Sam Holly, who was a thick-set, heavy-looking fellow, turned to Mont. "I have had enough of this nonsense. Do you mean to do your work or not?"
"Certainly not; do it yourself."
"Do you want a good hiding?"
"You can't give it to me."
"I can try, can't I?" said Holly.
"So can any other fool; but it doesn't follow he will do it."
"Look here, I've been two voyages before this. You're a green hand compared to me, and I'm boss here. We are short-handed. Do the work, and I'll make things easy for you; if not, it will be worse for you."
"I'll chance that," said Mont.
"Do you mean to risk a sound thrashing?"
"Oh, yes, I'm game for a rough-and-tumble. It's sure to come sooner or later, and we may as well get it over at once."