CHAPTER XX 

THE MATE TRIES TO TAKE COMMAND 

The fight had taken place around a bend of the shore, so that it was not observed by old Jerry and the girls. But when Dick got back to camp Dora at once noticed that something unusual had happened. 

"What is wrong, Dick?" she asked. 

"Oh, nothing much, Dora. I merely made Dan Baxter promise to keep his distance in the future." 

"Did you have a fight?" 

"It didn't amount to much. He had to give in pretty quickly." 

"Oh, Dick!" She caught his arm. 

"I won't have him annoying you, or the others, Dora." 

"You are so good!" she whispered. 

Supper was ready, and they sat down, leaving Jack Lesher still in the hammock. They had nearly finished when Dan Baxter came shuffling along. 

"Do you want some supper?" asked Dick. "If you do, come on." 

"I don't want anything more to-night," growled the bully, and sat down beside Jack Lesher. 

It was rather an uncomfortable evening. The thoughts of each of the party were busy. At the first opportunity Dick called old Jerry to one side. 

"Jerry, we must watch those two fellows closely," he said. 

"Right ye are, Dick." 

"I am afraid Lesher will be ugly when he wakes up." 

"More'n likely, lad--he always was on board ship. The drink gives him an awful temper." 

"I am, going to put the liquor where he can't get it." 

"He'll make ye give it to him." 

"Will he? Just you wait and see," replied Dick firmly. 
Who lounged in the hammock?
Supper was ready, and they sat down, leaving Jack Lesher still in the hammock