Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/116

94 did not like the remark the captain had cast at him, nor the compliment paid to the boy. "Get ofer dare!" he growled, pushing up against Larry. "You want all de room to yourself. How I tak in sail if you under my feet?"

"You've got as much room as I have," answered Larry, firmly. "Keep your distance," he added, as Oleson continued to crowd him. "Mind now what I say!"

To this the Norwegian made, some uncomplimentary answer, which was, however, swallowed up in the noise of the flapping sail as it came down on the run.

The Columbia was rolling and pitching upon the heavy swells under her, and Larry found it no easy task to keep his balance as he helped furl and fasten. It was blowing lively, too, and the wind whistled almost a gale into his ears.

Again Olan Oleson crowded him, until there was but little left to stand upon. The boy shouted another warning, but the Norwegian paid no attention.

Suddenly a fearful dread took possession of the lad. Olan Oleson meant to shove him over into the sea.