"You big coward!" I cried; and the next instant I gave him one strong blow from the shoulder that sent him staggering against the rail.
I do not know to this day how I came to deliver that blow as I did. Perhaps it was that my temper was at its highest, and I put all my force into it. I was surprised at my own power.
But if I was surprised Lowell was more so. The rope's end fell from his hand, and his face took on a sickly green color. A number of the sailors who had seen my action gathered around in amazement, and one of them winked his eye in a most knowing manner.
"I'll have your life for that!" yelled Lowell, as soon as he could recover.
"Don't you come near me," I replied.
"I'll flay you alive!"
"No, you won't. I'm not used to such treatment, and I won't stand it."
I stood my ground, and for a moment the boatswain did not appear to know what to do next.
"Catch him from behind, Crocker," he said finally, addressing the sailor I had seen with him in the lumber shed. "I'll give him a lesson he won't forget as long as he remains on board the Spitfire, or else my name ain't Lowell."
Crocker advanced upon me to do as he had been ordered. Evidently he did not relish the job, for he came on slowly.