"That's his business, if he don't choose to tell," argued Thad. "It don't prove that Dory is a thief because that fellow says so. We don't know any thing about that fellow."
"Do you believe that he would chase us for two days in a steamer if there wasn't something serious the matter?" asked Corny.
"Yes, if he wanted to get this boat," replied Thad.
"Well, I have had enough of this thing. Here we are cruising all over the lake with a thief, running away, and dodging a steamer sent after him; and we are getting into it as deep as he is," blustered Corny.
"Shut up, Corn Minkfield, or I'll smash your head!" exclaimed Thad, leaping to his feet, and moving towards the sceptic.
"None of that, Thad!" interposed Dory, putting his arm between the two belligerent members. "I don't want any fight over it."
The skipper put the helm up, and gybed the boat.
"What are you going to do now?" demanded Corny when Thad had resumed his seat. "I am not going to be carried all over the lake with one who is running away from the officers."
Thad sprang to his feet again, but Dory quieted him.
"I am going back to Plattsburgh to face the music," said Dory.