“Get up, and try it again!” he said to Jack.
But Jack Rodman had had enough of it. The last five minutes had enlightened him considerably on the subject of Harry’s prowess, and he did not care to trust himself again in his hands. Besides, his nose was damaged, and his eye swollen, and he felt decidedly worse for the exercise he had just taken. Accordingly he intimated that he did not feel very well, and positively refused to renew the fight.
“All right!” growled Captain Brandon. “I’ve got an account to settle with the boy myself. He may not get off so easily out of my hands. Men, go back to your work.”
At the captain’s word of command the ring was broken, and the sailors returned to the duties which had been interrupted by the contest that has just been described.
“Now, you young rascal,” said Captain Brandon, menacingly, “what did you mean by that —— picture?” filling up the blank with an oath, with which I do not choose to soil this page.
“I have already told you, Captain Brandon,” said Harry, firmly, “that I had nothing to do with the drawing.”
“It’s a lie!” said the captain, hoarsely.
“It’s the truth,” repeated Harry, glancing composedly at the face of Captain Brandon, distorted with rage.
“Do you dare to contradict me?” exclaimed the captain, furiously.
“I contradict no one,” said Harry. “I only say that I had nothing to do with that picture. I did not see it till this morning, a short time before you charged me with it.”