§ 136. Detention of wreck. All sheriffs, and all persons employed by
them, and all other persons aiding and assisting in the recovery and
preservation of wrecked property, shall be entitled to a reasonable
allowance as salvage for their services, and to all expenses incurred by
them in the performance of such services, out of the property saved, and
the officer having the custody of such property shall detain the same
until such salvage and expenses shall be paid and the salvage claimed in
any case shall not exceed one-half of the value of the property or
proceeds, and every agreement, order or adjustment allowing a greater
salvage shall be void.