"Ha! do you dare to threaten me?" burst out Slogwell Brown in amazement.
"You heard what I said."
"Every one of you keep away from here," put in Randy.
"See here, Rover!" commenced Asa Lemm. "This is outrageous! We own this island, and we intend to take possession."
"Whether you own it or not, you are not going to take possession of anything until after Mr. Stevenson gets here," answered Jack, as calmly as he could. "I don't know anything about your claim. As far as I do know, Mr. Stevenson is the owner of this place. He left us in charge when he went away, and we are going to remain in charge until he gets back."
"Huh! do you think we're going to stay out in this cold?" grumbled Slugger.
"I don't care what you do," answered Jack. "You can't come into either of these cabins—and that's final!"
"We'll see about that!" stormed Nappy, and advanced several steps.
"Get back there," ordered Jack sternly, and made a movement as if to raise his rifle.
"Stop! Stop! Don't shoot!" yelled Asa Lemm, in sudden fright. "Keep back, boys, or they'll certainly shoot at us!" and he began to retreat.