The next morning the fog had somewhat cleared and the break-neck speed of the ship was resumed. Jack was just resigning the key to young Poffer when the doorway was darkened by a bulky figure. It was that of a big, yellow-mustached man, whom Jack recognized instantly as the man who had led the panic of the night before, and whom he had been forced to deal with summarily.
He furiously glared at Jack, and the boy noticed that under his left eye was a dark bruise, a memento of the previous night.
“What did you mean by striking me last night?” he began angrily. “I demand your name. I will have you discharged.”
“My name is Ready,” answered Jack calmly, “and as far as having me discharged is concerned, I’m afraid that will be impossible. You see I’m here in what you might call an extra-official capacity.”
“Bah! don’t be impudent with me, boy. I am Herr Professor.”
“Oh, a barber,” smiled Jack, amiably.
The yellow-mustached man fairly growled. His light blue eyes snapped viciously.
“I am Herr——”
“Oh, yes, I see you’re here,” responded Jack calmly. “You seem to be in rather a bad temper, too.”
“Boy, I will see that you are punished for this. I am a gentleman.”