“It will be paid you at Rouen, fool,” said the other.
“I shall not be there to receive it,” snarled the other. “I will have it here, or nowhere.”
“What, you will dare to desert! It is treason against the Republic whom we serve. I will denounce you.”
“Idiot, I defy you,” exclaimed the man, stripping off his jersey and flinging his red cap on the deck. “I spit on your Republic which does not pay its debts!”
“I promise you shall receive all arrears at Rouen,” replied the other. “I am under penalties to reach Havre in a week.”
The mutineer laughed savagely.
“Pay me what you owe me, and you shall reach it.”
“At Rouen,” persisted the skipper.
“No! here, I tell you.”
The skipper’s reply was to make a grab at his companion, who, however, was quick enough to elude him and jump ashore.