"None of your business."
"Thank you." Baxter put on a bold front. "I'm going to report you for running into us, just the same."
"Not much, you won't!" came from the launch. There were a few hurried words spoken in a whisper, and then a boat-hook was thrown on the Dora and a man leaped aboard and tied fast.
"Who is in command here?" he demanded, confronting Baxter and Flapp.
"I am," answered Baxter.
"Is she your houseboat?"
"Yes."
"Where are you bound?"
"Down to the Mississippi. But what is that to you?"
"How many of you on board of this craft?" went on the man, ignoring altogether the last question.