The sailors seized Tony and hustled him up the companionway to the deck.
Arlington stood swaying slightly, one hand to his head. The situation seemed to bewilder him.
“What are you trying to do, Moran?” he hazily asked.
“It’s a good thing for you,” was the reply, “that this fellow you fancied tied so hard and fast happened to be free just then. He saved your life.”
“Did he?” mumbled Chet.
“That’s what he did. Now it’s up to you to see that he goes ashore without further molestation.”
“All right! All right!” said Chester. “I’ll run away! I’ll be gone in the morning! Engineer getting steam up! I’ll get out of here!”
Suddenly Dick stepped toward Arlington, seized him by the shoulders, and sternly said:
“Look at me! You’re not going to do anything of the sort! I wouldn’t care a rap what you did if it wasn’t for your sister. You could run away, or do anything you chose to do. Already you have caused her untold worriment and distress. If I can prevent it, you shall cause her no more at present. You’re going ashore with me, Arlington.”
The manner in which Dick uttered the final words seemed to indicate there was not the least doubt in his mind on that point.