"No! no!"
"You are telling the truth?"
"I am—I swear it."
"I will order a strict investigation. If anything is wrong——"
And the captain ended with a stern shake of his forefinger at the rascal.
Pete Rackley was then bound and cast into the brig of the ship.
The assistant engineer was closely questioned, and he said Rackley had been seen frequently around the engine room.
Then the entire machinery of the ship was inspected.
At one point several bolts were found filed almost in two.
At another point an oil cup was broken, so that the part might get dry and thus cause considerable delay.