"Why should I?" asked John, calmly.
"Why should you? Because I'm your guardian."
"I don't think you are, Mr. Huxter."
"At any rate, you're under my charge."
"Suppose I come to the shore, what then?" asked John.
"I'll give you such a flogging that you won't dare to run away again."
"In that case," said John, smiling, "I think I'd better not come."
"You'd better come, if you know what is best for yourself."
"But I don't think a flogging would be best for me," said John, smiling again.
Mr. Huxter was excessively angry; but he saw that he was on the wrong tack. It was not easy for him to change it, for he felt too provoked; but he saw that he must do it, or give up the chance of capturing John.