"Doesn't work?" came from Roger, who was as much interested as any one.
"No, it doesn't work. That paper isn't worth the ink it's written with. It was drawn up in the United States, and we are not in the United States now."
"Perhaps not, but we are sailing under the United States flag, Mr. Van Blott," said Captain Marshall, quickly. "Besides that, I think the authorities here will respect a legal document drawn up in Uncle Sam's country."
"It's not worth a pinch of snuff!" roared the supercargo, and would have torn the paper to bits, had not Phil and Roger leaped forward and prevented him.
"None of that!" cried Phil. "Let that alone, or I'll have Captain Marshall place you under arrest."
"Arrest? Me under arrest? I'd like to see you do it!" fumed the supercargo.
"I'll do it, unless you do what is right," said the master of the Stormy Petrel, quickly. "Mr. Van Blott, your actions do you no credit. Trying to destroy that document proves to me beyond a doubt that you have something to conceal. I shall begin an investigation at once, and the boys shall aid me."
"I don't care!" roared Jasper Van Blott. "But I am done with the ship and the whole crowd."
"Please hand over the keys to your safe boxes."
With bad grace, the supercargo did so.