The men were a brutal and powerful lot. Every one showed the
effect of the night which he had spent in the bar-room. The boys
were powerless to compel them to leave the boat if they did not
choose to do so.

The predicament in which the Go Ahead boys now found themselves
seemed to appeal strongly to the men on board. They laughed
loudly and the leader who had spoken before, said, "Why don't you
come on board? If this boat is yours all you have to do is to
come and take it."

"It is, all right. That is our boat," said Fred.

"If you don't get out I shall have to get some one to put you
out."

"Don't be so unkind, mister," retorted the leader, while his
companions again united in a shout of glee. "There aren't many
men around this place that will want to undertake that job. If
you would really like to have us go ashore it seems to me the
best plan would be for you to come and throw us out."

Once more the unwelcome guests laughed loudly at the words of
their leader, while the confusion among the Go Ahead boys became
more marked.

Withdrawing a few feet from the bank Fred called his companions
about him and in low tones they discussed the course of action
which they ought to follow.