"I think I can get him off, sir, without even scraping one of his knuckles."
"You're at liberty to try, Runkle, if you are sure you won't injure the man."
As the guard came along, locking the doors, Runkle leaped down to the ground.
"Help, Mr. Totten, help!" called the seaman in a low voice that none the less reached the ears of the departing lieutenant.
Then Runkle moved directly up to the spy leering into his face and making insulting signs that caused the fellow to flush red.
"You're no good—savvy?" insisted Runkle in a low tone, making more faces and gestures.
So quickly was it done that the now thoroughly insulted spy, though he did not understand English, leaped at Runkle in a rage.
"He's going to try to rob me, sir!" cried Runkle, not very effectively dodging the blows that the fellow aimed at him.
"Here, what are you up to?" demanded Totten, also in English, as he reached out to grab the spy's collar.
In that strong grip the spy writhed, but could not escape.