Cassidy, when his mind was clear and when he was not under the delusion of a fancied wrong, was a good fellow. He had cared for Captain Nemo, Jr., when he was lying ill in New Orleans, and countless times he had given Matt and his chums proof of his friendship for them. Cassidy was off his bearings now, but Matt felt more like arguing with him than showing authority.
"You are not yourself, Cassidy," said the young motorist. "Why did you leave the Grampus?"
"That's my business," snarled the mate.
"Well, take my advice and go back there. No one is trying to deceive the captain."
"You've wormed yourself into his confidence, and what has he done to me?" There was bitterness in the mate's voice. "I'm the one that ought to be cap'n of the submarine, and, by thunder, I'm going to be!"
Matt got up from his chair, his eyes flashing.
"You're going to obey orders, Cassidy," said he, "if you want to stay with the Grampus. I'm in command, and I'll give you just a minute to leave here and make for the wharf. If——"
At that moment the mate's crazy wrath got the better of him. With a hoarse oath, he lurched forward and struck at Matt with his fist.
Matt avoided the blow with a quick side-step.
"Now's yer chance, Cassidy," breathed the husky voice of the man who had come with the mate. "It's now or never if you want to put him down an' out."