XXXVI.
HOW CHARLIE COMES INTO HIS FORTUNE.
Probably there were no two persons then living whom Randall at that moment cared less about seeing than Bill Sturdy and our hero. Though astonished beyond expression to see them there, his position was too critical to allow him to waste time in giving expression to his surprise.
"Let me go, you scoundrel!" he exclaimed, making a desperate effort to elude Bill's grasp.
He might as well have striven to tear himself from the grasp of a lion.
"Not so fast, Mr. Randall," said Bill Sturdy.
"You mutinous scoundrel!" hissed the mate.
"You forget," said his captor, coolly, "that we are not now on the quarter-deck. Here I am your equal, Mr. Randall, and perhaps you may find me a little ahead."
"Let me go, if you know what is best for yourself," ejaculated Randall, almost foaming at the mouth.
"If you know what is best for yourself," said Bill composedly, "I would advise you to be quiet."