Here they were met by the captain, the watch on deck and many of the cabin passengers.
“This is an amazing call,” said the captain.
“We are here on business, sir,” replied Frank.
“That is very strange.”
“Not at all. We have come from Readestown.”
“What! Can it be possible! What for?”
“To make a prisoner of one of your passengers.”
“I am more and more astonished.”
“The man is a murderer!”
A murmur of surprise ran from lip to lip at this remark. When the captain recovered from the shock he asked: