Part 26 (1/2)
”You have a new boat, I see.”
”I'll bet we have,” replied Tim, bringing the Thunderbolt round the stern of the Zephyr.
”Isn't that Joe Braman's boat?” asked Charles.
”No, sir-ee! It's my boat,” answered Tim.
”Did you buy it off him?”
”Didn't do nothin' else.”
”What did you give?”
”Ten dollars, and five for fixin' her up,” replied Tim with a great deal of importance.
”She looks very well,” continued Charles.
”She'll go some, you better believe.”
Tony Weston could not help smiling at this conversation, and Tim Bunker unfortunately perceived the funny expression on his face. It roused his anger.
”Who stole the wallet?” said he.
This taunt roused a feeling of indignation in the soul of Fred Harper; and he so far forgot the requirements of the const.i.tution as to reply,--
”Tim Bunker.”
”Le's lick 'em,” said one of the Bunkers.
”Give way!” exclaimed Frank with energy, when he saw the storm brewing.
Mindful of the discipline of the club, every member obeyed the order, and the Zephyr darted away from the belligerent Thunderbolts.
”Pooh! Frank, I wouldn't run away from them,” said Charles.
”I have no desire to quarrel with such fellows,” replied Frank; ”and I hope none of you will say anything to provoke them. That was very thoughtless of you, Fred.”
”I know it; but somehow I couldn't help it; the taunt was so mean and contemptible. If I had been on sh.o.r.e, I should have knocked him over.”
”Article six,” said Frank.
”Here they come after us,” added Tony.
The boys all laughed involuntarily at the idea of the old ”gundelow,”
as Fred called it, chasing them.
”They can't catch us,” continued Frank.
”I guess not,” said Charles.