“Jerry was in a terrible stew,” continued Hal. “He was crazy to go, and was afraid of Mac. He compromised by lyin’ to Mac, and, last night, he hid in the schooner.”
“What are you afraid of, Jerry?” asked Bob sharply facing the embarrassed Jerry again.
“Ah’s ’fraid Mac done see me on de boat jes now,” almost blubbered the colored boy.
“Well, what if he did? How is he goin’ to harm you, even if he wants to?”
“Yo’ all know what Mac done say he gwine do to de club?” asked Jerry in what was almost an awed whisper.
“I know he’s full of wind,” answered Bob. “But what did he say?”
“He done say de cabin is much his as yo’ alls. An’ he done make his boas’ dat he gwine right to de cabin hissef an’ take up his lodgin’ dar, and ef any one try put him out, he gwine lam him biff on de jaw. Das what he’s a boas’in’. An’ he say ef he cotch me gwine dar, he goin’ break my haid.”
Bob snorted with indignation. The other boys seemed to take Mac’s threats more to heart.
“I guess we can take care of ourselves and you too Jerry,” answered Tom valiantly.