"All right," added Oscar, as he settled himself in his seat.
But the skipper soon came to the conclusions that it was not all right. The Chesterfield barges had changed their course, and were headed for the four Beech Hill boats which had just started for home. The Dasher and the Racer were fully manned, while the Gildrock and Winooski had each only one-third of a crew.
"That's bad," said Dory, who began to be very anxious for the safety of the recaptured barges.
"I thought it might be," replied Oscar. "But I think we can give them enough of it to satisfy them in a very few minutes."
"Do you mean a fight?" asked the skipper.
"Not a hand-to-hand fight, but if either of those barges attempts to meddle with the Gildrock or the Winooski, I should run her down," answered Oscar, with a good deal of vim in his tones.
"I don't like to do anything of that kind," replied Dory, seriously. "When we smashed the Dasher yesterday, I did not intend to give her such a rap."
"I should say it would be for the Chesterfields and their new allies to elect whether you smash them or not. But they are making for the Gildrock, and of course they can easily take her from the four fellows in charge of her."
"Of course I don't mean to let them take her from our fellows," added Dory. "Keep her away; run for the Gildrock, if you please, Matt."