"Cragthorpe is a friend of mine," replied Giddings, stiffly.
"Indeed? Then I regret to say that I can't congratulate you on your choice of friends."
"I demand that you set Mr. Cragthorpe free!" cried young Giddings, in a voice passionate with anger.
"That's a request, my boy, that I'm not at all inclined to grant, even had I the power," retorted Baldwin, coolly, yet speaking as though he did not wish needlessly to further rouse the anger of Giddings. "You see, I haven't any power to give the order."
"No power?" snorted Giddings. "Don't you own this yacht?"
"I do; but Halstead is her captain. It is one of the rules of the sea that, after a vessel leaves her anchorage, her captain commands her absolutely until port is again reached."
"Do you mean to say that this boy would refuse to free Cragthorpe, if you commanded it?" demanded Giddings, hotly, a flushed spot burning in either cheek.
"What would you say, Captain Halstead, if I demanded the release of the prisoner?" asked Baldwin, facing the young motor boat skipper with smiling eyes.
"I'd refuse, sir," Tom replied, promptly. "In my opinion the 'Panther' isn't safe a minute when Cragthorpe is out of the brig. Take the prisoner back to the brig, Mr. Perkins."
Gaston Giddings, with a wrathful cry, started forward, but Tom blocked his way.