There comes Mr.Lowington." "I didn't think this of you, Bob Shuffles," said Wilton, reproachfully.
"I told you I should do my duty; and I shall, to the end.

If you will return, all right; if not, I shall take you back." "No, you won't." "I think I will," added the third lieutenant, quietly.

"Stand by to give way!" he continued, to the coxswain.
"Two can play at that game," said Wilton, as he gave the same order to his crew.
"Give way!" shouted the coxswain of the first cutter, with energy.
"Give way!" repeated Wilton, in the barge.
The rope straightened, Shuffles stood up in the stern-sheets of the cutter, to prevent the line from being cast off, and the contest began, to ascertain which should drag the other.

It was rather ludicrous, in spite of the serious question of discipline involved in the affair, and the boys in the cutter were intensely amused, as well as excited.

Both crews struggled with all their might, and each leader urged his followers to renewed exertions.
The discipline of the first cutter was on the point of carrying the contest in favor of law and order, when Monroe, seeing that his friend was nearly worsted, backed the third cutter up to the bow of the barge, and took her painter on board, which he made fast at the stern.