"What is he going to do?" questioned the supercargo, uneasily.
"I don't know," answered Captain Marshall, shortly. "But, if I were you, Mr. Van Blott, I should listen to him. In a certain sense, he repre sents his father on this vessel."
"He doesn't represent him with me!" muttered the supercargo. His anger had made him lose a good portion of his common sense.
There was a minute of silence, during which Jasper Van Blott strode up and down the narrow office. Then a step was heard outside, and Phil reappeared, carrying a large envelope in his hand.
"My father said I was not to use this unless it was necessary," he said, drawing a paper from the envelope. At the appearance of a legal-looking document the supercargo started back.
"What's that?" he demanded, hoarsely.
"This is a document authorizing Captain Marshall to take charge of your affairs, Mr. Van Blott. He is to investigate everything, under my supervision, and is to hold you strictly accountable for everything you have done since starting on this voyage."
