“Oh, if you’re afraid, you can stop,” I said. “Tanner and I can go.”
“Afraid!” cried Smith, doubling his fist and holding it within an inch of my nose. “Say afraid again, you miserable insect, and I’ll flatten you.”
“Couldn’t with that hand,” I said, and I caught his wrist.
“Oh, don’t! Murder!” he roared. “I say, you shouldn’t. It’s like touching one’s arm with red-hot iron.”
“Then be civil,” I said.
“Ah, only wait. I say, Tanner, our day’s coming. As soon as we’re both quite strong he has got to pay for all this, hasn’t he?”
“Oh, bother! I say, the skipper and Dishy are both going ashore to-day with an escort of Jacks and marines.”
“Are they?” I said eagerly.
“Yes; there’s some game or another on. Let’s ask leave, and take old Ching with us.”
