And he shook his fist at me savagely.
"I want my stuff and I'm going to have it," I went on, as stoutly as I could.
"You're going to obey orders, that's what you're going to do," he cried. "I take no back talk from any one."
"If you don't give up that money I'll have you arrested as a thief the first time I get the chance," was my reply; and I meant just what I said.
"You will, will you?" he roared. "Just wait till I get a rope's end and we'll see who is boss here."
I was somewhat startled at his words, but I stood my ground. Lowell ran to the starboard side of the schooner, and presently returned with a stout rope some three feet long.
"Now, are you going to do as I told you?" he asked, as he advanced towards me.
"Don't you dare to touch me!" I cried. "If you do you will have to take the consequences!"
"Don't talk to me!" he cried. "Just wait till I tan your back for you!"
He swung the rope's end over his head, and brought it down with all force. I sprang aside, and received the blow squarely on my shoulder. Had I not done so the rope would have cut my neck deeply.