"You have got to submit to arrest and stand trial," said Sergeant Brown. "There are no two ways about it. If you won't submit quietly we'll have to fight. But let me tell you, if you fight it will go hard with you." "That's right; make them give up everything," put in Tom. "I'll fight them if it comes to the worst." "If only they don't harm Dora!" whispered Dick. "Think, they may be starving her already!" "I don't believe they would dare, Dick." "Dare? I think the Baxters are cruel enough to do most anything." "Officer, do you know that you are on the high seas and can't touch us?" went on Arnold Baxter, after an awkward pause. "I know nothing of the kind, and I'll risk what I am doing," retorted Sergeant Brown. "Can't we compromise this matter?" "What else have you to propose?" "I'll tell you what I'll do. If you'll agree not to molest us further I'll turn the girl over to you and make each of you a present of one hundred dollars," went on Arnold Baxter nervously. "Want to bribe us, eh?" cried Tom. "Thanks, but we are not in that business." "I never took a bribe yet, and I've been on the force six years," put in Carter. "You can't bribe me," said the sergeant, in a tone that admitted of no argument. "You must surrender absolutely or take the consequences." "All right, then; we'll take the consequences," was the reckless response. "And remember, we hold that girl, and any harm you do us will only counteract on her head." "Don't you dare to harm her, you villain!" cried Dick, turning pale. "Whatever you do you shall answer for in court." "Humph, Dick Rover, don't be so smart," put in Dan Baxter. "This game is still ours, and you know it." "I know nothing of the kind. We will starve you out and fight you, and you will see what the end will be, Dan Baxter," retorted Dick; and then the two yachts began to drift apart once more. As the _Flyaway_ moved off, Mumps, who had disappeared for a minute, came into sight once more. In his hand he hold something white, which he threw with all force at the _Searchlight's_ mainsail. "Take that!" he cried. "Take that, and remember me!" By this time the two yachts were so far apart that no more could be said. "What was that you threw on their boat?" demanded Baxter, turning to his toady. "A seashell," replied Mumps. "I thought I could hit Dick Rover with it." "Humph, you had better take some lessons in throwing," muttered the bully. "You didn't come within a dozen feet of him." "Never mind; I showed them I wasn't afraid of them," said Mumps, and turned away. Then he looked back anxiously. "I hope they pick it up and see what's inside!" he murmured. "Oh, but ain't I tired of this crowd! If ever I get out of this, you can wager I'll turn over a new leaf and cut Dan Baxter dead." CHAPTER XXVII THE COLLISION IN THE FOG "Hullo! Mumps isn't keeping this flag of truce very good," remarked Sam, as the seashell dropped at his feet.