They dragged the fellow to his feet, but warned him
to stand still.
Harris did so. For the moment, at least, he was completely cowed.
A man was sent for the captain, with instructions to tell him just what
occurred. Of course the captain of the steamer was the only person who
could order one of the men placed in irons.
The captain came in in a little while, and he listened in great
amazement to the story of what had taken place. His face was hard and
grim. He asked Frank a few questions, and then he ordered that Harris be
ironed and confined in the hold.
"Mr. Merriwell," said the captain, "I am very sorry that this happened
on my ship."
"It's all right, captain," said Frank. "You are in no way to blame. The
fellow shipped with the intention of doing just what he did, if he found
an opportunity."
"It will go hard-with him," declared the master. "He'll not get out of
this without suffering the penalty."
Harris was sullen and silent. Frank spoke to him before he was led away.
"Harris," he said, "you have brought destruction on yourself. I can't
say that I arm sorry for you, for, by your persistent attacks on me, you
have destroyed any sympathy I might have felt. You have ruined your own
life."
"No!" snarled Sport. "You are the one! You ruined me! If I go to prison
for this, I'll get free again sometime, and I'll not forget you, Frank
Merriwell! All the years I am behind the bars will but add to the debt I
owe you.
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