"What's that?" he demanded, hoarsely.
"This is a document authorizing Captain Marshall to take charge of your affairs, Mr. Van Blott. He is to investigate everything, under my supervision, and is to hold you strictly accountable for everything you have done since starting on this voyage."
CHAPTER XXIV
THE CARGO MYSTERY EXPLAINED
There was a death-like silence for several seconds after Phil made his announcement. Even Captain Marshall was astonished, for he had not anticipated such a turn of affairs.
"Let me see that paper!" demanded Jasper Van Blott, wildly. "I will not believe a word of what you have said until I read that paper."
"Then read it," answered the shipowner's son, and passed it over.
With compressed lips, the supercargo perused the document. Then he gritted his teeth.
"So this is the game you have been playing on me, eh?" he snarled. "Well, it doesn't work."