"I am," Hal nodded.
"Then I want to talk with you," continued the stranger. "Lieutenant, of course I know that you've got me in a nasty position. I want to see how you can help me to get out of it."
"If you really are in a bad position," Hal responded, gazing into the other's eyes, "I do not see how I can help you, for I am only the officer concerned with seizing this craft. I am not going to be your judge."
"Oh, yes, you can," continued the other, sinking his voice still lower. "We can fix it all, I know, with money!"
CHAPTER XX
AN OFFICER AND HIS HONOR
I'M afraid you're as badly off as the hunter's dog," observed Lieutenant Hal coldly.
"How is that?"
"You're barking up the wrong tree."