company, of Petersburg, Pa., to play that low-down trick. But here's my card, sir: Sidney P. Flew, of New York City, and of Portland, State of Oregon; until a few minutes ago, on tour from Queenstown to Cairo by monoplane. What ship is this, sir?" "You are on board the _Olive Branch_," said Captain Brookes, taking the piece of pasteboard. "What, that durned pirate? Wal, if I ain't come out on top after all. Shake, sir! I'm that downright fortunate that I feel like pinching myself in case I'm fooling myself." "Then you have heard of the _Olive Branch_?" "Heard of her? Why, the whole of Europe and the United States have been talking about her. When I left New York the last words my pa said to me were, 'Sidney, young fellow, mind that durned _Olive Branch_ doesn't snap you up.' 'I wish she would,' says I. 'It would be the stunt of a lifetime, and you would be the proudest man in Broadway if you knew your son set foot aboard that vessel.' And now, here I am." "Well, your wish is gratified, though I don't know whether your expectations will be realised, Mr. Flew," replied Captain Brookes, hardly knowing what to make of the young man's verbosity. "Meanwhile one of my officers will take you below. The hospitality of the _Olive Branch_ is at your service for a few hours at least." "No need of refreshment at present, sir. Had breakfast at Cosenza not two hours ago. With your permission I'll dismember my machine and overhaul the engine before the salt-water plays the mischief with it. Durned if I can cotton to it! The motor was going like a clock, when all of a heap it stopped. Ignition all to blazes. So down I planed, like a ptarmigan with a broken wing." "I think I can explain it," observed Captain Brookes. "I was compelled for certain reasons to let fly an electrical current, and unfortunately for you, your monoplane came within its influence." "More luck!" exclaimed the American, enthusiastically. "Sidney P. Flew, of New York City and Portland, fired at by the electrical guns of the world-renowned cruiser, _Olive Branch_. What a heading for the New York Herald."