"Who are you?"
"I just told you. I'm a friend of the shipmate here."
"A nice sort of friend you are," replied Dan witheringly. "Are you coming with me, Kuhn? You know what it means to refuse to return to ship as you have just done. The ship is preparing to sail. If I have to use force it will be the worse for you. I know what this man is trying to do with you. He is a bad man, Kuhn. He is trying to induce you to desert——"
"You go away and let me alone——"
"See here, young fellow," commanded the Englishman savagely, "if you know what is good for you, you get right out of here, and don't you come back again. It'll be the worse for you if you do. Understand?"
"Look out that you do not get into trouble yourself. Kuhn, you are coming with me."
The Battleship Boy laid a firm grip on the arm of his shipmate and began moving toward the door by which he had entered the room.
Suddenly Kuhn was jerked violently from his grasp. Dan made a spring, recovering his prisoner.
All at once the Englishman uttered a series of short, sharp exclamations in French. Like magic, nearly every man in the room was on his feet. They appeared to understand perfectly what was wanted of them, and with one accord made a rush for Seaman Davis.
"Stand back!" roared the young officer, boldly facing the mob. "You will have to answer to your government if you dare lay hands on me."