“Yes, I can; I won’t hold the rope.”
“Then I’ll go without.”
“Why, there’ll be no one to pull you back if you get stuck.”
“I don’t care; I’ll go all the same.”
“Then you are a coward,” cried the middy, triumphantly.
“Mind what you’re about,” said Aleck, hotly. “Don’t you say that again.”
“Yes, I will. You’re a coward, for you’re going to try and swim out, and leave your comrade, who daren’t do it, alone here to die.”
“Didn’t think of that,” said Aleck. “There, I won’t try to go now; so don’t be frightened.”
“What!”
Aleck burst out laughing.