While Briant gave utterance to these liberal invitations, he performed a species of revolving dance, and flourished his enormous fists in so ludicrous a manner, that despite the serious nature of the fray the two parties were likely to be speedily engaged in, his comrades could not restrain their laughter.
“Go it, Pat!” cried one.
“True blue!” shouted another.
“Silence!” cried Captain Dunning, in a voice that enforced obedience. “Get into the canoe, Briant.”
“Och! capting,” exclaimed the wrathful Irishman, reproachfully, “sure ye wouldn’t spile the fun?”
“Go to the canoe, sir.”
“Ah! capting dear, jist wan round!”
“Go to the canoe, I say.”
“I’ll do it all in four minits an’ wan quarter, av ye’ll only shut yer eyes,” pleaded Phil.
“Obey orders, will you?” cried the captain, in a voice there was no mistaking.