“Sometimes things are different from what they are at other times.”
“All right,” said Chap. “Those rascals are out of sight and reach now, and I’ll be as peaceable as anybody; but if ever I get within three feet of them, things will be different.”
And here the conversation on the subject closed.
“I think you are right, Adam,” said Phil. “It wouldn’t be safe to let those fellows have their guns till we are off this river. They were very angry when we made them go away without them.”
After some further conversation, it was agreed that, although it was very desirable to rid themselves of the companionship of the Maggie and her occupants, it would be wise to keep the guns taken from the boat-thieves until they reached Titusville.
They had, perhaps, no legal right to do this; but they felt that, on general principles of justice, they had a right to protect their lives, and that this was the way to do it.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE CHANNEL-BASS.
The stop at Cooper’s store was not a long one. After buying some articles of food that they needed, not forgetting a good supply of condensed milk for the little bears, they set sail again.
As this was a post-office, the boys had inquired for letters. They had no reason to expect any, and they got none; but each of them bought a postal-card and mailed a brief message to his family.