They then scrambled and tumbled into the lee scuppers, where they continued to struggle still, unmindful of the foot deep or more of water, into which they were suddenly plunged, that was swishing to and fro with the motion of the ship.
"You take dat now," I heard Jake's voice say excitedly.

"I mash um face well." "An' you take dat, you hangman tief," cried the other with equal earnestness.

"Golly, I gib you gosh!" Then came the thud of blows, easily distinguishable above the splashing of the refuse water that had accumulated to leeward from the sluicing of the decks, with the convulsive movements of two pairs of arms and legs mingled together in a confused mass--one woolly head being occasionally uplifted above the other and immediately as quickly dragged down again.
The crew all the while screamed with laughter, enjoying the combat with the utmost relish, and without attempting to interfere in any way between the angry antagonists.
"Stop the rascals, stop them!" sang out Captain Miles, jumping down into the waist and hurrying to the scene of action.

"They'll either kill or drown each other!".