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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Darry the Life Saver, by Frank V. Webster
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Darry the Life Saver
+       The Heroes of the Coast
+
+Author: Frank V. Webster
+
+Release Date: August 8, 2007 [EBook #22277]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DARRY THE LIFE SAVER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THEN A WOMAN WAS LOWERED BY MEANS OF THIS, AND SAFELY
+STOWED AWAY. Darry the Life Saver--Page 185]
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+DARRY THE LIFE SAVER
+Or
+The Heroes of the Coast
+
+By
+FRANK V. WEBSTER
+
+Author of "Only a Farm Boy," "Bob the Castaway,"
+"The Boys of Bellewood School," etc.
+
+ILLUSTRATED
+
+New York
+Cupples & Leon Company
+Publishers
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS
+
+By FRANK V. WEBSTER
+
+12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid
+
+ONLY A FARM BOY
+TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY
+THE BOY FROM THE RANCH
+THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER
+BOB, THE CASTAWAY
+THE YOUNG FIREMEN OF LAKEVILLE
+THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS
+THE BOY PILOT OF THE LAKES
+TWO BOY GOLD MINERS
+JACK, THE RUNAWAY
+COMRADES OF THE SADDLE
+THE BOYS OF BELLWOOD SCHOOL
+THE HIGH SCHOOL RIVALS
+AIRSHIP ANDY
+BOB CHESTER'S GRIT
+BEN HARDY'S FLYING MACHINE
+DICK, THE BANK BOY
+DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER
+
+Copyright, 1911, by
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY
+
+DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+CONTENTS
+
+   CHAPTER                                                PAGE
+
+         I. The Hurricane                                    1
+        II. Saved by the Life Chain                         10
+       III. Abner Peake's Offer                             19
+        IV. The Cabin by the Sea                            29
+         V. An Encounter on the Road                        39
+        VI. Winning His Way                                 46
+       VII. The Midnight Alarm                              55
+      VIII. Across the Bay                                  63
+        IX. The Signal Rocket                               71
+         X. Jim the Bully                                   78
+        XI. A Glorious Prospect                             86
+       XII. The Stolen Traps                                94
+      XIII. Joe's Shotgun Secures a Supper                 102
+       XIV. The Lonely Vigil of the Coast Patrol           110
+        XV. The Power of Music                             117
+       XVI. Darry Meets with a Rebuff                      124
+      XVII. Abner Tells a Little History                   132
+     XVIII. The Imprisoned Launch                          139
+       XIX. The Part of an Elder Brother                   146
+        XX. Bad Luck and Good                              154
+       XXI. Satisfying the Mortgage                        162
+      XXII. Abner Hears the News                           171
+     XXIII. Darry in the Lifeboat                          179
+      XXIV. The Awakening                                  191
+       XXV. Conclusion                                     202
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE HURRICANE
+
+
+"Will we ever weather this terrible storm?"
+
+It was a half-grown lad who flung this despairing question out; the wind
+carried the sound of his voice off over the billows; but there came no
+answer.
+
+A brigantine, battered by the tropical hurricane sweeping up from the
+Caribbean Sea, was staggering along like a wounded beast. Her masts had
+long since gone by the board, and upon the stump of the mizzen-stick a
+bit of canvas like a goose-wing had been spread in the useless endeavor
+to maintain steerageway.
+
+All around, the sea rose and fell in mountainous waves, on which the
+poor wreck tossed about, as helpless as a cork.
+
+Though the lad, lashed to some of the rigging that still clung to the
+temporary jury mast, strained his eyes to the utmost, he could see
+nothing but the waste of waves, the uplifting tops of which curled over,
+and were snatched away in flying spud by the furious wind.
+
+Darry was the cabin boy of the _Falcon_, having sailed with Captain
+Harley now for several years. The old navigator had run across him in a
+foreign port, and under most peculiar conditions.
+
+Hearing a boyish voice that somehow struck his fancy, raised in angry
+protest, followed by the crack of a whip, and much loud laughing, the
+skipper of the brigantine had pushed into a café in Naples.
+
+Here he discovered a small, but sturdy lad, who had apparently been
+playing a violin for coppers, refusing to dance for a big brute of a
+sailor, an Italian, who had seized upon his beloved instrument.
+
+When the boy had made an effort to recover the violin the bully
+deliberately smashed it on the back of a chair.
+
+Then, laughing at the poor little chap's expressions of grief as he
+gathered up the pieces tenderly in his arms, the brutal sailor had
+seized upon a carter's whip, and cracking it loudly, declared that he
+would lay it over the boy's shoulders unless he mounted a table and
+danced to his whistling.
+
+It was then that the big mariner strode in and stood between the lad and
+his cowardly persecutors.
+
+When good-hearted Captain Harley heard the boy's pitiful story, and that
+he was a waif, having been abandoned some years before by an old man
+with whom he seemed to have been traveling, he offered to befriend him,
+and give him a chance to see something of the world as cabin boy on the
+good old brigantine, _Falcon_.
+
+This offer the little chap had eagerly accepted, for he believed he must
+be of American birth, and somehow longed to set foot on that land far
+across the sea.
+
+Some years had passed.
+
+Darry knew no other home save the friendly cabin of the brigantine, and
+since he had no knowledge as to what his name might be, by degrees he
+came to assume that of his benefactor.
+
+During these years the boy had seen much of the world, and learned many
+things under the guidance of the warm-hearted captain.
+
+Of course he spent many bitter hours in vain regrets over the fact that
+there was so little chance of his ever learning his identity--only a
+slender link seemed to connect him with that mysterious past that was
+hidden from his sight; and this was a curious little scar upon his right
+arm just below the elbow.
+
+It looked like a crescent moon, and had been there ever since he could
+remember.
+
+This fact caused Darry to believe it might be the result of some
+accident that must have occurred while he was yet a baby.
+
+If such were the case then some people, _somewhere_, would be apt to
+recognize this peculiar mark if they ever saw it again.
+
+Captain Harley had always encouraged him in the belief that some happy
+day he would surely know the truth.
+
+Just now, however, it really looked as though Darry need no longer allow
+himself to feel any anxiety on that score.
+
+The ocean depths would offer just as easy a resting place to a nameless
+waif as to a crowned monarch.
+
+When the great waves broke over the drifting vessel the rush of water
+must have swept him away, only that he had been wise enough to lash
+himself to the stump of the mizzen-mast.
+
+During a little lull in the tempest someone joined him, also using the
+whipping rope-ends to secure his hold.
+
+Darry saw by the aid of the darting lightning that it was his good
+friend, the captain; and with his thoughts still taken up with the peril
+of his situation he repeated the question that only the mocking winds
+had heard before:
+
+"Will we ever weather this storm, captain?"
+
+"I fear not, my lad," replied the master of the ship, sadly, "the poor
+old hulk is now only a plaything for the elements. It looks as though
+the _Falcon_ had reached the end of her voyaging at last. Twenty years
+have I commanded her. I have a feeling that if so be she goes down I
+will not survive her."
+
+The roar of the gale was such that it became necessary to shout at
+times, in order to make one's self heard above the elements.
+
+"Are we near the coast?" asked the boy, anxiously; for he knew that such
+a thing must double their danger.
+
+"I am afraid it is only too true, though the storm has been so prolonged
+that I have long ago lost my reckoning," replied the mariner.
+
+"But you told me these coasts are patrolled by brave life savers, who
+always stand ready to risk everything in case a vessel is driven on the
+reefs?" continued the boy, trying to see a gleam of hope through the
+gloom.
