"There is not a word of truth in what you say!" declared Matt.
The captain started up from his chair.
"Ah, ha!" he screamed. "You dispute the word of Captain Enrique Sandoval?"
"Oh, splash!" exclaimed Matt disgustedly. "I'm going, but this insult shall be reported to our state department."
"Your state department!" sneered Captain Sandoval. "When you try to help Chilian convicts escape, you put yourself out of the protection of your state department."
Matt stepped to the door. Two muskets dropped across the opening in front of him. The king of the motor boys whirled around and drew himself up to his full height.
"What does this mean, Captain Sandoval?" he asked crisply. "Am I not to be allowed to leave this ship?"
"No; you are under arrest."
Matt, waiting no longer for an invitation, sat down in a chair.
"You are piling up a lot of trouble for yourself, Captain Sandoval," said he coolly. "You're a reasonable man, or ought to be, as captain of a war ship, but is there any sense in arresting me on such a ridiculous charge as the one you have just mentioned?"