"I want you," replied a voice of authority. "You have no lights."
"Oh, you're the inspector," said Jack candidly. "Well, that steamer
that just passed doused our lights, and we are going to land here to
relight."
"Sorry, but that's against the law," replied the officer. "You
fellows always have an excuse ready, and I can't accept it. You
will have to come along with me."
"Arrested!" exclaimed Belle aghast.
"That's about what it amounts to," replied the man coolly. "Can you
get in here?"
"Who?" asked Jack.
"The captain," replied the officer grimly.
"Where does he go?" Jack further questioned.
"See here, young man," spoke the inspector rather sharply. "Do you
think I've got all night to bother with you?"
"I don't know as I do," replied Jack in the same voice, "but if you
will just explain what you want us to do we will give you no further
trouble." Jack knew one thing--to refuse to comply with the request
of an officer is about the last thing to do if one values either
money or liberty.
"That's the way to talk," replied the inspector. "So just suppose
you take this rope and I'll tow, you along. I fancy the party
would, rather come than let one go alone."
"Of course we would," declared Cora. "In fact I am the captain of
this boat."
Jack gave her a meaning bump on the arm--it meant, "let me do the
talking," and Cora understood perfectly.
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