"You're going to do as I tell you. Get alongside."
Kinky, unfortunately for Matt, had the weaker will of the two. He was plainly afraid of Ross, and the latter could bullyrag him into doing anything.
As the rowboat came up, Ross leaned over and grabbed the painter. Securing the end of it to the driver's seat of the launch, he stepped back into the stern, struck a match, and dropped it into the heap of waste.
A fire leaped upward instantly, and a yell of consternation broke from Kinky.
"Ross, you're mad! You want to make a swinging job of this for both of us, I guess. Put out that blaze or I'll put it out myself."
Ross did not reply. Hastening forward again, he started the motor, and the Sprite began driving ahead, hauling the rowboat with it.
"This course, Motor Matt," said Ross, "will carry you direct to Maple Bluff. I hope you'll have a comfortable landing. Good-by, and good luck to you! Have I paid my debts? Think it over."
Whirling swiftly, Ross clambered into the rowboat.
"I'll not stand for this!" yelled Kinky. "This may be your idea of paying your debts, but——"
Ross pushed Kinky backward, sending him sprawling across the 'midships thwart.