A startled expression crossed the water-clerk's face, but it was gone in an instant.
"I think you must be mistaken, Captain," he answered suavely. "I have heard nothing about the _Arrow_."
"Well, you go back to Solomon and tell him that his little scheme's gone adrift, and that he needn't worry himself about the plunder, because I'm looking after it myself. Now quit."
The clerk looked as if he would have liked to protest, but thought better of it, and, leaving the cabin, hurried back to the motor-boat which then made for the harbour at full speed.
"That'll shake up our friend Solomon a bit, I fancy," said Calamity, when he had told Abott about the interview. "It was a clever scheme, and might have succeeded if you hadn't told me about that _Arrow_ affair."
"He'll be about the maddest thing between here and 'Frisco when that little runt gives him your message," answered the pilot with a grin.
"The whole thing's as clear as daylight now," went on Calamity. "He got hold of Rossenbaum's ship and palmed it off on me as his own, so that, when the time came, he could get me arrested on a charge of piracy and collar the whole of the proceeds himself. There are two things he didn't count on, however, and one of them was that I might get rid of the stuff before reaching Singapore."
"But you've still got to prove that you didn't pirate old Rossenbaum's hooker."
Calamity laughed softly, but made no answer. Very soon afterwards a naval steam pinnace hove in sight, and, without signalling the _Hawk_ to stop, came alongside. A young Lieutenant caught hold of the rope by which the water-clerk had lowered himself into the motor-boat and scrambled on board with the agility of a monkey.
"Captain Calamity?" he inquired briskly as the latter, who had left the bridge, came forward.
"It is my duty to inform you, sir, that you are under arrest," said the officer.
"The charge will be formulated by the authorities," replied the Lieutenant, who, apparently, had no very great liking for this police work.
"What do you propose to do with me then?"
"I must ask you to accompany me ashore as soon as this vessel is anchored."
"I am at your disposal," answered the Captain.
Steaming into the harbour, the _Hawk_ dropped her anchor, and the _Satellite_, having received no orders to the contrary, followed suit. While this work was proceeding, a native boat put off from the shore and approached the yacht. In it was a passenger attired in a frock coat, and--a thing as rare in Singapore as snow--a tall silk hat. The boat came alongside, and the boatman, in answer to an inquiry from his passenger, indicated the rope that was still hanging over the taffrail of the _Hawk_.