+
+"That is true, but alas! I am afraid even the bravest of men would find
+themselves helpless in such a terrific blow as this."
+
+"But, captain, surely you have not given up all hope?" anxiously
+demanded Darry, trying to face the terrible prospect with a brave heart.
+
+"I never do that, lad. But one of us may not live to reach the shore;
+and since it is so, I wanted to have a few last words with you, and then
+I must return to my duty, which is to try and steer this drifting hulk
+until the end comes."
+
+He reached out his hand.
+
+The boy eagerly clutched it, and there, as the lightning flashed, he
+looked into the kind face of his benefactor.
+
+Something seemed to tell him that it was the last time he would ever
+feel the pressure of that friendly hand, and this thought alarmed him as
+the storm had thus far been unable to do.
+
+"Listen, and take heed, my lad," said the skipper, earnestly, "it may be
+that Providence will shield you through this time of trouble, and that
+you shall reach the shore in safety after all. Should ill befall me I
+want you to write my old mother up in York State--you know where she
+lives. I have made all preparations, so that she will be provided for,
+and my sister also. Do you understand me?"
+
+"Oh! yes, sir! But I hope we may both pull through!" cried the boy,
+earnestly.
+
+"So do I, for life is sweet; but it may not be. Now, lad, about
+yourself, and I am done. Remember all that I have taught you. Then you
+will grow up to be a true man. And continue to search for some evidence
+of your people. That mark on your arm may be of great value to you some
+day. Hark! I fancied I caught the sound of the breakers just then! It is
+possible that the time has come for us to part. Good bye, my boy, and
+God bless you whatever betide!"
+
+Another fierce pressure of the hand, and Captain Harley was gone.
+
+Standing there, filled with horror and dismay, Darry caught a last
+glimpse of his guardian staggering across the wet deck, and then the
+gloom forever hid him from view.
+
+The days would come, and the days would go, but always must he remember
+that the last thought of the noble captain was for him.
+
+He strained his hearing to ascertain whether the captain's fears were
+well founded, and it was not long before he too could catch the awful
+pounding of the seas upon the half-submerged reefs.
+
+The helpless brigantine was drifting slowly, but surely to her fate; for
+there was hardly a place along the whole American coast more dangerous
+than this, which had in times past proved a graveyard for many noble
+ships.
+
+Among the tangled rigging was a broken spar, and to this Darry lashed
+himself, in the faint hope that if it were swept ashore he might still
+cling to life.
+
+He awaited the impending crash with his heart cold within his breast;
+for after all he was but a lad, and the strongest men might have viewed
+the catastrophe with a sickening sense of dread.
+
+Then came a fearful shock, as the brigantine was smashed down upon the
+jaws of the reef by a mighty force.
+
+After that the seas had her for a plaything, rushing completely over her
+as if in derision.
+
+Three times the boy was almost drowned by the flood that poured across
+that slanting deck, and he knew that if he remained there longer his
+time had surely come. It would be better to cut loose from the mast, and
+trust his fortunes upon the breast of the next giant wave that, if it
+were kind, would carry him well over the rocks, and head him for the
+distant beach.
+
+It was in sheer desperation that he seized upon his sailor's knife and
+severed the ropes that thus far had held so securely.
+
+Then he awaited the coming of the next comber with set teeth, and held
+his breath.
+
+A few seconds and it was upon him.
+
+This time the spar, as well as the clinging lad, went sweeping over the
+side of the vessel, and carried safely above the reef, started in
+toward the beach on a roller that seemed gigantic.
+
+The spray was in his eyes, so that he could hardly see at all, but at
+that moment Darry thought he glimpsed a light somewhere ahead; and what
+the captain had told him about the gallant life savers flashed into his
+mind.
+
+Somehow, it seemed to give the despairing boy renewed hope.
+
+Perhaps these brave men were watching for the coming of just such
+flotsam from the wreck, which they must have sighted when the lightning
+flashed; and would find some means for plucking him out of the raging
+sea.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+SAVED BY THE LIFE CHAIN
+
+
+The line of reefs stood as a barrier to the sea, and after the waves
+came in contact with the rocks they continued on their course with less
+violence than before.
+
+Still, it was terrible enough to any one exposed to their fury.
+
+Hope soars high in the breast of youth, however, and life is sweet, so
+that our hero continued to struggle against the forces to which he found
+himself exposed.
+
+Again had his eyes caught a glimpse of a burning light on the shore, and
+somehow it gave him renewed courage to hold on, for he seemed to
+understand that determined hearts were waiting there, eager to give him
+a helping hand.
+
+Then some object sped past him, and he caught the sight of flashing
+oars.
+
+It was the lifeboat!
+
+In spite of the great danger involved in the undertaking, the coast
+guards had succeeded in launching their boat, and were even now heading
+toward the wreck on the reef; though the chances of finding a single
+living soul aboard seemed small indeed, for the billows were breaking
+completely over her, and she must soon go to pieces.
+
+Darry tried to call out, but his mouth filled with salty water, and in
+despair he saw the boat pass him by.
+
+Even the lightning failed to illumine the scene just then, or some eager
+eye might have detected the floating spar and its human burden.
+
+No hope remained save that he might be tossed up on the beach somewhere
+near the friendly fire that was burning as a beacon.
+
+Once he fancied he heard men shouting during a lull in the roar of the
+elements; but the coming of another smothering billow shut out the
+friendly sounds.
+
+Closer he was flung, until he could again hear the shouts of men, but
+the baffling seas kept playing with him, sending him up on the breaking
+wave only to once more snatch him back, until the poor boy almost
+despaired of living through the dreadful ordeal.
+
+He tried his best to raise his voice, but the cry he gave utterance to
+was so feeble that even if heard it must have been taken for the note of
+some storm bird attracted by the light of the beacon fire.
+
+Just when he was giving way to despair, he saw the figures of men
+running along the beach close to the edge of the waves, and new hope
+awoke in his breast that his predicament had been seen.
+
+Now they were pushing into the sea, holding one another's hands, and
+forming a living chain, with a sturdy fellow at the end to snatch the
+victim of the wreck out of the jaws of death.
+
+The precious sight was at that instant shut out, for again there came a
+deluge of water from behind, overwhelming the boy on the floating spar.
+
+Darry felt something take hold upon him, which, in his excited
+condition, he at first believed to be a shark; but, on the contrary, it
+proved to be the fingers of the man at the outer end of the line.
+
+Once they closed upon the person of the shipwrecked cabin boy they could
+not be easily induced to let go, and amid shouts of triumph, spar and
+lad were speedily dragged up on the beach beyond reach of the hungry
+waves.
+
+He was dimly conscious of being released from his friendly float, and
+tenderly carried a short distance to the shelter of a house.
+
+It was the life-saving station to which the boy had been taken by his
+rescuers.
+
+[ILLUSTRATION: HE WAS DIMLY CONSCIOUS OF BEING RELEASED FROM HIS
+FRIENDLY FLOAT.]
+
+Here he was wrapped in blankets, and placed close to a warm fire in
+order to restore his benumbed faculties; while some hot liquid being
+forced between his pallid lips served to give new strength to his body.
+
+In less than ten minutes he opened his eyes and looked around.
+
+Kind faces, even though rough and bearded, surrounded him, and he knew
+that for once he had cheated the sea of a victim.
+
+As strength came back he began to take an interest in what was passing
+around him, especially when he saw several men carried in, whom he
+recognized as some of the sailors of the ill-fated brigantine.
+
+Eagerly he watched and prayed that his good friend the captain might be
+one of those who had been snatched from a watery grave; but as time
+passed this hope gradually became fainter.
