"Why, there's a button here. Does that call to the bridge?" demanded the motor boat captain.
"It certainly does," retorted the third officer.
"I didn't even know the button was there," gasped the young sailing master. "In my struggles I touched it by accident."
"I sent Oleson, the sailor, to see what you wanted, sir," continued Mr. Costigan. "The next thing I knew Oleson backed out of your cabin, grabbed up a belaying-pin, and signaled to me. I came quick and soft-like, sir. And now, Captain, if you've no further orders for me, sir, hadn't I better be traveling back to the bridge? The quartermaster of my watch is running the ship at this minute."
"Go, then, Mr. Costigan, and thank you; but send the extra deck-hand of this watch."
In another moment the third mate's whistle was sounding shrilly. It brought the extra man of the watch on the run.
"Put these handcuffs on the fellow before he comes to," ordered Tom, going to his desk and taking out a pair of manacles. "There, now he won't do much harm if he does come out of it suddenly. But I'm going with you to the brig, and want to see leg irons put on the rascal, too. He won't have the use of his hands again, on this yacht. The second steward will have to feed the fellow his meals."
Tom quickly finished his dressing. Just as he had done so Cragthorpe uttered a deep sigh and opened his eyes. He was still a bit dazed. Halstead waited for some moments before speaking.
"If you were telling the truth, fellow, about Rose Gentry and her brother," taunted Tom, "your silence won't do you so much good, now. My third officer and one of these sailors overheard your declaration of your infernal villainy. They can testify in court in behalf of young Gentry. They'll help the case quite a bit, I guess."
Cragthorpe was enough himself, by this time, to understand. He scowled blackly, but refused to speak.