“Hang it!” exploded Springer. “You don’t mean to sus-say that you’re not going to let the rest of us use it at all? That would be downright hoggish.”
“If I desire company in the boat,” retorted Piper, “I’ll extend an invitation. Otherwise, I, alone, will use it.”
“Kick me,” exclaimed Crane in disgust, “if I ever figgered it aout that yeou was that kind of a narrer-contracted, selfish critter! Sleuthy, yeou’re showin’ a side of your nater that makes me plumb ashamed of yeou.”
“He’s joking,” said Stone.
“I never was more serious in my life,” averred Piper.
Nor did their scorn and ridicule seem to have the least effect upon him; in spite of it he continued to caution them not to trespass. Their indignation turned to coldness, but still he was unmoved.
“I have my reasons,” he declared, “and, until I see fit to reveal them, it will be a waste of time to pester me.” After a few moments of silence he added: “Do you know, comrades, I believe I can write stories myself.”
This remark was received with an outburst of amused derision, and Piper shut up like a clam.
CHAPTER XXV.
A TERRIBLE PREDICAMENT.