“Nothing,” replied the man, stolidly. He sat down again, crossed his legs, and took a long pull at the pipe.
“For the last time,” shouted Jenks, shaking his fist in the smoker’s face, “I order you to take out that boat, and ferry us across the river!”
“For the last time,” said the man, very calmly, “I tell you I’m not going to risk my life for four fools!”
George walked up closer to Watson, and whispered: “Let’s seize the boat, and try to cross over ourselves!”
Watson beckoned to his two companions, and told them what the boy suggested.
“We will be taking our lives in our hands,” said Jenks, “but anything is better than being delayed here.”
“Besides,” added Macgreggor, “although the river is pretty mischievous-looking, I don’t think it’s any more dangerous than waiting here.”
Jenks took out his watch, and looked at it. “I’ll give you just five minutes,” he said, addressing the ferryman, “and if by that time you haven’t made up your mind to take us over the river, we’ll take the law into our own hands, seize your boat, and try the journey ourselves.” Waggie began to bark violently, as if he sympathized with this speech.
The man smiled. “That will be a fool trick,” he answered. “If it’s dangerous for me, it’ll be death for you uns. Better say your prayers, partner!”
“Only four minutes left!” cried Jenks, resolutely, keeping an eye on the watch.