“That makes you mad, eh?” grinned his host.
“What are you driving at?” cried Dick angrily. “If you’ve got anything to say, say it and get done.”
“Well, I’ve got an offer to make,” replied Taylor softly. “I’ll go back to work and bring three, possibly four, good fellows with me, and do all I can for the success of the crew, if——”
“If what?”
“If you’ll resign from the captaincy.”
Dick stared at the other for a moment in speechless amaze. For the first time a full understanding of Taylor’s conspiracy came to him; but even then he could scarcely believe that the other was in earnest.
“But—how would that help you?” he gasped.
“I should get the captaincy, because according to the bargain you would promise to do all you could to help me get it. Well, what do you say?”
Dick jumped up and stared angrily at the other’s smiling, imperturbable face.
“I say no! I say you’re a mean, contemptible scoundrel, Taylor. And I’ve heard enough; you make me sick!” He buttoned his coat with fingers that trembled despite him, and strode to the door. Taylor’s face was flushed, and he arose and took a step after him. Then he stopped and, seemingly with an effort, laughed harshly.