Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/44

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CHAPTER IV


IMPLIED ACCUSATION


Frank Simpson was the first to take definite action. He looked sharply at the man, as the latter gave the surprising information about trophies, and then, In a low voice, said to his companions in the barge:

"Let's go ashore, fellows."

"What for; to be insulted again? " asked Tom. "I'm not going to stand for that fellow's insinuations. Who is he, anyhow?"

"I don't know," answered Frank, "and for the very same reason that I, neither, do not intend to stand for any imputation, I want to go ashore. Give way!"

They urged their heavy craft shoreward.

"They are certainly gone," went on the man, as he continued to rummage about In the wreckage of his boat. "And it means a big loss to me. If you boys were here——"

"Say, just hold on a minute, my friend," interrupted Frank, in that cool way of his. "Just go

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