Jackson swore furiously and lifted his foot to kick, but was checked by Jenkins, who said:
"And if you beat him, you may have to beat me."
Then the two men glared at and paid their respects to each other in unprintable language. Hubert hoped that they would fight hard and long, and that in the midst of it he and Ted might run away; but, as usual, the cowardice beneath Sweet Jackson's bullying exterior showed itself. He discharged much violent language, but prudently declined the contest of physical strength offered by Jenkins.
"What did you come in this swamp for, anyhow?" he demanded. "You ain't worth a cent."
"You kin find out what I'm worth if you want to," goaded Jenkins.
"Oh, shucks!" cried Jackson, with a show of vast disgust; and taking out his knife, he cut both Ted's and Hubert's bonds, intimating that he washed his hands of the consequences.
After that peace was restored, the tramp was resumed, and more rapid progress was made.
XXI
THEY landed on Deserters' Island late in the afternoon. The news of their arrival appeared to reach the camp ahead of the captive boys, for as soon as they followed the upward path through the swamp-cane to the outskirts of the familiar clearing they saw July running to meet them. The negro's smiling expressions of delight at sight of them were checked by his recollection that they were returning to captivity.