The spokesman dropped his conciliatory mask and turned away defiantly.
"All right, young fellow! You've had your say; now we'll have ours."
"Throppy," said Jim in a low tone to Stevens, who was standing with Lane beside him, "these men are smugglers. Call the cutter!"
He had time for nothing more. As Stevens slipped quietly back into the cabin there was an angry outburst among the group on the beach.
"I've done my best, Cap," protested a voice. "He won't listen to reason. Now take that rag off your face and handle this thing yourself. It's up to you."
There was a sudden rush of enraged men toward Lane and Spurling. As they came, two wrenched the handkerchiefs from their faces, revealing to the astounded boys the features of the would-be sheep-thieves of the first of the summer, Dolph and Captain Bart Brittler!
The latter was white with rage. His voice rose almost to a screech.
"No more fooling! We need that sloop and we're going to have her! Will you sell her?"
"No."
"Then we'll take her!"