"Mr. Duff," said Gary in his most grating tones, "who gave you the
authority to interfere with my designs regarding this insolent
youngster?"

[Illustration: "Mr. Duff," said Gary in his most grating tones, "who
gave you the authority to interfere with my designs regarding this
insolent youngster?"]

Duff's first reply was to bring Ralph's pale, inanimate face under the
light.

"Captain Gary," said he, "I profess to be a man--not a brute. I
recognize your authority, but when I see murder about to be done--it's
time to say something."

The captain looked around as if to find a weapon wherewith to strike
his subordinate down, while in his eye shone a dull spark. He did not
look at Ralph, but controlled himself by a mighty effort.

"Of course," he was able to say at last, "if the kid is in any danger,
that alters the state of the case. But I dare say he is shamming."

"Shamming! Look at his eyes; feel of his pulse."

The captain declined these offices. He bit his nether lip instead and
regarded Duff in a peculiar way, as the latter continued his efforts to
resuscitate the boy.

"We have no ship's doctor on board as you know," said Gary. "However,