Dave made a dash at the man. He held him firmly by one shoulder. With his free hand he slapped the rag briskly over his bare flesh to and fro.
Dave's eyes sparkled immediately with the intensest satisfaction. One by one the dark spots on the back of Tompkins began to disappear.
"Captain Broadbeam," cried Dave, pulling the squirming Tompkins around into full view, "a paint-trick. This man has got no more spotted fever than I have myself."
CHAPTER VII
THE MYSTERIOUS JAR
Dave Fearless had saved the day. The young ocean diver knew this the moment he glanced at the faces of those about him.
The wretch Tompkins shrank and cowered in a guilty manner. The squeamish crew looked relieved. The governor's physician and his military companion affected a profound astonishment, but secretly were overwhelmed with confusion and chagrin.
Captain Broadbeam's eyes opened wide in amazement at the first. Then as he guessed it out that a plot against him had been attempted they blazed with wrath.
"Put that man in irons," he roared out.
"Pardon, captain," interrupted Silverado, stepping forward, "we will do that. There is some grave mistake here."