Part 20 (2/2)

Dr Tom was in the bar and said quietly,--

'I'll bet you a score I name one to beat The Captain.'

'Bravo, doctor! Don't let him have it all his own way.'

'Done with you,' said Dalton. 'Name it.'

'Neptune,' said Dr Tom. 'How will that suit you?'

Abe Dalton gave a coa.r.s.e laugh as he replied,--

'That will suit me very well. You've not much chance of landing that score with a little brat like young Dennis up.'

'You had better not let Jim Dennis hear you call his son a brat,' said Aaron Hyam.

'And why not? Who is Jim Dennis that I should be afraid of him?'

'He's more than a match for you and your crew,' said one.

'Is he?' sneered Dalton.

'He's proved it.'

'Has he?'

'Yes, and he'll prove it again if you ruffle him about his son.'

Abe Dalton swore, and looking at the speaker said,--

'I'll say what I like about Jim Dennis, or any other man; and as for that lad, why, he's only a half-caste. Ask black Sal if he isn't.'

Abe Dalton suddenly felt a pressure at the back of his neck, and he was swung round as though he had been on a pivot.

'You say that again, you cur, and I'll smash your face in!' said Dr Tom.

'If Jim Dennis heard you he'd screw your head off. Get away from me. You are not fit to touch!' and Dr Tom flung Dalton against the side of the bar, where he had to clutch at the railing to prevent himself falling.

There was a chorus of approval from those present, for Abe Dalton was hated as much as Dr Tom and Jim Dennis were liked.

A row seemed imminent, when Dr Tom said,--

'If he wants a fight he can have it, and I'm the man to take him on.'

Abe Dalton had no desire to tackle the doctor, and he growled,--

'If you hadn't saved my life I'd throttle you.'

Dr Tom laughed as he replied,--

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