"It is our ball."
"See here, Mr. Carey, we didn't mean to hit you, and we were only amusing ourselves catching," said Tom. "We have hired this yacht and we have a right to do as we please on board so long as we don't interfere with the running of the vessel. I want you to give us our ball back."
And Tom stepped up and looked the mate squarely in the eyes.
"What! you dare to dictate to me!" roared the mate, and raised his hand as if to strike Tom. He thought the youth would retreat in fear, but Tom never budged.
"I am not trying to dictate, but I have rights as well as you. I want that ball."
"You can't have it."
"If you don't give it to me I shall report the matter to Captain Barforth."
At this threat the mate glared at Tom as if he wanted to eat the boy up.
"If I give you the ball you'll be throwing it at me again," he growled.
"I didn't throw it at you. But as for catching on the deck—I shall ask the captain if that is not allowable. I am quite sure it is, so long as we do no damage."
"Going to sneak behind the captain for protection, eh?" sneered Asa Carey. He did not like
