At once a wordy war ensued between the Baxters and the owner of the schooner. What it was about Dick and Peterson could not make out, although they realized that it concerned Tom and Sam.
"Your men are a set of doughheads," cried Arnold Baxter. "They are to be trusted with nothing."
"Never mind, we'll come out ahead anyway," retorted Captain Langless.
"I reckon you've been tripped up yourself before this."
"I warned you to be careful."
"It wasn't my fault."
"What's to do now?" put in Dan Baxter. "Shall we stay on the island, dad?"
"Certainly," grumbled Arnold Baxter. "But I don't know exactly what to do," and the man scratched his head in perplexity.
"Let us go up to the cave."
"That won't do you any good," growled Captain Langless. "I know what I am going to do."
"What?"