The Leopard hated the Panther, and would gladly have clawed it out of shape and sunk it.
"I don't understand why the Panther is there," said Dave; "I really don't know what it means."
"You see," said the master of the Leopard fiercely, "if that other boat is a-goin' to do the job, let her do it (he will probably cheat you). I can't fool away my time. The Sally Jane is waitin' up stream to be towed down, and I would like to get the job."
"We will soon find out what it means, sir. Just put me alongside the schooner."
"I will put my boat there, and you can jump out."
Who was it that Dave saw on the schooner's deck? Dave trembled at the prospect. He could imagine what was coming, and it came.
"Here, young man, what have you been up to? A precious set of young rascals to be running off with my property. I thought you said you would be particular. The state prison is none too good for you," said this unexpected and gruff personage.
"Squire Sylvester," replied Dave with dignity, "just wait before you condemn after that fashion; wait till you get the facts. I did try to be particular. I don't think it was intended when it was done; boys don't think, you know--"
"When what was done?"
"Why, the anchor lifted--weighed--"