"You'll not get a cent out of me," said Captain Hadley, firmly. "This accident was clearly of your own making. We gave you plenty of room, but you turned directly into our course twice. Be thankful that you weren't ground up under the paddle-wheel."
"Yes, and be thankful that Randy Thompson threw you a life preserver," put in Jones.
At the mention of our hero's name Bob Bangs looked around in surprise. He had not noticed Randy before.
"What, you here!" he exclaimed and did not seem particularly happy over the meeting.
"I am," answered Randy.
"Did you throw out that line with the preserver?" asked the captain.
"I did, sir," and Randy touched his cap.
"I am glad to know it," and the captain's face showed his appreciation of Randy's prompt action.
"What are you doing here—in that outfit?" asked Bob Bangs, curiously.
"I am a deckhand on this steamboat."