Mr. Carleton, setting down the lantern, emerged from the cabin.
“I really must apologize,” he said, coolly. “I simply couldn’t wait—”
“Yes, but you could wait!” Harvey broke in, hotly, and advancing toward Mr. Carleton. “It’s no way to do, to sneak out here in the night and smash our things.”
“See here, young man,” exclaimed Mr. Carleton, himself warming a little, though his voice was calm and modulated, “I wouldn’t try to threaten me, if I was you, don’t you know. I might get angry, too. I—”
“Do it!” cried Harvey, excitedly. “Get angry. I’d just like to have you. Just give us a chance and see what happens.”
“And what might that be?” demanded Mr. Carleton, sharply.
“I’ll tell you,” replied Harvey. “We’ll throw you overboard. Say, fellows, won’t we?”
“We certainly will,” answered Henry Burns, calmly.
“Say the word, Jack,” said Bob.
The four boys approached Mr. Carleton. He eyed them for a moment threateningly. They were certainly sturdy opponents. And that his intended threat had been without avail, and that they were thoroughly fearless and ready to act, there could be no doubt. Mr. Carleton’s demeanour altered.