+
+The lifeboat had managed to return from the wreck, to report that not a
+living soul remained aboard; and that the seas were so tremendous that
+even had it been otherwise there would have been small chance of saving
+them, since it was next to impossible to approach close to the vessel.
+
+How the boy, lying there, looked with almost reverence upon those
+stalwart fellows who were risking their lives in the effort to save
+their fellow men.
+
+Darry would never forget that hour.
+
+The impressions he received then would remain with him through life;
+and in his eyes the calling of a life saver must always be reckoned the
+noblest vocation to which a young man could pledge himself.
+
+He thought he would like nothing better than to become one of the band,
+and in some way repay the great debt he owed them by doing as he had
+been done by.
+
+Presently he had so far recovered that he could get up and move around.
+
+All of the sailors had not been equally fortunate; indeed, two of them
+would never again scour the seas, having taken out papers for that long
+voyage the end of which no mortal eye can see.
+
+As each new arrival was carried in the boy would be the first to hasten
+forward, but as often his sigh echoed the heavy feeling in his heart as
+he discovered a face other than the familiar one he had grown to love.
+
+One of the surfmen who had manned the lifeboat seemed to be particularly
+interested in the rescued boy, for he came into the station several
+times to ask how he was feeling, and if there was not something more he
+wanted.
+
+He was a tall, angular fellow, with a thin but engaging face, and Darry
+had heard some of the others call him Abner Peake.
+
+Somehow he found himself drawn toward this man from the start; and it
+seemed as though in losing one good friend he had found another to take
+the place of the kind captain.
+
+Abner was a native of the shore, and spoke in the peculiar dialect of
+the uneducated Southerner; but as a water-dog he knew no superior, and
+it is this quality that Uncle Sam looks for when making up his crews to
+man the life-saving stations that dot the whole coast from Maine to
+Florida.
+
+There was a twang about his voice that reminded Darry of a negro he had
+once had for a shipmate on the brigantine; but at the same time his tone
+was soft, and inspired confidence.
+
+"Better hev a leetle more coffee, bub?" he said, coming upon Darry as
+the latter turned away white-faced from the last body carried in by the
+rough men.
+
+"Perhaps it would do me good; I still feel mighty weak; but I'm glad to
+be here instead of out there," replied Darry, pointing to where the
+white-capped waves were rushing in long lines toward the beach.
+
+"Course yuh be, bub. And we-uns air glad tuh get a chanct tuh pull yuh
+outen the water. My old woman'd like tuh set eyes on yuh. Jest the age
+our Joe would a-ben if he'd pulled through," and the rough surfman swept
+his sleeve across his eyes as he spoke.
+
+The secret of his interest in Darry was out; he had lost a boy of his
+own, and his heart was very tender still, so that the sight of this poor
+shipwrecked lad brought back his own sorrow keenly.
+
+"You haven't seen anything of the captain, I suppose?" anxiously asked
+Darry, wondering if it could possibly be that he had missed sight of his
+friend at the time he was lying there unconscious.
+
+Abner Peake shook his head in the negative.
+
+He saw the boy was very eager to learn of the mariner's fate, and well
+he knew that with each passing minute the chances of the other surviving
+the pounding of the seas became less and less.
+
+It was now not far from dawn.
+
+The hurricane still blew with its old violence, and there was scant hope
+of its passing for another twelve hours at least.
+
+All that time those devoted men must be on the watch, ready to man their
+surfboat again and take their lives in hand, should another vessel
+strike the dangerous reefs that were marked upon the chart as the worst
+within a hundred miles of Hatteras.
+
+Sick at heart over the loss of his wise friend and benefactor, Darry
+found the interior of the station almost unbearable just then.
+
+He felt as though he must get outside where the elements rioted, and
+watch the incoming waves for some sign of the captain.
+
+But this new-found friend declared that it could do no good, since the
+beach was already patrolled by those whose keen eyes would discover the
+faintest trace of a brave swimmer trying to buffet the cruel waves; he
+must remain under cover, so as to escape the possible evil results of
+his late experience.
+
+And so Darry had to once more lie down and let the other cover him with
+a blanket, a pillow having been placed under his head.
+
+He was utterly exhausted, and it had only been hope and excitement that
+had buoyed him up until now.
+
+As he lay there watching the various things that were being done for the
+relief of the poor fellows snatched from a watery grave he found his
+eyes growing heavy, and occasionally closing in spite of his efforts to
+remain awake.
+
+Once he sat up as some men came in bearing another sailor who, alas, had
+apparently been dragged out of the sea too late to save the spark of
+life; but, upon learning that it was not the one in whose fate he was so
+keenly interested, Darry had fallen back again upon his hard pillow.
+
+Soon after things faded from his sight, and he slept the sleep of
+weariness, for every muscle in his body was as sore as though it had
+been pounded with a club.
+
+It was hours before he awoke.
+
+At first he could not understand just where he was or how he came in
+such unfamiliar surroundings; but seeing the kindly face of Abner Peake
+bending over, he asked a mute question that the other answered with a
+shake of his head.
+
+The captain's body had not as yet come ashore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+ABNER PEAKE'S OFFER
+
+
+Days passed. Darry had entirely given up hope of ever hearing from the
+captain, whose body must have been carried out to sea again, as were
+several of the crew.
+
+After the shock became less severe, our hero began to take a new
+interest in the scene around him, and particularly in connection with
+the life-saving station where his new friend Abner was quartered.
+
+The keeper was a grizzled surfman named Frazer, and a man possessed of
+some education; he did not awaken the same feelings in the boy as Abner
+Peake, but at the same time he was evidently inclined to be friendly in
+his own gruff way.
+
+On the third day after the rescue he called Darry to him as he sat
+mending a net with which the crew of the station secured enough fish to
+serve them for an occasional meal.
+
+"Sit down, lad. I want to talk with you a bit," he said.
+
+Darry dropped on a block close by.
+
+He was still filled with the deepest admiration for these men of the
+coast, and his determination to follow their arduous calling when he
+grew big enough to take an oar in the surfboat was undiminished.
+
+"Now, tell me about yourself, and where you belong. We are not allowed
+to keep any rescued sailors more than a certain time. You notice that
+all the others have gone, save the poor chaps lying under those mounds
+yonder. Being a boy you've been favored; but the time has come to know
+what you mean to do. Speak up, lad, and tell me your story?"
+
+Encouraged by his kind voice, Darry told all he knew about himself up to
+the very moment when he parted from his friend, the captain.
+
+Mr. Frazer seemed interested.
+
+"I feel sorry for you, Darry. It must be hard to feel that you haven't
+got a friend in the world. My hands are tied in the matter, so I can do
+nothing; but there's Abner Peake telling me he'd like you to stay with
+him," he remarked.
+
+"I understood him to say he once had a boy about my age."
+
+"Yes, a likely little chap, but it was about a year back he was lost."
+
+"Was he drowned?" asked Darry, feeling that this was about the way most
+persons in this coast country must meet their end.
+
+"Yes. The little fellow was a venturesome boy, and tried to cross the
+bay in a heavy sea. He must have been swept out at the inlet. They found
+the boat on the beach, three miles above here, but never little Joe.
+Abner has never gotten over it. To this day he sits and looks out to sea
+as if he could discover his poor boy coming back to him. I thought for a
+time the fellow would go out of his mind."
+
+"And he wants me to stay with him?" continued Darry, musingly.
+
+"Yes. Abner has a small house out of the village, where his wife and the
+two little girls live, while he is over here at the station. Often we
+want someone to cross over with supplies, and he thinks you might like
+the job."
+
+Darry drew a long breath.
