he old
sailor arose once more.

"I'll--I'll--" began Baxter, in a terrible rage. "I'll--"

"Shut up, Baxter, until we hear what they have to say," put in Tom.
"If you are not quiet, I'll give you a thumping on general principles."

"No more fighting," commanded Captain Blossom. "Dick Rover, tell us
what happened on the wreck."

Dick told his story, and then all listened to what old Jerry had to
say. In the meantime Jack Lesher arose unsteadily to his feet.

"Where is that boy?" he roared. "I'll fix him." And then he made a
movement as if to draw his pistol, but discovered that the weapon
had been taken from him.

"Who took my pistol?" he demanded.

"Be quiet, everybody," said Captain Blossom. "Lesher, there will be
no shootng here, unless I have to make an example of somebody. You
had no business to attack Dick Rover on the wreck, nor attack Jerry
Tolman, either. It was a mean thing to do. If we are to remain on
these islands together, we ought to keep friendly."

"I know my business," growled the mate.

"And I know mine, Lesher. Please remember that I am captain."

"And I am first mate."

"Your being first mate doesn't count with us," came from Tom.

"Not for a minute," added Dick. "If I had my own way, I'd pitch you
out of this camp in double-quick order."

"And Dan Baxter with him," put in Sam.

"Why cannot both of them go and live with the other sailors who were
saved?" asked Dora. "They could have their share of what is on the
wreck."

"I see you don't care for their company," said Captain Blossom. "Well,
I can't say that I blame you, miss. After this they shall keep their
distance. They can either live on the wreck or build themselves their
own house, and so can the other sailors who were saved."

"You are not my master!" cried Dan Baxter. "On these islands all are
equal."

"That may be so, but you have got to let the others alone," answered
Dick. "If you don't--"

"What will you do?"

"We'll punish you in a way you least expect."

After this there was a general talk which almost ended in another
all-around row. But the Rovers and Captain Blossom were firm, and at
last Dan Baxter and Jack Lesher said no more.

"We ought to remain on guard after this," said Dick to Tom, when they
and Sam were alone. "I don't want to trust our enemies for a single
moment."

And it was agreed that one or another should watch constantly.

The storm cleared away as suddenly as it had come, and the next
m