He rules on deck, and I rule below.

D'you hear?
Tell me you're a liar! Speak up!" "You're a liar," said Harrigan instantly.
The engineer's mouth opened and closed twice while he stared at Harrigan.
"Get out!" he shouted, springing to his feet.

"I'll have you boxed up and sweated; I'll have you pounded to a pulp! Wait! Stay here! I'll bring in some men!" Harrigan was desperate.

He knew that what he had said was equivalent to a mutiny.

He threw caution to the wind.