"I am sure he would," protested Paul.
"I don't want him to take me simply because my father desires him to do so," answered the young commander, shaking his head.
"Then let your father give him the choice of two or three officers. That will settle the matter."
"I don't know, Paul; I will think of the matter, and write to you as soon as I have time. There comes the boat. Mr. Flint, have the prisoner brought on deck to be transferred to the Bellevite."
In a few minutes the two stout sailors who had removed him from the captain's cabin appeared on deck, dragging Captain Flanger after them, for he would not walk, and did all he could with his hands made fast behind him to embarrass his conductors.
"Captain Passford, I protest agailst this treatment of a prisoler of war," howled the privateersman.
"All right, Captain Flanger."
"I say I am abused, and dragged from below like a dog."
"If you stand up and walk like a man, the dog will not be dragged."
"Boat alongside, sir," reported a quartermaster.