Page:Last Cruise of the Spitfire.djvu/78

72 "I'll have your life for that!" yelled Lowell, as soon as he could recover.

"Don't you come near me," I replied.

"I'll flay you alive!"

"No, you won't. I'm not used to such treatment, and I won't stand it."

I stood my ground, and for a moment the boatswain did not appear to know what to do next.

"Catch him from behind, Crocker," he said finally, addressing the sailor I had seen with him in the lumber shed. "I'll give him a lesson he won't forget as long as he remains on board the Spitfire, or else my name ain't Lowell."

Crocker advanced upon me to do as he had been ordered. Evidently he did not relish the job, for he came on slowly.

Not to be caught in this manner I sprang aside, and retreated rapidly towards the stern of the schooner. I did not know anything about the vessel, and finally found myself near the cabin, and face to face with Captain Hannock.

"Here, what's the row about?" he demanded.

"I want Lowell to give up the money and letters he took from me," I replied; and a moment later the boatswain came up.

"He won't mind orders, captain," he exclaimed.