Dory looked at the bully once, and then took a leisure survey of the lake ahead, and of the sails of the schooner.
“I spoke to you, Dory Dornwood: didn’t you hear me?” demanded Oscar in savage tones.
“I heard all you said. I have nothing to say in reply,” answered the cool skipper.
“I spoke to you, and you will answer me, or take the consequences,” added Oscar. “I am not a spring chicken, as you took me to be. I said that you had insulted me, and pitched me into the lake. Do you confess that you have done so?”
“I don’t confess any thing. I am in charge of this boat, and responsible for the lives of those in her,” replied Dory quietly. “I don’t care to talk about the matter you have brought up, just now. When we get to Beech Hill I will answer your questions, and we will settle the matter if there is any thing to settle; though I would rather have you fix it up with Captain Gildrock.”
“That won’t do! I settle for an insult on the spot!” stormed Oscar. He rose from his seat, and with clinched fists approached the skipper.
“We are close to the land!” shouted one of the boys forward.
“I don’t care where we are! We settle this matter here and now,” said Oscar, making a slight movement forward.
“Come, come!” interposed Bolingbroke. “This thing has gone far enough, Oscar. Don’t you see
that Dory is the skipper of the boat, and that we can’t do any thing without him? Let him alone, and he says he will make it right with you when we get ashore.”