Horner and Smoke had been displaying a gallantry toward Maud Brewster, ludicrous in itself and inoffensive to her, but to him evidently distasteful.
The announcement was received with black silence, though the other four hunters glanced significantly at the two who had been the cause of their banishment.

Jock Horner, quiet as was his way, gave no sign; but the blood surged darkly across Smoke's forehead, and he half opened his mouth to speak.

Wolf Larsen was watching him, waiting for him, the steely glitter in his eyes; but Smoke closed his mouth again without having said anything.
"Anything to say ?" the other demanded aggressively.
It was a challenge, but Smoke refused to accept it.
"About what ?" he asked, so innocently that Wolf Larsen was disconcerted, while the others smiled.
"Oh, nothing," Wolf Larsen said lamely.

"I just thought you might want to register a kick." "About what ?" asked the imperturbable Smoke.
Smoke's mates were now smiling broadly.

His captain could have killed him, and I doubt not that blood would have flowed had not Maud Brewster been present.