The captain's firm, stern tones completed the work Jack and Bill had begun. He assured the passengers that an examination had been made and that no damage had been done. He also promised thereafter to run at a more moderate speed. Gradually, the excited crowd calmed down, and some sought their cabins. The greater part, however, elected to remain on deck throughout the night.
The next morning the fog had somewhat cleared and the break-neck speed of the ship was resumed. Jack was just resigning the key to young Poffer when the doorway was darkened by a bulky figure. It was that of a big, yellow-mustached man, whom Jack recognized instantly as the man who had led the panic of the night before, and whom he had been forced to deal with summarily.
He furiously glared at Jack, and the boy noticed that under his left eye was a dark bruise, a memento of the previous night.
"What did you mean by striking me last night?" he began angrily. "I demand your name. I will have you discharged."
"My name is Ready," answered Jack calmly, "and as far as having me discharged is concerned, I'm afraid that will be impossible. You see I'm here in what you might call an extra-official capacity."
"Bah! don't be impudent with me, boy. I am Herr Professor."
The yellow-mustached man fairly growled. His light blue eyes snapped viciously.
"Oh, yes, I see you're here," responded Jack calmly. "You seem to be in rather a bad temper, too."
"Boy, I will see that you are punished for this. I am a gentleman."
"Really, it would be as hard to tell it on you this morning as it was last night," responded Jack, in quite unruffled tones.
"Be very careful, young man. I have already told you I am Herr Professor."
"Oh, don't hang out the barber pole again," begged Jack.
The other shot a glance full of venom at the perfectly cool youth before him. Then, apparently realizing that there was nothing to be gained from indulging in tirades, he turned abruptly on his heel and strode to the door. On the threshold he paused.
"I am going to report your conduct to the captain at once," he said. "You will find out before long what such gross impertinence to a passenger means."
"I shouldn't advise you to tell him about your behavior last night, though," observed Jack.