“Du-du-du-did he, Nel?” appealed Tom. Nelson nodded.
“Well, they look like those. Anyway, I’ll bet he’s got all our money and things in that su-su-su-su-su——”
“Suit case, Tommy,” said Nelson. “You’re welcome.”
“Well, it won’t do him any good now,” said Bob. “He won’t get it off this boat except over my dead body.”
“What became of that cheese and the crackers and things?” asked Tom suddenly.
“By Jove, that’s so!” exclaimed Bob. “We haven’t fed!”
“Well, we don’t need to eat crackers and cheese unless we want to,” said Nelson. “There’s real grub in the ice box. What do you say, Chef? Do we get anything cooked?”
“I don’t mind cooking if you’ll stay there and see that he doesn’t jump out and scalp me,” answered Tom.
Nelson promised faithfully and presently there was a subdued bustle in the “galley.” Beyond the bolted door all remained as silent as a tomb. The Vagabond and her tows were by this time within sight of the bridge.
“Coffee or tea?” asked Tom softly.