"A threat!" he said. "No, no, Mr. Roland. I am an unarmed man, you are armed, and everyone is on your side. But I repeat, my time will come to clear my character; that is all.
"So be it, Mr. Peter."
And the man retired to his tent breathing black curses deep though not aloud.
"I've had enough of this," he told himself. "And escape that young cub's tyranny I must and shall, even should I die in my tracks. Curse them all!"
————
Next day a deal of towing was required, for the river was running fierce and strong, and swirling in angry eddies and dangerous maelstroms even close to the bank.
This towing was tiresome work, and although all hands bent to it, half a mile an hour was their highest record.
But now they neared the terrible rapids of Antonio, and once more a halt was called for the night, in order that all might be fresh and strong to negotiate these torrents.
Next day they set to work.
All the cargo had to be got on shore, and a few armed men were left to guard it. Then the empty boats were towed up.