"If I were you, I'd go up to the hotel and get some sleep," Boyd advised. "I'll oversee things." George hesitated. "I don't know if I'd better go or not. They've all got hang-overs, and they're liable to bu'st out any minute if you don't watch them. They ain't vicious, understand; they just like to frolic around." "I'll watch them." After a contemplative glance at his companion's well-knit figure, Balt gave in, with the final caution: "Don't let them get the upper hand, or there won't be no living with them." After his departure, Boyd was not long in learning the cause of his hesitancy, for no sooner did the men realize the change in authority over them than they undertook to feel out the mettle of their new foreman. Directly one of them approached him, with the demand: "Get us a drink, boss; we're thirsty." "There is the water-tap," said Emerson. "Help yourself." "Go on! We don't want water. Rustle up a keg of beer, will you?" "Nothing doing." He turned back to his task, but a moment later Boyd saw him making for the shore end of the dock, and with a few strides placed himself in his path. "Where are you going?" "After a drink, of course." "You want to quit, eh?" The man eyed him for an instant, then answered: "No! The job's all right, but I'm thirsty." Those working near ceased their labors and gathered around, whereupon their companion addressed them. "Say! It's a great note when a fellow can't have a drink. Come on, boys, I'll set 'em up." There was a general laugh and a forward movement of all within hearing, which Boyd checked with a rough command. "Get back to work, all of you." But the spokesman, disregarding his words, attempted to pass, whereupon without warning Boyd knocked him down with a clean blow to the face. At this the others yelled and rushed forward, only to be met by their foreman, who had snatched a bale-hook. It was an ugly weapon, and he used it so viciously that they quickly gave him room. "Now get to work," he ordered, quietly. "You can quit if you want to, but I'll lay out the first fellow that goes after a drink. Make up your minds what you want to do. Quick!"