Percival bore down upon this group. He wasted no time in getting to the point.
“We've been at work for two days out there, gentlemen, and up to date not one of you has turned to with the rest of us. The understanding was that—”
Mr. Landover whirled on him, white with anger. “That will do!” he exclaimed. “Clear out! I do not intend to allow any such riff-raff as you to order me to—Oh, pray do not be alarmed, ladies! This rowdy is not likely to assault me. Nothing will happen, I assure you. Clear out, you bum,—do you hear me?”
Percival was smiling. “I wish you wouldn't interrupt me, Mr. Landover. As I was saying, it was understood that every man on this ship who is well enough to—”
“Can't you see that there are ladies present? Haven't you an atom of decency about you?”
“—understood that every man on this ship was to do his share of the work laid out. I owe these ladies an apology for reminding you in their presence that the boats are leaving for shore and that if you do not get off in the next relay you will be compelled to swim to that landing over there,—and I doubt very much whether any of you can make it.”
“Wha-what's that?” demanded Mr. Block.
Mr. Landover was speechless. A hard glitter came to Percival's eyes, the smile left his lips.
“You heard what I said, Mr. Block. I'll make it plainer, however. If you men don't get into the next boat leaving this ship, I'm going to have you thrown overboard and made to swim to your work. I regret exceedingly, ladies, that I have been obliged to resort to harsh words in your presence, but time is so precious that I can't afford to give them a private audience.”
“Oh, my goodness gracious!” cried Mrs. Block, twisting her fat hands in an agony of alarm. “Maybe you better go, Moses. You vas nearly drownded twice yet in pool at White Sulphur.”