"
"You are an impostor!" returned Captain Blossom bluntly. "The fact
that you used an assumed name proves it. If I wanted to do so, I
could clap you in the ship's brig until we reach port and chain you
into the bargain. I want no thieves on board my ship."
"Here is more of our clothing," came from Tom.
"Pick out all the things that are yours," said the captain. "And take
the other things that are yours, too."
This was done, nobody paying any attention to Baxter's protests. When
the Rovers had what there was of their things the captain turned to
the bully.
"I've made up my mind about you," he said, speaking with great
deliberation. "I am master here, and a judge and jury into the bargain.
You can take your choice: Either sign articles as a foremast hand
for the balance of the trip, or be locked up as a prisoner, on prison
rations."
"Do you mean th--that?" gasped Baxter, turning pale.
"I do."
"But the passage money Goes to the credit of these young fellows."
"It's an outrage!"
"No, it's simply justice, to my way of thinking. I'll give you until
to-morrow to make up your mind what you will do."
This ended the talk with Dan Baxter. The captain said he wanted to
see the Rover boys in the cabin, and they followed him to that place.
"Captain, I feel I must thank you for your fair way of managing this
affair," said Dick, feeling that a few good words at this point would
not go amiss.
Pages:
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69