Old Sile Stringer sat up and looked around with a quizzical smile. Then he remarked, "I suspicioned he was going to act that 'ere way. I've know'd 'im since he was a kid, an' I ain't never know'd a day when Bill didn't speak rude to some one."
When Sam Randall and Tom Clifton walked home, they were accompanied part way by the last named youth, with whom they had made peace. Their principal topic of conversation was the strange dweller on Promontory Island.
"Let's skip over to-morrer mornin' an' see old Squeal Pressed Biscuits," suggested Sanders.
Early next morning, the boys met at the wharf, and were not particularly surprised to find "Little Bill" hanging around.
"He's brought the Dugan scowl with him, all right," observed Tommy Clifton, with a laugh.
"Sure, jest look at the mug on him," added Sanders.
"Let's get on board so as to be as far away as possible when the row starts," chimed in Sam, and his advice was followed.
Before the lines were cast off, however, "Little Bill" turned toward them.
"My eye, Sanders," he exclaimed, "I always thought you was a purty big chump, an' now I knows it. Goin' with this here crowd, now?"
"Run right along, an' warble ter Billee the Big," growled Sanders. "If I oncet git up there, I'll chase yer!"