Part 6 (2/2)

He was certainly making progress. To escape the force of the current as far as possible he was creeping along by the sh.o.r.e. He was thinking whether he would row as near as he could to the village, and then jump out and tell Mr. Daw he had secured a boat, or whether he should row on to where he had left the tub and bath.

”I want to have as little distance to row the laden boat as I can,” he said; ”and I cannot take anyone to the house unless they will stay there, as we shall want the boat. What fun we will have to-morrow rowing about, and going for milk and things! I will point out the spot to Mr. Daw's man where they can be brought.”

He was just considering which course he should pursue when suddenly his boat was stopped, and he heard some words which almost sent his heart jumping to his mouth.

”I say, youngster, what was it you heard me and my mate say this morning?”

CHAPTER V.

WITH TIED WRISTS.

Alfy turned. Yes, one of the men he had heard talking beside the hedge, that morning, was leaning from the bank, and had stopped the boat.

He looked lowering and threatening.

”You don't budge an inch,” growled he, ”till you've told me what you have been to Squire Watkins's for.”

”To borrow this boat.”

”Something else as well,” said the man. ”What did you hear me and my mate saying this morning, and what have you told about it?”

”What right have you to ask me?” replied Alfy st.u.r.dily.

”I'll soon show you the right,” exclaimed the man gruffly, at the same time raising his hand. ”Now, then, out with it!”

”Out with what?” said Alfy doggedly.

Bang! Alfy felt a heavy blow on his head, which made the fire flash from his eyes, and nearly knocked him overboard; but, tingling with pain and indignation, he swept round the oar he held in his right hand, and struck the man sharply on the shoulder.

His a.s.sailant seized the oar, and a smart struggle ensued, in which the man's superior strength and position enabled him to be victorious. He wrested the oars from Alfy, and then, after cuffing him soundly, and calling him an ”insolent young warmint,” tied him tightly to the skiff with the boat-rope--which is commonly called the painter.

Alfy, smarting with the injustice of the attack, managed to administer a few wholesome kicks to his a.s.sailant during the struggle. Then a long, low whistle sounded, and the man hurried away, leaving the boy bound and aching in the boat.

The day was now fast wearing on, and the sun was beginning to sink in the heavens. As Alfy lay back in the boat his mind was racked with anxiety about the provisions, and his promises to take back food to the Island House. His sisters and Mansy might starve if he could not get the provisions to them. Then he shouted aloud to attract attention.

No answer came. His voice seemed borne back upon him as from an empty void. Again and again he called until he grew weary with shouting, and sickened with suspense and anxiety and disappointment. He seemed as far from his kind here as if he were alone in the deserts of Arabia.

Then he bethought him once more of self-help. ”I wonder if I could free myself,” he said. ”I have got over several difficulties lately, perhaps I can get over this one also.” He struggled upwards to a sitting position, and looked at his bonds. His wrists and ankles were tied pretty firmly, and one end of the rope was of course fastened to the boat.

”I suppose that rascal tied me up like this to give himself time to escape,” said Alfy thoughtfully, as he looked down at the rope. ”He thinks I know a lot about him, and will tell what I know, and he wants to get a good start. I wonder if I could undo these knots with my teeth? They crack nuts, why not untie knots? I will try.”

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”'I WONDER IF I COULD UNDO THESE KNOTS WITH MY TEETH? I WILL TRY.'”]

Happily his teeth were strong and sharp--teeth which many an older person would have envied. He was plucky and persevering also, and he set to work with a will to gnaw, or unfasten, or ”worry” open the tough knots which bound him.

It was a stiff job, and a tiring one too. But he kept on pluckily, and would not give up. The sun sank lower in the heavens, and the beautiful summer afternoon wore on. ”Oh! how they will wonder what has become of me at home!” he sighed. ”I must be quick,” and he redoubled his efforts.

<script>