+
+"I have no home. The only one I ever knew was the poor old _Falcon_, and
+her timbers are scattered along the coast for ten miles. I think that if
+Mr. Peake really wants me to stay with him I shall accept gladly. It is
+tough to feel like a piece of driftwood all the time," he said.
+
+"I think you are wise in deciding that way. Abner is a kind man, and as
+for his wife--well, she's got a temper all right, but if you don't rub
+it the wrong way she can be got on with, I reckon. Anyhow, it would pay
+you to try it until something else turns up. Maybe you want to ship on
+another vessel?"
+
+"I think I have had all of the sea I want, after that time. I wake up
+nights, thinking I'm choking with the salt water, and trying to catch my
+breath. When I get older and stronger I want to be a life saver like
+you, sir."
+
+The keeper smiled pleasantly.
+
+It was not often he appeared as a hero in the eyes of even a boy, and,
+being human, he could not help feeling some satisfaction.
+
+"It's a dangerous calling, Darry; but, after all, no worse than that of
+a sailor. And while we risk our lives often, it is to try and save
+others. There's some satisfaction in that. But there sits Abner on that
+old keel of a wreck; suppose you go and tell him your story, and see
+what he says."
+
+When the boy joined him Abner Peake looked up, and the solemn expression
+on his face changed to one of kindliness.
+
+"Set down, lad. Are yuh feelin' all right agin after your rough time?"
+he asked.
+
+"A little sore in the arms still, but that will pass away soon. Mr.
+Frazer told me you wanted to hear my story."
+
+"If yuh don't mind tellin' me. I reckoned as how yuh must 'a' had a hard
+time. Now, I ain't never been away from this here coast, but I feels
+for boys what's out in the wide world. Still, there's some hope o'
+_them_ comin' back tuh the nest agin, some day. Now, go on, lad," with a
+long-drawn sigh.
+
+Again did the homeless Darry start in to narrate his brief career, so
+far as it was known to him; and the old surfman listened with a tear in
+his eye, as he told of his abandonment in a foreign port, and the hard
+time he had getting enough to eat.
+
+Finally it was all told, and Abner Peake laid a hand on his arm, saying:
+
+"Don't say yuh ain't got a home, any more, Darry, if so be yuh'd care to
+stay at my place. The missus ain't the easiest one in the world tuh get
+along with, but soon as she sees what a likely chap yuh be I know she'll
+like yuh, same as I do. Try it awhile, lad, until yuh kin make your mind
+up. My Joe used tuh make a tidy lot of money trappin' animals in the
+swamp for ther skins, huntin' turkles like them terrapin they pay sech a
+big price fur, an' actin' as guide fur the shooters as come down along
+the coast after ducks and snipe and bay birds. No reason but what you
+could do the same. Only try and git on the good side of the ole woman,
+to begin with, lad. She's got a heart, tho' there's some as don't
+believe it. I know she's still a feelin' bad because Joe was taken from
+us."
+
+"It was hard to lose him, your only boy," said Darry, consolingly.
+
+The man shook his head dolefully, and bent a wistful look toward the
+open sea.
+
+"Yes, it was tough; but I reckon he's safe in the harbor long afore now.
+What say, lad, be yuh of a mind to try it with us?" he continued
+eagerly.
+
+"I will, and only glad of the chance. It is kind of you to make me the
+offer, and I only hope I may be able to please your wife. I'll do
+everything I can to take the place of Joe, although, of course, I
+couldn't expect to do that altogether," replied Darry.
+
+"Say, yuh make me feel better, already. Seems to me as if I heerd little
+Joe aspeakin' to me from somewhere. I'm goin' crost the bay to-night,
+lad. It's my turn for a day off, an' I'll take yuh with me. I reckons
+his clothes'd just about be the right fit fur yuh."
+
+So it was settled.
+
+Darry felt easy in his mind now, much more so than he had been ever
+since finding himself adrift on shore, like a vessel without an anchor.
+
+No matter how humble, it would be _home_ to him, for he had no memories
+to haunt him, and bring about discontent.
+
+There was the village near by, where possibly he might meet boys of his
+own age; and what Abner had said about the pursuits by which Joe had
+been accustomed to making odd bits of money appealed to him, for he
+believed he had something of a love for outdoor sports in his nature,
+since he had never neglected to take advantage of a chance to use a
+fishing line, when the brigantine happened to be in one of the world
+ports to which business called her.
+
+But above all he gloried in the fact that occasionally he would have the
+opportunity to visit the station on the outer beach, where those hardy
+men patrolled every night, and stood ready to go to the assistance of
+any imperilled mariners.
+
+After supper he accompanied Abner to the little landing where a stout
+rowboat was fastened.
+
+Into this they dropped, and Darry immediately seized upon the oars, to
+the secret amusement and satisfaction of the life saver, who was quite
+willing to let him display his ability in this important line.
+
+"Yuh sure pull a good, strong stroke, lad," he declared, after they had
+been upon the bay for some time, Darry taking his bearings from a bright
+star that had appeared in the east.
+
+"He taught me," replied the boy, and, perhaps unconsciously, his voice
+quavered as he spoke, for he could not even think of the captain without
+emotion.
+
+"All the better. A feller ain't no use 'round this section less he kin
+row a boat with the best. And if so be yuh 'spect to jine with us some
+day, the more yuh larn about this same thing the better for yuh. Joe, he
+was a reg'lar water duck--but he was too darin' and he tried the game
+onct too often. Beware o' that inlet, lad. The tide sweeps outen it like
+a mill race sometimes, an' the best man couldn't hold his own agin it.
+It's ben a mystery to me always how it happened. Nobody ever knowed,
+only that we found the boat two days arter on the beach, three miles up.
+When yuh git tired say so, an' I'll spell yuh."
+
+After a long time they drew near the other shore. Here lights had been
+seen, and Darry discovered quite a collection of houses, for the most
+part cabins such as are so common in the south, especially along the
+coast of North Carolina.
+
+Abner insisted upon taking the oars now; and as he knew just where it
+was most desirable to land the boy no longer objected.
+
+Sitting there in the stern he watched the scene unfold as they
+approached the mainland, though the new moon gave very little light.
+
+Sounds as of boys at play, together with the barking of dogs, and even
+the gabble of a goose, awoke in his breast new emotions such as he had
+never experienced before; for he was about to be introduced to a home,
+no matter of what character, where he would after that belong.
+
+The boat was brought up against a landing, and both went ashore.
+
+"In the mornin' I'll get yuh to help carry the groceries to the boat, so
+I kin ferry 'em acrost. Jest now I'm pinin' to get to the shack, 'cause
+I ain't ben home these two weeks, yuh see. This way, Darry, lad. My
+cabin ain't jest in the village; but when I come home I ginerally stop
+in at the butcher's an' take some meat along. Git out, yuh yaller
+critter!" this to a dog that had come barking toward them as though
+recognizing the fact that a stranger had come to town.
+
+"Hyar, Peake, don't yer hit my dorg!" shouted a half-grown boy,
+slouching around a corner as though he had just come out of a drinking
+resort there.
+
+"Keep him home, then, Jim Dilks, er else teach the critter to behave. He
+tackled me onct and I had to kick him over a fence to save my shins from
+his teeth. Some day that hound'll get a call all right, yuh hear me,
+Jim?" declared Abner.
+
+Jim leered at him, and then looked at the boy.
+
+"Reckon it'll be a bad day for the feller that hurts me dorg, see? Who
+yer got trailin' 'long with yer, Peake? Say, be he the critter as kim
+ashore? Sooner he skips outen this the better. We ain't got jobs enough
+now fur them as growed up round hyar."
