So we went down into the cabin, Mr. Ranson first, Phil following, and myself last.
The three prisoners were standing in a row, all heavily handcuffed.
"I demand to know the meaning of this?" Captain Hannock was saying in a voice of pretended indignation.
"It means that you are a prisoner," replied Mr. Henshaw.
"I can see that plainly enough," sneered the captain of the late schooner. "But why?"
"For burning the Spitfire, with a view of obtaining the high insurance upon her."
"Burning the Spitfire! Who ever heard of such a thing!"
And Captain Hannock started back in assumed astonishment.
"We have heard of it; and also of the bogus cargo you carried."
"It's a falsehood!" cried Lowell. "We know nothing of the burning of the schooner. I'm almost certain that boy set her on fire."