“Insolence!” fumed Mr. Willitoft.
Stogumber jerked his chin at John, who went to him, a good deal of amusement in his face.
“We don’t want no trouble with this Willipop,” said Stogumber, in an undervoice. “You leave me take him up to the Blue Boar, Capting! I’ll have to tell him what made you stop on here like you have done, but you won’t care for that, I daresay.”
“Not a bit! I shall be much obliged to you if you take him away. He’s a tiresome fellow!”
Mr. Stogumber nodded, and addressed himself to Mr. Willitoft. “It’s me as is answerable for the Capting here staying to mind the pike, and very helpful he’s been. If you was to come along o’ me to my temp’ry headquarters, which is the inn up the road, I’ll tell you what’ll make you take a very different view of this business, Mr. Willipop.”
“My name,” said the incensed Mr. Willitoft, “is not Willipop but Willitoft! And I will not under any circumstances permit this person to remain in charge of the gate!”
“If you mean me,” said the Captain, “I can’t remain in charge of it. I’m leaving it today—immediately, in fact!”
This unexpected announcement threw Mr. Willitoft off his balance. “You cannot walk off and leave the gate unattended!” he said indignantly.
“Not only can, but will,” said John cheerfully.
“But this goes beyond everything! Upon my soul, such effrontery I never thought to meet with! You will stay until the trustees appoint a man in Brean’s place!”