"What do you want?" asked Lajo.
"Who is in command here?" asked Jason.
"No one," replied the Korsar. "Our officer was killed on the way up. Why do you ask?"
"I want the bonds removed from our wrists," replied Jason. "We cannot escape. We are unarmed and outnumbered and, therefore, cannot harm you; while in the event that the boat is destroyed or capsized by any of these reptiles we shall be helpless with our wrists tied behind our backs."
Lajo drew his knife.
"What are you going to do?" asked one of the other Korsars who had been listening to the conversation.
"I am going to cut their bonds," replied Lajo. "There is nothing to be gained by keeping them bound."
"Who are you to say that their bonds shall be cut?" demanded the other belligerently.
"Who are you to say that they shall not?" returned Lajo quietly, moving toward the prisoners.
"I'll show you who I am," shouted the other, whipping out his knife and advancing toward Lajo.