"Will calling them all these names wipe out the insult?" asked the dignified coxswain; but it should be said, to his credit, that he was dignified only when he was discussing great moral questions as the officer in command of the barge.
"We shall get even with them in that way," answered Ben Ludlow.
"If one of them should steal your watch, Ben, it would make him a thief—would it not?"
"No doubt of that."
"Then you would steal his watch, and thus get even with him, would you?" continued Dory, pressing his point with vigor.
"I don't say that I would," replied Ben.
"You would certainly get even with him in that way. I should like to have you answer the question, Ben."
"I should serve him right if I did steal his watch after he had taken mine," replied the cornered oarsman.
"That don't answer the question, and, after what you say, I must take it for granted that you would steal his watch."