Not to be caught in this manner I sprang aside, and retreated rapidly towards the stern of the schooner. I did not know anything about the vessel, and finally found myself near the cabin, and face to face with Captain Hannock.
"Here, what's the row about?" he demanded.
"I want Lowell to give up the money and letters he took from me," I replied; and a moment later the boatswain came up.
"He won't mind orders, captain," he exclaimed.
"You've got to mind orders while you're on board, Foster."
"Well, perhaps I will if I'm treated fairly," I replied.
"You'll be treated fair enough, never fear. If Lowell has anything of yours I'll get it and keep it for you until you need it. Now go forward, and do as you are told."
For a moment I hesitated. This was not a very satisfactory settlement; but evidently it was the best I could get, and so I retired.
"Bully for you," said Phil Jones, as he followed me into the forecastle. "My, how you did pitch into him!"
"And I'll do it again if he abuses me," I returned, hotly, for I was not yet calmed down over the recent encounter.