“Look here,” he cried, “I daresay I can steer you a bit with this.”
But his act only increased the annoyance of Distin, who had been nursing his rage, and trying to fit the cause in some way upon Vane.
“Put that thing down, idiot!” he cried, fiercely, “and sit still in the boat. Do you think I am going to be made the laughing-stock of everybody by your insane antics?”
“Oh, all right, Colonist,” said Macey, good-humouredly; “only some people would put the pole down on your head for calling ’em idiots.”
“What!” roared Distin; “do you dare to threaten me?”
“Oh, dear, no, sir. I beg your pardon, sir. I’m very sorry, sir. I didn’t come for to go for to—”
“Clown!” cried Distin, contemptuously.
“Oh, I say, Vane, we are having a jolly ride,” whispered Macey, but loud enough for Distin to hear, and the Creole’s dark eyes flashed at them.
“I say, Distin,” said Gilmore in a remonstrant growl, “don’t be so precious peppery about nothing. Aleck didn’t mean any harm.”
“That’s right! Take his part,” cried Distin, making the water foam, as he pulled hard. “You fellows form a regular