“The boat now belongs to me!” one of the river thieves shouted, waving his arms in the air. “I take it as abandoned property.”
“We’ll soon show you!” Alex shouted back.
“Go chase yourself!” shouted Jule. The rowboat kept steadily on her course toward the Rambler and some of the more timid of the occupants of the deck began climbing over the rail, but others stood their ground, making a display of firearms.
The boys were all armed now, Case having thoughtfully provided himself with arms for all, and for a moment it looked serious. When the boats touched, however, the Rambler was abandoned by those who had taken possession of her and not a shot was fired.
“Had a little mix-up?” asked Case.
“It looked serious about the time you arrived,” Clay responded. “They had us cooped up in the cabin, and there is no knowing what would have happened if you had not come.”
“Now,” said Alex, “suppose we celebrate with a good, square, all-to-the-good meal! It seems about a month since I had anything to eat.”
“You’re always hungry,” commented Case.
“Always hungry!” responded Alex. “Look here! If you get up without going to bed, and butt into a crowd of river thieves, and come near having your feet burned off, wouldn’t that make you hungry? I’ll bet you it would!”
All this time the men on the shore had been shaking their fists and shouting out oaths and cuss words.