+
+"No danger of you worrin' 'bout jobs, Jim Dilks. Work an' you never got
+on well. Mind your own business, now. This lad can look out for hisself.
+He's goin' to live with me. Come on, Darry, don't notice the loafer,"
+concluded the life saver; and he and the boy passed on. Darry was
+destined to see a great deal more of Jim Dilks, as we shall presently
+learn.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CABIN BY THE MARSH
+
+As is customary in many of these little villages along the coast, the
+butcher shop was also the country store where groceries, dry goods,
+notions, and possibly boots and hats in addition, were sold.
+
+Mr. Keeler eyed the boy in Abner's company, while he was cutting off the
+meat.
+
+"Likely lad, that, Mr. Peake," he said. "I reckon he must be the one
+that come ashore from the wreck t'other night. I heard all about it,
+'cause some of our men were over to help out," he added, in a low tone,
+taking advantage of Darry straying off a bit to examine a colored print
+that hung on the wall, and offered all manner of inducements to young
+fellows wishing to enlist in the navy.
+
+"The boy's all right. He's gwine to live with my missus--if they kin git
+on together. But about them as were over, Gus, I've got a notion some on
+'em thought it might be a good chanct to wreck a craft. I seen Dilks
+there, with his crowd, an' yuh know he's under suspicion o' havin' lured
+that schooner ashore with a false light last year. Time's comin' when
+them rascals air goin' to git caught. Hangin' 'd be too easy for such
+snakes. An' that boy o' his'n promises to be a chip o' the ole block.
+He's as bad as they make 'em," returned the surfman, shaking his head.
+
+Nothing so angers a life saver as the mention of a wrecker; for deep
+down in his heart he believes that the men who make a living from
+salvage after a vessel has gone to pieces on the reefs, or else in
+boarding the wreck when the storm has gone down, would not hesitate a
+minute about sending any ship to her doom if they believed it could be
+done without too much risk.
+
+"If he doesn't get on with the missus let me have a try with him, Abner.
+Looks to be a likely lad. They're a scarce article around here--some go
+to sea, others are in the service, and more get drowned; while those
+that are left seem bad from top to bottom, just like Jim Dilks. Yes, I
+could use that younker, I think."
+
+Peake had turned white at mention of the fate that befalls so many young
+men of the shore; but he made no remark concerning his feelings.
+
+"I'll remember what yuh say, Mr. Keeler. But I got a notion the boy will
+stick with me. When the missus gets to know him she can't help but like
+him. He's the clear quill. Take the change out of that bill. We just
+got paid last night, yuh see. Darry, let's move along."
+
+The village merchant looked after the couple a little enviously, as
+though something about the boy's appearance had awakened his interest.
+
+"I saw Jim Dilks talking to Peake before they came in here. I wager that
+young scamp has it in for the new boy in town. He's been a holy terror
+for a long time, and for one I think something should be done to put a
+stop to his doings. But his father has a grip on the worst elements
+here, and everyone seems afraid to rile up the old wrecker. Some say he
+used to be a smuggler years back, and even blacker stories are told of
+his life in Cuba, before Spain got out of the island. Well, it's none of
+my business. I don't dare act alone. If someone else starts the ball
+rolling I'll give it a big shove." And so the butcher salved his
+conscience for not doing his duty.
+
+Meanwhile Darry and his new friend walked briskly along, talking as they
+went.
+
+The boy had seen considerable of foreign ports, and the many strange
+things he could tell were doubly interesting to this simple life saver,
+who had never been further than to Wilmington in all his life.
+
+"See that light ahead, lad? That's a lamp in the windy o' my shack.
+They knows when my night comes around, an' the missus puts that lamp
+there. It's a big thing, Darry, to have a light in the windy, ashinin'
+only fur you. Makes a feller feel like he had one leetle nest in all
+this big world, where some un cared fur him. And that is goin' to be
+your home too, boy."
+
+"I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Peake," faltered the lad.
+
+"Then don't try. Besides, mebbe yuh won't like it so well, after all.
+Nancy, she ain't so easy to get on with, since leetle Joe went away.
+Seems like she jest can't ever git over it. I seen her cryin' the last
+time I was over. No use tryin' to comfort the pore ole gal. It left a
+sore place in her heart that nothin' kin ever heal. I'm a hopin' that
+p'haps with you around she may perk up some."
+
+They were soon at the door. It was thrown open at the sound of Abner's
+call, and two rather unkempt little girls rushed out, to be tossed up in
+the air by the proud father.
+
+They looked at Darry with wide-eyed wonder, for strangers were uncommon
+in this neighborhood, so far removed from the railroad.
+
+"Come right in, Darry. Here's the missus," said the life saver.
+
+A woman came forward, and after greeting Abner, looked with a little
+frown in the direction of the boy.
+
+The surfman hastened to explain that Darry was a survivor of the last
+wreck, on the shore where so many brave ships had left their bones.
+
+"He's a waif, what's never knowed no home, Nance. The captain picked him
+up abroad, but he's English or American, sure enough. With the death of
+that captain went his only friend. I liked the lad,--he somehow made me
+think of our Joe. Jest the same size, too, and he could wear his clothes
+fine. He'd be a great help to yuh, I reckons, if so be yuh would like to
+have him stay."
+
+Abner saw a look of coming trouble in the eyes of his wife, and his
+voice took on a pleading tone.
+
+His mention of Joe was unfortunate, perhaps, for the woman had never
+become reconciled to the loss of her only boy, and always declared
+Heaven had dealt unjustly with her when there were so many worthless
+lads in the village, who could have been far better spared.
+
+"Just like I didn't have my hands full now, without bringing home any
+more mouths to feed," she fumed. "Like as not he's a good-for-nothing
+like Jim Dilks, and will only make us trouble right along. Keep him over
+at the station if you want, Abner Peake, but you don't quarter him on
+me. This is my house, and I'm to be consulted before anybody is brought
+here."
+
+Abner had apparently thought this all over.
+
+He simply took Darry's hand and drew the half resisting lad over in
+front of the irate woman.
+
+"Nancy, I never knowed yuh to be anything but fair. S'posin' our leetle
+Joe was kerried out to sea, an' in a strange land met up with a citizen
+as took him home to his wife. What kinder reception do yuh think _he'd_
+get? Could any woman look in Joe's face an' send him away from her door?
+Wall, then, jest look in the face o' this boy, an' then if so be yuh say
+take him away, I'll do it, Nancy," he said, simply.
+
+Almost against her will she was compelled to look.
+
+Well it was for Darry that he had clear eyes in which lurked no guile,
+for that gaze of the surfman's "missus" was searching, since she had
+before her mind a picture of the lost Joe.
+
+She only nodded her head and said:
+
+"Let him stay."
+
+Perhaps she was too full of emotion to say more; but the husband nodded
+his head as though satisfied with what he had done.
+
+"It's all right, boy; she seen Joey in your eyes, jest as I done. Seems
+to me yuh kin make good with the ole woman. Don't notice all she says
+fur a time. Sure she's suffered some."
+
+Apparently the family had waited with supper for Abner to come home, for
+his wife immediately placed the meat on the frying pan, and the odor of
+steak quickly filled every cranny of the small cabin of three rooms.
+
+The two little girls were slow to make up with Darry, but he knew how to
+interest them in certain ways, and it was not long before they hovered
+around him as if he were a curiosity indeed.
+
+Abner tried to make himself as agreeable as possible, for various
+reasons.
+
+He saw that his wife had not yet become reconciled to the fact of a
+stranger coming among them, and was watching Darry out of the corners of
+her eyes from time to time, while a frown would gather on her brow.
