"Don't give up the clothes!" yelled the crew.
"If you fellows are going to do the talking I have nothing to say, and I shall follow the example of Wash Barker," added Mad Twinker; and he plainly sympathized with his fellow coxswain who had resigned.
The Chesterfields did not like this answer, and they looked at one another with something like dismay on their faces.
"Go ahead, Mad! We won't say another word," said the stroke oarsman. The others made no promises, but for the time they were silent.
"I am waiting for your answer, Mr. Twinker," said Dory, when he thought it was time for the officer of the Racer to speak.
"Suppose I decline to return them," replied Mad, who found it necessary to say something, though it was clear that he had not decided what to say. "What then?"
"I don't care to consider any question but the return of the clothes," replied Dory.
"Our fellows are not ready to return your clothes, after the insults you have heaped upon us," answered Mad Twinker; and this answer was followed by a clapping of hands.
"Am I to understand that you refuse to return our property?" asked Dory gently but forcibly.
"We will compromise the matter if you like," suggested Mad Twinker, who did not like the cool manner of the coxswain of the Winooski. "If you will apologize for the insults heaped upon us, we will return the garments in as good condition as when they were taken."