“You don’t need any guard on the boat,” he protested. “I don’t want to go
ashore. Leave me here and I’ll be all the guard necessary.”

“We’re all going ashore,” Jack replied.

“But I haven’t any money to spend ashore,” objected Truax.

“I’ll let you have ten dollars on account, then,” replied Jack, who was
well supplied with money, thanks to a draft received from Jacob Farnum.

“I don’t want to go ashore, anyway.”

“I’m sorry, Truax, but it doesn’t really make any difference. The boat
will be closed up tight, and there wouldn’t be any place for you to stay,
except on the platform deck.”

“You’re not treating me fairly,” protested Sam Truax, indignantly.

“I’m sorry you think so. Still, if you’re not satisfied, all I can do is
to pay you off to date. Then you can go where you please.”

“I’m here by David Pollard’s order. Do you forget that?”

“He sent you along to us, true,” admitted Jack, “but I have instructions
from Mr. Farnum to dismiss anyone whose work on board I don’t like. Now,
Truax, you’re a competent enough man in the engine room, and there’s no
sense in having to let you go. You’re well paid, and can afford the time
on shore. I wouldn’t make any more fuss about this, but do as the rest of
us are going to do.”