The boat rocked dangerously. Fred was thrown from his feet and fell headlong to the bottom of the boat. In falling his head struck one of the thwarts, so stunning him that he was unable to move.
“Separate ’em, Grant!” cried John. “Stop that fight!”
Grant threw himself upon the contestants and tried to pinion Sam’s arms behind his back. The negro and the sailor were both powerful men, however, and Grant was thrown violently backward as though he had been a mere fly. George caught him just in time to prevent his going overboard.
“I can’t stop them,” he gasped.
“Hit him on the head,” cried John. “Do anything. Make ’em stop. Here, let me get down there,” he begged.
“Sit down,” shouted George. “Sit down, John, or you’ll have us all upset.”
“No, I won’t, either. Let me get by.”
“Sit down, String,” begged Grant. “Keep your seat.”
“Take this oar, then,” cried John. “Hit that coon on the head with it.”
“It’s too big,” exclaimed Grant. “Give me something smaller and I’ll hit him all right.”