"Go on! We don't want water. Rustle up a keg of beer, will you?"
"Nothing doing."
He turned back to his task, but a moment later Boyd saw him making for the shore end of the dock, and with a few strides placed himself in his path.
"Where are you going?"
"After a drink, of course."
"You want to quit, eh?"
The man eyed him for an instant, then answered: "No! The job's all right, but I'm thirsty."
Those working near ceased their labors and gathered around, whereupon their companion addressed them.
"Say! It's a great note when a fellow can't have a drink. Come on, boys, I'll set 'em up." There was a general laugh and a forward movement of all within hearing, which Boyd checked with a rough command.
"Get back to work, all of you." But the spokesman, disregarding his words, attempted to pass, whereupon without warning Boyd knocked him down with a clean blow to the face. At this the others yelled and rushed forward, only to be met by their foreman, who had snatched a bale-hook. It was an ugly weapon, and he used it so viciously that they quickly gave him room.