“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 morning the sun shone as brightly as ever.

When Baxter and Lesher came to breakfast both were sullen.  The mate had wanted more liquor, but Captain Blossom had refused to give him more than a single glass.

“You had better return to the others at once,” said the captain.  “Tell them they can come over here, and then we will make arrangements as to how all hands shall live until some ship comes to take us away.”