Part 20 (1/2)

”Just about as likely as that dogfish he threw at you Come and look!”

Aleck led the way up the steps, followed by the young officer, and then as they crossed the pier they ca easily, side stroke, for a group of rocks which for-point of the pier curve, and beyond which were several places where the boy could land

”He'll be ashore before we could get near hio?” cried the s frohtened to death; and he has had a thorough ducking Isn't that enough?”

”Well, it will have to be,” said the middy, in a disappointed tone ”I ed”

Aleck looked at him in rather an a at?” said thewhether you would be able to order the boy to be flogged”

”Well--er--that is,” said thea little; ”I--er-- said I should give hiive the orders on ave the flogging 'I'll give a ' doesn't, of course, ive it with my own hands See?”

”Yes, I see,” said Aleck, quietly

”Sit fast there,” cried the an to descend the steps ”Let the young scoundrel go”

Just then Aleck glanced round and saw that the officer who had gone ashore was returning, followed by the er, who stood waiting for orders, before descending again to the boat

CHAPTER ELEVEN

”I say, Tom,” said Aleck, ”that was cleverly ai one of the boys' legs”

”Well-ai tickler An easy shot that, sir No fear o' s I can tell exactly how h to hurt; that's all”

Just then the officer caain with the six men who had been unsuccessful in their chase of the red-capped boy, while Aleck and his colances

”There, Toet my uncle's paper”

”Your uncle's paper, sir?”

”Yes, I've run over to get soot some on'y t'other week, sir Did he have an axdent and burn it?”

”No,” said Aleck, laughing ”It's all used up for writing”

”Wond'ful--wond'ful!” muttered theat it Well, I suppose he was born that way I'll take care o' your boat all the same, sir”