The Major sat down heavily on a chest. The information he had received fairly dazed him, but his gaze remained firmly fixed on the Captain’s expressionless face.
After a time he gave a laugh, and said:
“I told you yesterday that island was mine. I’ll take that back. It’s yours and mine. You’ll share it with me, Captain Gay, I’m sure.”
“It is still yours, Major, as far as I’m concerned. If I knew its location, I would tell you willingly. But I don’t. You’ll have to find your property yourself.”
The Major sprang up with an oath.
“You infernal scoundrel!” he cried, “do you think I’ll be played with like this? Give me the location of that island, or by the nine great gods, I’ll kill you where you sit!”
“Leave this room, sir.”
The Captain was angry too, by this time. He stood erect and pointed with dignity to the door-way, from which I dodged with alacrity.
“I command this ship, sir,” he said, “and here my will is law. I’ll endure no browbeating, Major, or any insolence from you or any of my passengers. On the island I obeyed you. Here you will obey me, or I’ll lock you fast in your cabin. Leave this room!”
The Major stood irresolute a moment. Then sullenly and slowly, he quit the cabin and returned to the deck.