Dory secured the peak halyard without paying any attention to the shout of the skipper. When he had put on the half hitch, he went aft again.
"Let the sail down just as quick as you can!" yelled Bissell.
"I think not," replied Dory quietly.
"If you don't, I shall lower it myself. I can't stand this!" added the frightened skipper.
"This boat belongs to you, Mr. Bissell, and you can do what you please with her, and I shall not quarrel with you about it. If you don't want any assistance, Paul and I will return to the barge."
"But I don't want anybody to sink her," protested the skipper.
"I shall not sink her; but it is all nonsense to think of baling her out while she is in the trough of the sea, shipping water as fast or faster than you can throw it out. I am not willing that Paul should wear himself out for nothing."
"That's the only way to keep her from sinking."
"You have a perfect right to your own opinion, as I have to mine. I am confident that I can get the sloop out of this scrape, if you will allow me to do it; if not, Paul and I will return to the barges."
"But I want you to help bale out the boat. She will sink if the water rises any higher in her," the skipper insisted.