+
+She was a sharp-featured woman; but life goes hard with those of her sex
+in this coast country, and they grow old at forty.
+
+Darry was studying hard how to please her, for he felt that she was to
+be pitied after having lost her only boy so suddenly a year or so back;
+and he determined never to forget this if she should scold him
+needlessly or show temper.
+
+He anticipated her wants in the line of wood for the fire, cheerfully
+assisted in washing up the supper dishes, and was withal so obliging
+that ere long the anxious Abner saw the lines begin to leave the
+forehead of his better half.
+
+This tickled him more than any well-won fight in the breakers might have
+done, for he had a secret dread of Nancy's often ungovernable temper.
+
+"The boy's gone and done it, blame me if he ain't!" he muttered to
+himself, when he saw his wife actually smile over at where Darry was
+sitting, with one of the twins on either side, entranced with some
+figures he was drawing to illustrate a little story he had been telling
+them about some sight seen in Naples.
+
+When it came time to retire Darry was given a shake-down in the second
+room.
+
+He felt that he had made some sort of an impression upon the surfman's
+wife, and that after all she might not prove so hard to win as he had
+feared from what little he had heard about her temper.
+
+That night was the most peaceful he had known for some time.
+
+In the morning he was up before any one else stirred, and when Mrs Peake
+made her appearance she found a bright fire burning in the kitchen,
+plenty of wood on hand, a bucket of water from the spring handy, and a
+boy only too anxious to do anything he was told in the way of chores.
+
+Perhaps she may have had a suspicion that it would not last.
+
+"A new broom sweeps clean," she remarked to Abner, as he appeared and
+looked at her inquiringly.
+
+"I calkerlate this one means to keep a-going' right along," he said,
+"yuh see, the poor critter ain't never had no home before, an' he'll
+sorter 'preciate one now. Give him a show an' he'll make good."
+
+When Abner had to return to the other side of the bay Darry went with
+him to the store, where a supply of edibles was laid in according to the
+list written out by the station keeper; together with a can of oil,
+since their stock had run low.
+
+When Abner shook his hand heartily at pushing off, Darry felt as though
+another link connecting him with the past had been broken.
+
+Perhaps his face betrayed his feelings, for the old man exclaimed:
+
+"Keep a stiff upper lip, lad, and it'll all come out well. The missus is
+interested in yuh already. Tell her that I said to give yuh Joe's gun,
+and the traps he left. He writ down how he used to git the muskrats an'
+coons, too, so yuh kin understand how to set the traps. Tell the missus
+that yuh mean to share an' share alike with her in the money yuh get.
+That'll please her, 'cause yuh see cash is some skeerce with we-'uns all
+the time. Ten dollars a week don't go far. Sometimes Nancy hunts roots
+in the marshes, or picks up a few turkles that sells for a dollar or two
+each. To-morrow yuh bring over the mail. I've got a boat as is fair, if
+it only had a new pair o' oars. P'raps as a sailor lad yuh could whittle
+out a pair to answer. Well, good-bye, Darry, my boy, and good luck. Keep
+an eye out to windward for squalls if so be that Jim Dilks shows
+alongside."
+
+When the surfman had pulled with a strong stroke for some distance he
+paused long enough to wave his hand to the boy; after which Darry turned
+away to get the articles Mrs. Peake wanted at the store, and for which
+she had doled out the necessary cash to a penny.
+
+It would seem as though Abner must have had a vision of some coming
+trouble in connection with the ne'er-do-well son of the notorious
+wrecker, Dilks, for even as Darry entered the village street on his way
+to the general store he saw the heavily built young ruffian shuffling
+toward him.
+
+There was a leer on the features of the bully.
+
+Our hero had knocked around the world long enough to be able to detect
+signs of a coming storm when he saw them; and if ever the signals were
+set for trouble they certainly gave evidence of being now, when that
+shiftless Jim Dilks intercepted the newcomer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD
+
+
+Jim Dilks had long ruled as the bully of Ashley village.
+
+He had a reputation as a bad boy that served him in place of fighting;
+and as a rule an angry word from him was sufficient to command
+obedience.
+
+Besides, Nature had made him so ugly that when he scowled it was enough
+to send a shiver down the spinal column of most boys.
+
+Darry came to a pause. Indeed, he could not well have continued along
+the path he was taking without walking over the bully, so completely had
+Jim blocked his way.
+
+"Looky here, didn't yer hear me tell yer last night ter get outen this
+place?" demanded the wrecker's son, thrusting that aggressive chin of
+his forward still more, and glaring at his prospective victim in his
+usual commanding way.
+
+"I believe you did say something like that. Are you Jim Dilks?" asked
+Darry, and to the surprise of the other he did not seem to show the
+customary anxiety that went with hostile demonstrations by the bully.
+
+"When air yer going, then?" continued Jim.
+
+"I haven't decided. In fact, I like my present accommodations with Mrs.
+Peake so well that I may stay there right along," replied Darry,
+steadily.
+
+Jim caught his breath, and in such a noisy way that one would think it
+was a porpoise blowing in the inlet.
+
+In all his experience he had never come across such an experience as
+this.
+
+"I see yer want takin' down," he cried. "I've run this ranch a long time
+now, an' there ain't no new feller comin' here without I say so. Yer got
+ter skip out er take a lickin' on the spot. Now, I give yer one more
+chanct ter say yer'll hoof it."
+
+Darry knew what it meant, for he had not knocked around so long without
+learning the signs of storm and fight.
+
+He had thought seriously over this very matter, after being warned that
+he might sooner or later have trouble with Jim; and as a result his
+decision was already formed.
+
+When Jim Dilks saw him deliberately taking off his jacket he stared,
+with a new sensation beginning to make its presence felt around the
+region of his heart--the element of uncertainty, even fear.
+
+"Wot yer doin' that fur?" he demanded, shaking his head after the manner
+of a pugnacious rooster about to enter into combat for the mastery of
+the barnyard.
+
+"Why, you said you were going to lick me, and as this is a very good
+coat Mrs. Peake gave me, one that used to belong to her boy, Joe, I
+thought she might feel bad if she saw it dusty or torn," replied Darry,
+solemnly.
+
+"Say, you bean't goin' ter fight, be yer?" gasped Jim, hardly able to
+believe his senses, the shock was so great.
+
+"Why, you said I had to. I don't want to fight a bit, but I always obey
+orders, you see, and you told me I must or leave Ashley. Now, I don't
+mean to go away, so I suppose I must do the other thing. But I hate to
+hurt anyone."
+
+"Hey? You hurt me? Don't worry about thet, cub. I reckon I kin wipe up
+the ground with a feller o' yer build. So yer won't run, eh? Then all I
+kin say is yer got to take yer medicine, see?"
+
+Naturally, Jim knew next to nothing about the science of boxing, for he
+had always depended upon his brute strength to pull him through, backed
+by his really ferocious appearance, when he assumed his "fighting face,"
+as he was proudly wont to term it.
+
+On the other hand Darry had often boxed during the dog watch, with some
+of the sailors aboard the old brigantine, and since there were several
+among the crew who prided themselves on a knowledge of fisticuffs, he
+imbibed more or less of skill in the dexterity shown in both self
+defense and aggressive tactics.
+
+At the same time Darry had seldom been called upon to utilize this
+knowledge, for he was of a peaceful nature, and would shun a fight if it
+could be done in honor.
+
+Now, he knew that Jim Dilks was determined to have it out with him, and
+consequently, if he really intended to remain in Ashley, he must show
+this bully that he could take care of himself.
