"Do you think Tige can watch two prisoners?" he asked of the farmer.
"Yew bet he can," answered the farmer enthusiastically, "two 'r a dozen. Why, that dorg's quicker'n chain lightnin'."
"Then," went on Matt, "just give Tige to understand that he's to watch the sailor, as well as that other Chinaman."
The farmer spoke to the dog, and the animal took up a position between Sam Wing and Bunce. The sailor tried to draw back, but Tige stopped the movement with a savage snarl and a half move as though he would bite.
"Keelhaul me!" cried Bunce. "Is this what ye call treatin' a feller white? Why, I wouldn't treat a Hottentot swab like this!"
"I've got you, Bunce," said Matt grimly, "and, no matter what becomes of Grattan and Pardo, the law won't be cheated entirely."
"What've I done that ye can send me to the brig for? Tell me that!"
"Isn't the theft of the ruby enough to send you to jail?"
"That happened in Chiny, an' we're in America now."
"Well, putting that aside, there remains the criminal work you did at the Catskill garage last night. You can be sent to the penitentiary for that, Bunce."