Maurice took advantage of the opportunity to walk around the
fellow who had interfered with his free passage, and gain the deck
of the boat, when Thad immediately turned the gun over to him.

Evidently the boys were in for a bad time of it.

These wandering blacks might want to lie around the fire all
night, and sleep would be impossible for both lads at the same
time, since there must be a watch kept lest the rascals rob them
during the hours of darkness.

Maurice knew that it was best to take the situation in hand right
then and there in the start; he also was aware of the fact that
these negroes only yielded to force, and that any attempt to gain
their good will would be absolutely wasted; for Southern boys
learn that early in life, and so it is they can manage the
shiftless population that is employed to work on the plantations,
while Northern men make the mistake of treating such negroes too
well.

Accordingly Maurice took the bull by the horns.

"See here, you fellows, we don't object to your having all the
fire you want, but we're not going to stand having you camp right
there all night. Go down the shore or up a hundred yards or so,
and take some of the fire with you. Then one of you come back here
and get a big fish we have no use for. I reckon you know how to
cook it without a pan. Anyhow, it's all we can let you have, for
we're on short rations ourselves. Dye understand, boys?" he said.