+
+Jim was surprised when he received a staggering blow in the first
+encounter, and before he had even been able to lay a hand on his
+antagonist, who, after striking had nimbly bounded aside, so that the
+village boy came near falling down.
+
+Believing that this must have been only an accident, Jim turned with a
+roar and once more strove to crush his rival by sheer weight and bulldog
+tactics.
+
+There never was a fight yet that did not immediately attract a crowd of
+the curious and idle. Boys came running from several quarters, and not a
+few men too, the more shame to them, always glad to watch a contest,
+whether between a pair of aggressive dogs or roosters, or pugnacious
+lads.
+
+Those who came running up could hardly believe their eyes, when they saw
+the recognized bully of the village engaged with a strange boy, and
+apparently, thus far, getting the worst of the bargain.
+
+Darry felt rather ashamed to be caught in the centre of such a
+gathering; but the fight had been forced upon him, and the only thing
+left was to wind it up as quickly as possible.
+
+Accordingly, he began to force matters, and the third time that Jim
+leaped at him, failing as before to land his blow, he received a sudden
+shock in the shape of a swift tap directly under the ear that hurled him
+to the ground.
+
+There was a buzz of excitement about this time.
+
+Boys who had tamely yielded to the sway of the bully for many moons
+began to take notice, and even say things that were not calculated to
+soothe the lacerated feelings of Jim who was picking himself up slowly,
+and trying to collect his scattered wits.
+
+The bully, of course, had not had enough as yet. This time, however,
+when he came on it was with considerable caution, for his rough
+experience had begun to teach him that rush tactics were not going to
+answer with the boy who knew so well how to handle his fists.
+
+It made no difference, for Darry met him squarely, and after a rapid
+interchange of blows that brought out many a whoop from those who looked
+on, Jim once more received an unexpected tap that caused him to sit down
+a second time.
+
+He was in no hurry to get up now, but sat there in a half-dazed way,
+rubbing the side of his head, and gritting his teeth savagely.
+
+The crowd began to cheer, and it must have been a galling sound to that
+defeated bully, whose hour had come, as it usually does with most of his
+kind.
+
+"Get up!" said one man, jeeringly.
+
+Jim scrambled to his feet, to find his antagonist facing him in a manner
+that made him quail.
+
+"Are you done, or shall we go on with it?" asked Darry, calmly, for he
+did not seem to have been even winded in the exchange of blows.
+
+"Ah, git out. Me hand is sprained, I tell ye. I fell on it last night.
+That's why I couldn't knock yer out. This thing ain't done yet, cub.
+I'll git yer as sure as me name is Jim Dilks. I allers do wen I goes
+arter a feller."
+
+He turned away with his head tossed in the air as though victory had
+really perched upon his banner.
+
+[ILLUSTRATION: HE WAS IN NO HURRY TO GET UP NOW, BUT SAT THERE IN A
+HALF-DAZED WAY.]
+
+The laugh that arose must have been galling to his pride, for he stopped
+in his tracks and looked around angrily in the hopes of detecting one of
+the boys in the act, whom he could trash later on as a sop to his
+wounded feelings; but they were shrewd enough to hide their exultant
+faces just then.
+
+Darry picked up his coat, and putting it on, strode away.
+
+He was conscious of a feeling of satisfaction, not because he had
+whipped his antagonist, for it had been almost too easy; but he knew Jim
+Dilks had long lorded it over the boys of Ashley, and perhaps after this
+he might hesitate to act the part of bully again.
+
+At any rate he was not intending to leave the place just because one
+fellow had given him orders; perhaps before they left him alone he might
+have to repeat this dose; but the reputation of the one who had downed
+Jim Dilks would travel fast, and the balance of the village herd would
+think twice before trying conclusions with the new boy at Peake's.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+WINNING HIS WAY
+
+
+When Darry entered the store the proprietor looked at him with interest.
+
+Mr. Keeler was a very strait-laced individual, and wont to raise his
+hands in horror at the mention of fighting, or anything, in fact, that
+partook of violence. He always gave it as his opinion that football was
+a brutal game, equal to the bull rights of the Spaniards, and could
+hardly be induced to even watch a baseball match, for fear one of the
+players be injured.
+
+Nevertheless, Mr. Keeler was human, and from the door of his shop he had
+seen the little affair on the road, and recognized the combatants as
+Peake's new boy and the village bully.
+
+He could hardly believe his eyes when he saw that Darry had come off
+victor, and that the idle men who gaped at the encounter were giving Jim
+the laugh as he crossly slouched away.
+
+Perhaps after all there might be something in such a fight as this,
+where a much-needed lesson was taught a young scoundrel.
+
+Mr. Keeler had his eyes opened for once; but at the same time he thought
+it his duty as a man of peace to speak to the new boy.
+
+"What was the trouble about, my lad?" he asked, as Darry handed him a
+list of the articles Mrs. Peake wished him to bring back.
+
+"There was no trouble on my side. I only wanted to be left alone, sir,"
+replied our hero, smiling.
+
+"Oh! I see, and Jim wouldn't have it? Like as not he told you to get off
+the earth--it would be just like his impudence."
+
+"Not quite so bad as that, sir, but he did say I couldn't stay with Mrs.
+Peake, and must move on. I'm quite satisfied where I am, and I mean to
+stay--that is as long as she wants me to."
+
+"Quite right. I suppose there may be times when a boy is compelled to
+stand up for his rights, although I've generally preached the other way.
+But if you had to fight I'm glad you succeeded in convincing Jim that
+you could hold your own."
+
+"That was easy enough, sir. He is a clumsy fighter."
+
+"I hope you do not love to engage in such affairs, Darry?" continued the
+grocer, alive to what he considered his duty.
+
+"I've been set upon a few times when I had to defend myself, but I never
+look for trouble. I'd even avoid it if I could; but you know, Mr.
+Keeler, sometimes a boy has to either run away or fight; and somehow I
+don't care to run away."
+
+Mr. Keeler nodded his head.
+
+He was getting a new insight into boy character that day, that might
+revolutionize a few of his pet theories.
+
+"You say you have decided to stay with the Peakes?" he continued.
+
+"If Mrs. Peake wants me to. It isn't quite decided yet; but I think I
+shall like to have a home there. You see, sir, outside of the cabin of
+the old _Falcon_ I've never known a home in all my life."
+
+Mr. Keeler felt a new interest in this strange lad, who had been a
+wanderer the brief span of his days, and yet strange to say seemed to
+possess the instincts of a manly young chap.
+
+He wondered very much where the boy could have picked up his ways; but
+then Mr. Keeler had never met Captain Harley, or he might not have
+indulged in so much vague speculation.
+
+"If you can get on with Mrs. Peake you deserve considerable praise, lad.
+Not but what she is a good enough woman, and with a kindly heart; but
+ever since little Joe went out on the ebb tide and never came back
+again she seems to have become what I might say, soured on humanity.
+Abner is meek enough to stand it, but she has had quarrels with many
+people in the village. Still, who knows but what you may be the very one
+to do her good. You are about the size of her Joe, and with his clothes
+on, I declare now, you do look a little like him. He was a clever boy,
+and I just reckon her heart was all wrapped up in him. At any rate, I
+wish you success there, Darry. And if I can do you a good turn at any
+time just ask me."
+
+"Thank you, sir," replied the boy, with a lump in his throat; for he was
+unused to kindness save from Captain Harley, and had had more hard
+knocks in the past than good wishes.
+
+The benevolent grocer continued to chat with him until the purchases
+were all tied up in a bundle, and after payment had been made Darry
+placed the rather bulky package on his shoulder and trotted off.
