gleam in his closely-set eyes as he thrust one hand into his pocket and
drew it out directly.

"Here, I don't want to quarrel along o' you," he said sharply. "Go and
tell him I want him, and he must come."

"Sha'n't," said Tom coolly. "Who are you ordering about? This here
ain't aboard ship."

"It would be okkard fur yew, boy, if it weer board ship," snarled the
skipper, going close up and thrusting his ugly face almost in Tom's.
"Yew just do as I tell yew, my lad, 'fore it's worse for yew. Guess I
don't want to quarrel."

"And guess I don't want to quarrel with you," said Tom; "though I allus
have felt as if I should like to whack a sailor."

The man's hand went to his pocket again, but in spite of his furious
glances Tom did not for a moment quail, giving him back again look for
look.

"Guess it 'll be the worse for yew, stranger," said the skipper, "if you
don't go and fetch out that theer fellow o' yourn."

"Guess it 'll be the worse for you, skipper, if you get shoving that
sharp nose o' yours in my face," said Tom. "You ain't skretched me with
it yet, but if you do, ware hawk!"

The man's face was a study. He wanted evidently to seize Tom and thrust
him aside, but there was something so solid and muscular about Tom's
body, and something so hard and bull-like about Tom's head, that few
people would have cared to tackle him; and certainly, seeing how
determined he was, the skipper did not feel disposed.

"Here, hi! you Englisher," shouted the fellow, "come out. I want a word
with you."

"I say, don't make that row front of our house," said Tom. "There's
ladies here; and if you do it again I shall have to do what they does at
home with noisy people--move you on."

The skipper made a menacing movement towards Tom, and I was ready to go
to his assistance, but Tom did not stir, only clenched his hand slowly
in so ominous a manner that the skipper went no farther, but turned and
advanced to his companion, before again approaching my faithful
companion.

"Now, look ye here, mister," said the skipper. "I don't want to hurt
you, so just you either get out o' the way or fetch your boss."

"If you don't get out," said Tom slowly, "I shall have to make you.
Mas'r Harry don't want no trade with you at all, so s'pose you be off
while your shoes are good."

"I will be off," said the skipper with a snarl, "and bring them here as
will open some of your eyes a bit, and them chesties too."

Then saying so