“Ah, the plot thickens,” said Bates.
“Redfern, bring that mud-scow further inshore,” went on the Colonel, sharply.
“George is not on board; my word must be sufficient.”
Colonel Ellison stared at the speaker in unconcealed astonishment. He had felt a sort of grim triumph in the thought of forcing the mild-mannered young man to execute his commands. But something of the spirit of Jack Lyons seemed to have been aroused within Norman Redfern, and he returned his former employer’s gaze unflinchingly.
“You absolutely defy me, then?” cried the Colonel, furiously.
“Oh, he’s a sly one,” said Bates. “The water’s deep enough here; you mustn’t let him fool you, sir.”
“And he won’t. Once more, Redfern, will you bring that boat close ashore?”
“You can come over in the dory.”
“A nice way to talk,” said Bates. “But don’t get in a cranky little boat like that, sir. Not one of us would think of risking it; you’d be upset sure—hello! Didn’t I hear a sound inside the boat—listen!”
Sure enough; something had evidently dropped to the floor; then came a repetition of the sound.