“Don’t I?” queried Phil. “If you think so you must be ignorant of what constitutes a mutiny, as well as of the powers vested in the captain of a ship.”
“But you aren’t the captain of this ship.”
“Perhaps I’m not. At the same time I am acting as captain by authority of the owner, and I am performing all of a captain’s duties; all of them, you understand.”
By this time the small boat was alongside, and leaving the bewildered millwright in her, Serge regained the deck, where he awaited further instructions.
“Select such of your belongings as you wish to take with you, and they shall be put into the boat,” said Phil.
“Oh, rats!” cried the man, angrily.
“Take hold of him!” ordered the mate.
Serge obeyed, and in another minute the mutinous engineer found himself in the small boat, which was actually being shoved off.
“Shall I hunt a native village to leave him at?” asked Serge.