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Rh the work. I'm tremendously sorry that there is any ill-feeling on this craft, especially so early in a long voyage, but it can't be helped, and we'll have to make the best of it. Now forward, both of you, and hearken well to what I have told you. Tom, tell the other hands how matters stand, and warn 'em against siding one way or the other in this little unpleasantness."

And so Larry and Oleson were dismissed, while the mate went forward with them to do as the captain had ordered. What Grandon had to say was listened to silently and with great interest, for a sailor thinks theft one of the greatest crimes in the calendar, as it really is.

At first Larry was inclined to rebel at Captain Ponsberry's decision, especially as he had counted upon the captain's friendship. But when he cooled off and reviewed the situation carefully, he saw that the captain had done no more than what could be considered fair under the circumstances. "He is right; in the absence of other evidence, one man's word is as good as another's," thought the boy. "I may as well let the matter drop,—it was only six dollars, after all. But I shall keep my eyes open for Olan Oleson in the future!"