tter not disturb them, Lesher. They are mighty stiff-necked
since they landed here."

"What do you mean?"

"They gave me to understand yesterday that they were going to run
things to suit themselves. They are not going to let us interfere in
anything."

"I like that!" The mate yawned again, rose, and stretched himself.
"Baxter, do you know where they keep the liquor?"

"No."

"I'm bound to have what I want. Didn't it all come from the Golden
Wave, and aint I the first mate of that craft?"

"To be sure you are, Lesher."

"They can't make me take a back seat," went on the mate. His head
was still far from clear.

"I told them that you were second in command--Captain Blossom being
first--but they wouldn't listen. They said they were on land, and
you didn't count."

"Don't I count!" cried Jack Lesher, his blood-shot eyes taking on an
ugly look. "I'll show 'em!"

Just then old Jerry came from the house. Jack Lesher staggered toward
him.

"Ahoy there!" he called out.

"What do you want, Mr. Lesher?" questioned old Jerry, and touched
his forelock.

"Bring me some liquor, and be quick about it."

"I haven't any liquor."

"What's that?"

"I said I haven't any liquor."

"Aint there any more liquor ashore?"

"If there is, I don't know where it is."

"Then find out, and be quick about it, or I'll give you the rope's-end!"
roared the unreasonable mate.

The loud talking aroused Dick, and he soon came out.

"What's the matter here?" he asked. "Oh, so you have woke up," he
went on to Jack Lesher.

"Yes, I'm awake, Rover. And I want to know where the liquor has been
placed."

"It's been placed where you won't get hold of it, Mr. Lesher."

"What! This to me!" yelled the mate, in fury. "To me, the first mate!"

"A first mate doesn't count for anything here. This is a private
camp, and if you don't behave yourself we'll pitch you out of it."

"You--you--" Jack Lesher could not go on, and shook his fist in Dick's
face.

"I told you what they intended to do," whispered Dan Baxter in
Lesher's ear. "They have the upper hand and mean to keep it. But
don't forget that we have nine sailors in our camp to back us up,"
he went on suggestively.

"Don't grow abusive, Mr. Lesher," said Dick as calmly as he could.
"Just think the matter over. It may save a good deal of trouble."

"I don't have to think it over!" bellowed the mate. "During Cap'n
Blossom's absence I am in command, just as much as if we were on t