Page:Stringer - Lonely O'Malley.djvu/331

 strode grandly back and forth on his cabin roof, intoxicated with the magnificence of the situation.

"Now, men," he cried, with airy defiance, his hand on his hip, "now, men, show 'em a clean pair o' heels!"

And eight anxious-eyed youngsters doubled up and tugged at their oars until eight small faces were a uniform crimson.

"It 's all right for you up there to talk that way, Lonely O'Malley, but I tell you I 'm gittin' water-blisters!" complained the rebellious Dode Johnson, between strokes.

"Together, men!" cried Lonely, drunkenly, inwardly bemoaning the craven spirit of his crew.

"If you was doin' a little of this rowin', you would n't feel so gay!" said Biff Perkins, sulkily.

"Stand by there, Greyhound, or we 'll put a ball into you!" cried the pursuers once more.

"Say, Piggie, do you think they 're just foolin'?" asked one of the crew, a little tremulously. Piggie was busy with the pump, and did not have breath to answer.