"Of course you know your business better than I do, Captain Flanger, and I don't propose to interfere with it," replied Christy. The commander walked forward again, giving the order to the quartermaster to ring two bells, which presently brought the steamer to a full stop, quite near the rocks which were awash to the northward of her. As the captain moved forward he encountered the first officer in the waist, who addressed him, and they began a conversation, none of which Christy could hear. From the looks and gestures of the mate, he concluded that they were talking about him. It was not difficult to imagine the subject of the conversation, and it was evident to Christy that the first officer had suggested an idea to his commander. While he was waiting impatiently to ascertain what the Chateaugay would do next, Percy Pierson came on deck looking very pale, for it had been reported at breakfast that he was very sea-sick. "How are you, Christy?" asked the Southerner. "I am very well, I thank you." "Haven't you been sea-sick?" asked the invalid. "Of course not; I never was sea-sick." "But what has the steamer stopped for?" asked Percy, looking about him. "Captain Flanger seems to think that vessel over there is a United States man-of-war." "Will she capture the Snapper?" asked the sufferer, looking paler than before. At this moment a boat was lowered from the davits into the water, and Christy was invited by the mate to take a seat in the stern sheets. He was astounded at this request, and wondered what it meant. CHAPTER XXIV THE TABLES TURNED Christy understood the character of Captain Flanger well enough to be confident he meant mischief to him in getting him into the boat. He concluded that this movement was the result of the conference with the mate. He had a suspicion that his terrible enemy intended to drown him, or get rid of him in some other manner. "May I ask where I am to be taken in the boat, Mr. Dawbin?" asked the prisoner, suppressing as much as he could the excitement that disturbed him. "I give you leave to ask, but I cannot answer you," replied the mate. "If you intend to put me on board of that steamer, it can do no harm to say so, I think," added Christy. "If you will excuse me, Mr. Passford, I cannot answer any questions. I ask you again to get into the boat," said Mr. Dawbin. "Well, sir, suppose I decline to do so?" "Then I shall be compelled to use force, and tumble you into the boat in the best way I can, with the assistance of my men." "If you intend to murder me, why can't you do the deed here on deck?" demanded the prisoner. "I don't intend to murder you." "That is some consolation. That lighthouse on the Great Isaac is the only place to which you can convey me, and that is sixteen miles from this steamer. I can't believe you intend to pull me that distance." "No fooling there!" shouted the captain. "What are you waiting for, Mr. Dawbin? Why don't you obey my order?"