But the boys were not so considerate, and Tom laughed outright when
he caught sight of Baxter swabbing up some dirt on the rear deck.
This made the bully's passion arise on the instant and he caught up
his bucket as if to throw it at Tom's head.
"Don't you dare, Baxter!" cried Tom. "If you do we'll have a red-hot
war."
"I can lick you, Tom Rover!"
"Perhaps you can and perhaps you can't."
Baxter put up his fists, but on the approach of Dick and Sam he
promptly retreated. But before he went he hissed in Tom's ear:
"You wait, and see what I do!"
"He had better keep his distance," said Dick. "If he doesn't, somebody
will get hurt."
"I suppose it galls him to work," said Sam. "He always was rather lazy."
The day proved a nice one, and the Rover boys spent most of the time
with the three girls, who were glad of their company once more.
All speculated on the question of what had become of the Tacoma, and
of what the folks at home would think concerning their prolonged absence.
"I'd give a good deal to send a message home," said Dick.
"We must cable as soon as we reach shore," added Dora.
They saw but little of Dan Baxter during the day and nothing whatever
of him the day following.
"He is trying to avoid us," said Sam. "Well, I am just as well
satisfied."
Through old Jerry they learned that Baxter hated the work given to
him and that he was being favored a little by the first mate.
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