As a number of his followers echoed the scornful laugh, Malines felt that he had not the power to carry things with a high hand.
“Well, well,” he returned, in a tone of quiet indifference, “we shall see. It is quite clear to every one with a grain of sense that people can’t live comfortably under two masters; the people will have to decide that matter for themselves before long.”
“Ay, that will they, master,” remarked Joe Binney, in a low but significant voice. “Seems to me, however, that as we’re all agreed about goin’ over to Big Island, we’d better go about it an’ leave disputation till afterwards.”
Agreeing to this in silence, the men set about loading the boats for the first trip.
Dominick and Otto, standing on the beach, had witnessed this altercation.
“The seeds of much dissension and future trouble are there,” remarked the former.
“Unless we prevent the growth of the seed,” said Otto.
“True, but how that is to be done does not appear obvious at present. These men have strong wills and powerful frames, and each has a large following, I can see that. We must hope that among the emigrants there may be good and strong men enough to keep the crew in check.”
“Luckily two of the biggest and stoutest are also the most sensible,” said Otto.
“You mean the brothers Binney?”