Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/96

74 think I know you, even if you have cut off your beard? You're the man who robbed me. You think you got away from me mighty slick, the other night, don't you? Well, I guess we'll settle accounts now."

Olan Oleson drew a deep breath and stared hard at the boy. "What you talk about me robbin' you?" he said. "I know notank about you. You say I rob you, I knock you down!" and he doubled up his big fists.

His attitude was so fierce and menacing that he thought Larry would cower before him. But he was mistaken. The American lad was not thus easily daunted. Instead of taking a step backward, Larry took two forward.

"This buncombe won't work with me," he said as coolly as he could, although he was much excited. "You are the thief, and I intend to expose you and get my money back."

"I no thief—I honest man. You say me a thief, I—I throw you into the sea. Boy, you tak a care, you hear? tak a care!" and Oleson grabbed Larry by the shoulder.

At this juncture Luke Striker entered the forecastle, to stare in astonishment at the pair, for