"It would be cruel of you to do such a thing, Hawlinshed." "I know it would, and I shall not do it unless you compel me to act in self-defence." "Where is this thing to end?" demanded Peppers in a disgusted tone of voice. "Somewhere up in Canada, I guess," replied Pearl. "I don't believe it will end before we get there, and I think we shall be over the line some time to-night." "Then you intend to take us into Canada, Hawlinshed?" "Yes: unless we can make some better arrangement. If you prefer to land at some point on Grand Island, I think we could fix it so as to accommodate you." "How can we fix it?" asked Peppers rather anxiously. "I have been thinking the matter over, and I believe I have a plan by which I might safely oblige you," said Pearl. "I have concluded not to go back to Plattsburgh: in fact, I don't believe I should be comfortable and happy there." "I don't believe you would," added the officer significantly. "We should be apt to make it warm for you." "Why so, Peppers? You and I have always been good friends, and we never quarrelled. Why should we now?" "We shouldn't, and I don't intend to quarrel with you. But in my private opinion you will spend the greater part of the rest of your days within the stone walls." "I don't intend to do any thing of the sort; and I don't believe I shall, if I only take good care of you while I have you as a passenger." "But how can we fix this matter?" inquired the officer. "If you will put your hands behind you, and then put them out through that hole you have made, I will fasten them together, as I have Dory Dornwood's. I will do the same with your roommate; and then I will land all three of you at Wilcox Cove, or some other good place. How does this plan strike you?" "It don't strike me at all," protested Dory. "I won't agree to it." "But, my dear little Bantam, I didn't ask you to agree to it. Your hands are already tied behind you; and, when I have done with you, I shall throw you overboard, if that happens to be the most convenient way to get rid of you. I was speaking to Mr. Peppers, whose hands are not yet tied behind him; and you should not interrupt the conversation of those who are older and wiser than you are." "I don't agree to the plan. We will turn in and go to sleep, and you can take us where you please; but you will find in the end that this world isn't big enough to hide you from me," replied Peppers. "Just as you please, Peppers. We shall not quarrel about a little matter like this. I suppose you came over after me. Allow me to suggest that you haven't stated the nature of your business with me," continued Pearl gayly in appearance, though Dory could see that he did not feel half so chipper as he talked. "I think I won't talk any more at present," replied Peppers. "I can wait till we see this thing through." "You won't have to wait many hours," answered the skipper, as he looked astern to see if any craft was coming near the Goldwing.