Captain Jim led the other man out of ear-shot of the wheel-house and told him with a grim smile:
"Jerry Pringle expected to work on this wreck. You know that even better than I do. I upset some plans of his, and yours. Now he has to do the job my way—understand? Do you know that I am suspected of plotting with you to put this ship on the Reef, Captain Bruce? You haven't heard it from Mr. Prentice? Um-m; well, you will hear a whole lot more about it from me before this ship of yours slides off into deep water."
The master of the Kenilworth winced at the threatening tone of these words, and his face was very red as he tried to bluster it out:
"What rot! That Prentice is a doddering old fool. Talking behind my back, is he? Of all the wicked, silly nonsense! Well, upon my word!"
"That will do for you," was Captain Jim's curt reply. "You are going to clear me. I kept my mouth shut to shield some innocent people, women and children, friends and kinfolk of mine—do you see? I expect to give your ship back to you. And you are going to do the square thing by me. Think it over and think hard."
Captain Wetherly faced about and left the other gazing with a troubled frown at the Kenilworth. Presently Dan hailed his uncle:
"Bart Pringle came along with his father, sir. I'd like to go aboard the wreck and see him if you don't mind, sir."
"Go ahead, Dan. Last time you two lads met on that deck you bristled at each other like two terrier pups. But I don't expect to cut his dad's tow-boat in two this trip, so I reckon you'll be glad to see each other."
Dan followed Captain Bruce up the steamer's side and found Barton dangling his legs from a heap of hatch-covers.