"Let Wetherly talk terms. When he gets through, I will be ready to sign a paper to take charge of the job for half the figure he names, I don't care how low he goes."
"That ought to settle it. You can't do as well as that, Captain Wetherly," put in the master of the Kenilworth. "If you are so sure my ship can be pulled off, I see no reason why Captain Pringle isn't the man to do it."
Captain Jim was trying to keep his temper under, but the fact that these two men were trying to carry out their vile agreement right under his nose was more than he could stand. He shook his heavy fist in Jerry Pringle's face and declared:
"The Resolute will make fast to this ship this morning. And if you want the Henry Foster to get action, it will be under my orders, and at my terms. By Judas, this play-acting ends right here. I mean you, too, Captain Bruce. I have been hoping that I could keep my mouth shut. I'd rather cut off my right hand than drag certain other people into it. I know why you brought your boy along with you, Jerry Pringle. To put a stopper on my tongue, wasn't it? Hide behind women and children, eh? Well, I'm in charge of wrecking this steamer, understand? Get back to your tug. I've a good mind to——"
He felt a pull at his arm, and turned to look into Dan's imploring face as the boy whispered:
"Don't say any more, Uncle Jim. Wait till Bart is out of the way, please, oh please do."
Captain Jim rammed his hands in his breeches pockets and addressed Captain Bruce:
"I've said my last word. My hawser will come aboard at once."
The master of the Kenilworth wavered and looked at Jerry Pringle as if appealing to the stronger will which had tempted and entrapped him. The hapless ship-master had gone too far with the plot to let it go by the board. Pringle muttered with a sneer:
"Who is master of this steamer, anyhow?"