"Put them in irons and keep them there until the end of the trip. When we reach Nagasaki they can take their choice of leaving or of being kicked off the ship. If they raise a row I'll hand them over to the authorities."
"You ought to have them locked up."
"True, lad; but with this war on hand the courts won't want to bother with such a case."
It was not until nine o'clock in the morning that Captain Ponsberry had the forward hatch raised once more. Those below were almost dying for fresh air and water.
"I want Wilbur to come up," he said.
"Can't we have some water?" demanded Shamhaven.
"Yes, if you'll behave yourselves," was the short answer.
There was a babble of voices, but the master of the ship paid no attention. Each man who had been thrown below was unarmed, so there was no danger of any shooting. Presently Wilbur came up the rope ladder thrown to him, looking sheepish enough.
"What have you to say for yourself?" demanded the captain, when Wilbur threw himself on his knees.
"Don't count it against me, cap'!" he groaned. "I didn't want to go into it, I tell you! I didn't want to go in!"