"I mean that Dan Baxter has no right to a free passage on your ship, since he bought that passage with our money. Let him work his way and place that passage money to our credit."
"That's the way to talk," put in Tom. "Make him work by all means."
"He deserves good, hard labor," came from Sam.
"I don't think you can make me work!" burst out Dan Baxter. "I am a passenger and I demand that I be treated as such."
"You are an impostor!" returned Captain Blossom bluntly. "The fact that you used an assumed name proves it. If I wanted to do so, I could clap you in the ship's brig until we reach port and chain you into the bargain. I want no thieves on board my ship."
"Here is more of our clothing," came from Tom.
"Pick out all the things that are yours," said the captain. "And take the other things that are yours, too."
This was done, nobody paying any attention to Baxter's protests. When the Rovers had what there was of their things the captain turned to the bully.
"I've made up my mind about you," he said, speaking with great deliberation. "I am master here, and a judge and jury into the bargain. You can take your choice: Either sign articles as a foremast hand for the balance of the trip, or be locked up as a prisoner, on prison rations."
"Do you mean th—that?" gasped Baxter, turning pale.