"How did you come in possession of this craft?" demanded Captain Dilke, striding aft to where Sandy stood.
The Scotchman made no answer, and Captain Dilke repeated his question.
At this moment some one grasped him by the arm, and, turning, he met the angry gaze of Judith.
Vainly he strove to break away. Her arms were like bands of steel, and pinioned his own close to his side.
Then he was thrown to the deck, a handkerchief tied over his mouth by the Scotchman and his arms and legs bound with a stout cord, rendering his struggles utterly useless.
After this he was half-dragged down the companion-way and left, lying helpless, upon the cabin floor.
While this was transpiring on board the Swan, Shaky had boarded the Petrel.
Martin greeted him surlily, as he came aft.
"What's the row on the sloop?" asked Martin. "I heard a scuffle of some kind, but couldn't see what was going on from here."
"Nothing," replied Shaky, his grimacing and stammering having deserted him entirely, "only a slight change in commanders. You are now under my orders."