"Indeed!" added Somers, savagely. "Mr. Langdon and myself have a little account to settle. He has disobeyed my orders, and I never will go to sea with such a man as executive officer. Mr. Swayne, for the present you will act as first lieutenant. I shall put Mr. Langdon under arrest at once."
"Here he comes, sir."
"Mr. Longstone, you will arrest the first lieutenant at once; put him in irons if he resists," said Somers, as he saw Langdon come up the companion-way.
The stalwart boatswain confronted the astonished officer, as he approached the spot where Somers stood with the second lieutenant.
"By order of Captain Pillgrim, you are placed under arrest," said Tom, as, with a couple of seamen, he placed himself in front of the executive officer.
"Under arrest?"
"Yes, sir."
"What for?"
"For disobedience of orders."
"By whose command?" demanded the bewildered Langdon.