Part 8 (1/2)
”Going to visit us?” inquired Bob.
”It looks that way.”
”More trouble?” insinuated Bob.
”More meddling and spying, more like,” said Dave.
Both boys watched a natty, well-manned yawl come spinning up the creek towards the _Swallow_.
The Chilian colors adorned the bow, indicating an official visit. A man in military dress directed the boat. Beside him sat another of the governor's aides in semi-official uniform.
Dave called Captain Broadbeam, and all hands on board the _Swallow_ were now interested in the approaching yawl.
”Colonel Jose Silverado, from his excellency the governor,” announced the officer in charge of the yawl as he neared the side of the steamer.
”Coming aboard?” asked Broadbeam, in his blunt, gruff way.
”On duty, yes,” responded the officer, very politely, but with a covert grin. ”The governor's physician--Dr. Monterey,” added the officer, indicating his companion.
Captain Broadbeam bowed brusquely, and with surly and suspicious mien awaited the further pleasure of the governor's envoy.
The officer glanced keenly all about the s.h.i.+p. Then he took a card from his pocket and scanned it.
”Sorry to trouble you, captain,” he said, ”but we have reason to believe that you have a refugee aboard your s.h.i.+p.”
”A refugee?” repeated Broadbeam, with a start. ”Who is he?”
”Man named Tompkins.”
”Why, yes,” admitted the captain, ”we have a new man here by that name.”
”Will you kindly summon him? We have business with him. That is the man, doctor?” inquired the officer, as the sickly-looking fellow employed by the _Swallow_ that morning slipped out from among the crew at a call from Captain Broadbeam.
”Ah, yes,” nodded the governor's physician, eying Tompkins critically.
”My man, you are making us a whole heap of trouble, it seems.”
Tompkins looked confused and ill at ease, gazing surlily at the deck.
”What's the matter with him?” demanded the captain.
”Suspect,” announced the officer quickly. ”Came in on a fruit boat a few days ago. Boat infected, and this man and the others put in quarantine.
He got away. Look him over, doctor.”
Monterey stepped up to Tompkins. He examined his pulse and his tongue and tapped him on the chest. Then he said tersely:
”Strip.”
Tompkins pulled off his s.h.i.+rt. As his naked back came into view several of the crew curiously regarding the scene uttered quick, startled exclamations.