The Rival Crusoes

companion. "Just see, Voules, if that young fellow is more amenable to reason than that sulky old boatman."

"I'll try him," answered Voules. "Come here, you young chap. If you will carry Lord Reginald's portmanteau I will shoulder mine; we must not delay the boat any longer."

"Don't seem as if you heard him," said Ben to Dick in a low voice, then looking round he shouted, "Maybe the `young chap' is deaf, and if he wasn't, he's not a mule or donkey to carry a load on his back. Let Lord Reginald carry his own portmanteau, and just do you understand that I'm not the man to stand any nonsense from him or from any other lord in the land."

"There is no use in bandying words with these scoundrels!" exclaimed Voules. "I'll carry your portmanteau, Oswald, and let my own take its chance. I don't suppose these fellows will dare to steal it, until we can send somebody to bring it on."

"No, no," answered Lord Reginald; "we must get Jennings to allow two of the men to come with us, and he can ex