CHAPTER XII. TOM TOPOVER HAS REASON TO BE ASTONISHED.
Tom Topover was a stout and wiry fellow, and he had the reputation of being the greatest fighting character in Genverres. He made a quarrel whenever he could, and he had proved a handful to several men who had been called upon to tackle him in some of his marauding exploits. With this reputation he was afraid of no one though a village policeman declared that there was more bully than fight in him.
Dory Dornwood wondered that Tom had taken the trouble to ask permission to use the boats; but as he had done so, and done it in a respectful manner, it was his duty to answer him; and the circumstances made it a very disagreeable duty. The coxswain was not a "bruiser," and he had no taste for pugilism, though, if attacked or assaulted, he was a very vigorous opponent.
"Those boats belong to Captain Gildrock," replied Dory to the request of the Topover.
"I know that, but you fellers takes care on 'em, and we only want to use 'em a few minutes while you ain't in 'em," continued Tom, in a very pliable manner for him. "We won't hurt 'em a mite, and we'll fetch 'em back jest as soon as you fellers want 'em!"
"The boats don't belong to me, and I have no right to lend them," added Dory, with a pleasant smile to soften his refusal.
"The cap'n won't say nothin' if you just let us take one of the boats for a few minutes," pleaded Tom. "You needn't tell him, and he won't know nothin' about it."
"I have no right to lend the boat, and I can't do it," persisted Dory, who had no confidence in the statements or the promises of the Topover.
"What's the reason you can't?" demanded Tom, with a little more vigor in his tones.