“You will?” demanded the mate incredulously.
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s a heap more’n I deserve.”
“You’ll be the mate to help us back to Belize. I’m in charge until we get there, and I order you to go below and go on duty.”
“Orders is orders, I reckon.” Cassidy hoisted himself up and followed Bob to the tower hatch and down into the periscope room. The room was fairly crowded, and a roar of delight went up at the sight of Bob. It died away suddenly as Cassidy showed himself. A glitter came into Speake’s eyes as he regarded the mate.
“Better lock Cassidy up somewhere, Bob,” suggested Jordan.
“Yes,” grunted Speake venomously, “or tie his hands and feet an’ throw him overboard.”
“You’re wrong in your drift, friends,” said Bob quietly. “Cassidy is a good fellow at heart, and Fingal twisted him around his fingers. I haven’t any fault to find with Cassidy, and he’s going back to Belize as mate of the Grampus.”
“Well, that’s playing it kind of rough on some of the honest men that stood by the ship!” protested Dick.
“Vat a foolishness, Bob!” exploded Carl. “Dot feller come pooty near being der finish of you.”