"You are the captain, I presume?"  I said. 

"That's me," he answered, leaning against the wooden partition opposite my bunk. 

"Well," I said, "I'd like to know by what right you lock me up here? I've been unconscious for a long time, and on coming to myself, I find I'm here onboard your ship at sea, imprisoned, and not allowed out." 

"You're in here for the benefit of your health," he answered roughly. "A sea voyage'll do you good." 

"Then perhaps you'll tell me the name of the ship on board which I'm taking this pleasure trip?"  I said sarcastically. 

"Better find that out." 

"No very difficult matter, I suppose," I answered quite coolly. "Only I should like to point out that even though you may be skipper of this coal hulk, you have no right to imprison me here." 

"I shall do just as I like, cocky," he responded.  "And further, you'd best be quiet and keep a still tongue, or perhaps you won't see land again." 

"That's certainly a very genteel speech," I said; "and perhaps the British Consul at your port of destination will have something to say regarding your conduct." 

"I don't care a brass button for all the blanked consuls in the whole Consular Service," he replied, with a coarse laugh.  "You are on board my ship, and I'll give you to understand now, once and for all, that I'm master here." 

"Perhaps you'll pipe to a different tune when your master's certificate is suspended for a year or two." 

"It 'ud take a better man than you to suspend it.  While you're on board this craft, it'll be a wise policy to keep a still tongue in your head." 

"And it will be wiser if you allow me my liberty, and just tell me how and why I came aboard here." 

"You were brought here, but for what reason I don't know." 

"And who brought me here?" 

"I don't know.  I wasn't on board when you arrived." 

"The ship was lying in the Thames, wasn't it?" 

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