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ALONE ON THE CHINA SEA
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tered Oleson, and then out of pure ugliness of temper he attempted to hit Larry again.

But now the boy was on his guard and dodged. Then he caught hold of the great-coat and attempted to pull it from Oleson's grasp. The Norwegian held fast, and a sharp but short tug-of-war ensued, coming to a sudden termination when a ripping sound was heard and the coat began to tear up the back.

"Now see what you do!" fumed Oleson, as Larry released his hold. "You spoil dat coat. I mak you pay for him!"

"It's your own fault," was the quick answer, as Larry wiped the water from his face. "You had no business to hit me."

"That's right, Oleson; it wasn't fair," broke in Striker.

"You kap out of dis, or I mak you!" shouted the Norwegian, almost beside himself with rage. "He tear de coat and he pay for him. I show you!"

He dashed the garment on his berth and leaped upon Larry. The boy tried to escape, but there was no room in the narrow forecastle, and down he went over a stool, with Oleson on top of him.