"But I mean it."
"No, you don't! It is all buncombe."
"You wait and see if it is. If I can only bring Lowington down here, and see him scared out of his wits, I shall be satisfied. I shall be willing to go into the brig, then, and stay there for the rest of the cruise."
"You are a fool, Howe."
"I'm desperate."
"You shall not kindle any fire here. If you say you mean to do it, I will call Peaks at once."
"I said it, and I'll do it," said Howe, leaving the room.
His messmates followed him. The steward had left the steerage, and Howe, in order to take down the lantern, leaped upon a stool. Herman kicked it from beneath him, and he fell upon the floor.
"What do you mean by that?" demanded Howe, with clinched fists.
"Don't you touch that lantern—that's all!"