+
+On the way home he was not spoken to by anyone.
+
+He saw several boys pointing in his direction, and there was a look of
+awe on their faces as they watched him walk by; but no one ventured to
+address a word to the newcomer who was said to have roundly trounced big
+Jim.
+
+A tall man also looked sharply at him, and as he wore a great nickel
+star on the breast of his coat Darry understood that this must be Hank
+Squires, the constable of the village.
+
+No doubt news of the encounter had drifted to his ears, and since the
+boy who usually made life miserable for him had come out "second best"
+Hank did not think it policy to take any official notice of the
+misdemeanor.
+
+As soon as he arrived at home, Darry busied himself in undoing his
+package, and placing the various articles where Mrs. Peake told him they
+belonged.
+
+His manner was so obliging and his answers to her questions so ready,
+that despite her feeling of resentment at Abner, thinking anyone could
+ever take the place of Joe in her heart, the woman found herself
+insensibly drawn to the boy.
+
+Perhaps, after all, the mere fact that he had never known a mother's
+love, nor had a home of any kind, appealed more to her sympathies than
+anything else.
+
+She watched him take off his coat and carefully fold it before setting
+to work.
+
+That too, was like Joe, always trying to save his mother needless worry
+and work.
+
+After a while, as he happened to come close to her in doing something to
+save her steps, she uttered a little exclamation.
+
+"Did you fall down with the bundle, Darry?" she asked, leaning forward.
+
+He turned a little red, conscious that in some way she must have
+discovered signs of his recent adventure on the road.
+
+"Oh! no, it was not heavy at all, ma'am," he replied, and then noting
+that her eyes were fastened on his cheek he put up his hand, in this way
+discovering for the first time, a little soreness there.
+
+When he withdrew his fingers he saw a spot of blood.
+
+"How did that happen then, Darry?" she asked, suspiciously.
+
+"I think he must have hit me there, but I didn't know it until now," he
+replied, relieved to feel that he could tell her the whole truth.
+
+"Someone struck you--have you been fighting then?" she asked, a little
+coldly; for woman-like, Mrs. Peake did not approve of strenuous
+encounters.
+
+"He said that I would have to leave you, and get out. I couldn't do
+anything else but defend myself when he came at me. I'm sorry, for I
+never tried to get in a fight in my life, and I never ran away from one
+either."
+
+"Who was it, Darry?" she asked again, looking uneasy.
+
+"Jim Dilks," he answered promptly, unconsciously squaring his shoulders.
+
+"Oh! that terrible boy again! What a shame he can't pick out some one
+of his own size to beat! Did he hurt you very much, my poor boy?"
+
+Then she was surprised to see Darry smile broadly.
+
+"I didn't know he had even struck me until just now. You see Captain
+Harley allowed me to box with the sailors, and I learned how to defend
+myself. Jim says he is going to get even with me later on," he said
+modestly.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me you whipped that big loafer, that
+good-for-nothing bully who has run the place for years?" exclaimed the
+woman, in astonishment.
+
+"I wouldn't just say that, ma'am, and Jim wouldn't admit it either; but
+I did knock him down twice, and the second time he said he wouldn't
+fight any more because, you see, his right hand was sprained. So he went
+off and left me alone."
+
+"Splendid! He deserved a lesson, the brute! Many's the time he has
+jeered at me when he passed; and everyone has been afraid to put a hand
+on him because his father is a bad man. And you did that? Well, the boys
+of Ashley ought to vote you thanks. And you fought because he wanted you
+to leave _this_ house? You thought it was a home worth fighting for?
+Then it shall be yours as long as you want to stay here, Darry."
+
+Before he suspected how greatly her feelings had been aroused, Mrs.
+Peake threw her arms about his neck and gave him a resounding
+kiss--perhaps in her heart she was in this way demonstrating her undying
+affection for the boy who had vanished from that home one year ago, and
+never came back.
+
+After that Darry worked with a light heart, such as he had never before
+known in all his life.
+
+During the afternoon Abner's wife took pains to open a box that
+contained all the treasured possessions of the young trapper and
+naturalist whose greatest delight had been to spend his time in the
+swamps watching the animals at their play; and in the proper season
+setting his traps to secure the pelts of muskrats, 'coons and skunks,
+which, properly cured, would bring high prices at such centres where
+furs are collected, and secure many little luxuries for his mother
+during the winter season.
+
+Darry handled these with a bit of reverence, for he knew what a wrench
+it must be to the devoted heart of the mother to see a stranger touching
+the things she had hoarded up as treasures, and over which she must have
+had many a secret cry.
+
+Together with the traps and other things there was an old shotgun still
+in good condition, and Darry had visions of coming days in the marsh and
+swamp, where fat ducks and squirrels might fall to his aim, and provide
+good dinners for this little family into whose humble home he had now
+been fully taken.
+
+His heart was filled with gratitude, for he knew that his lines had
+fallen in pleasant places, since he was no longer a waif in the world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE MIDNIGHT ALARM
+
+
+Darry found himself greatly interested in the little diary left behind
+by the boy naturalist, and which, besides containing an account of his
+catches in the way of fur-bearing animals, also explained his methods of
+setting snares and traps, how he cured the skins when taken, and where
+he received the highest prices for the same.
+
+All of this information was eagerly devoured by his successor, who felt
+that it was certainly up to him to do his share toward supporting the
+little family of the life saver who had been so kind to him.
+
+He wandered out late one afternoon to look around and see what prospect
+there might be for game; since the fall season was now on, and the boom
+of guns beginning to be heard on the bay, where the ducks were
+commencing to congregate.
+
+As he drew near the cabin just at dusk he was surprised to discover a
+figure making off in a suspicious way, as though not desirous of being
+seen.
+
+He recognized the lurker as Jim Dilks, and the fact gave him
+considerable uneasiness, for he had not forgotten how the other vowed to
+get even for his discomfiture, and Jim's methods of wiping out a score
+were sometimes little short of shocking, if Darry could believe half he
+had heard.
+
+Had the fellow been prowling around in hopes of meeting him again, and
+trying conclusions a second time?
+
+Darry could not believe it, for such a thing would not be in line with
+the reputation of the village bully.
+
+He would be more apt to try and obtain a mean revenge by doing some
+injury to the kind woman who had given refuge to this shipwrecked lad.
+
+Evidently Mrs. Peake should know what he had seen, and so as soon as he
+entered the kitchen, he spoke of it.
+
+"Jim Dilks hanging about here," she echoed, in rising anger; "I'd just
+like to know what that scamp wants, that's all. No good follows his
+visits, as every one about this section knows to their sorrow."
+
+"I'm afraid I'm the cause of it all. Unfortunately my being here is apt
+to bring trouble down upon you. Perhaps it might be as well if I moved
+on, as he said," remarked the boy, dejectedly.
+
+The woman looked at him quickly, almost sharply.
+
+"Do you want to go?" she demanded.
+
+"No, oh, never; but it would save you trouble, and I have no right to
+bring that on you," he cried, hastily, and with emotion.
+
+"Then I say you shan't go away, not for a dozen Jim Dilks. You belong
+here now. I've done what I said I never would do, given away my Joey's
+things, and you're my boy, I say. I won't let you go away! This is your
+home as long as you want to stay. Let me catch that Jim Dilks trying to
+chase you off, that's all."
+
+Darry could not trust his voice to say one word, only caught up her
+work-stained hand and pressed it to his lips, then fled from the house.
+
+And yet as Darry stood out under the old oak that shielded the cottage
+from the burning sun in summer, and the biting winds of the "northers"
+in winter, looking up at the first bright evening star that peeped into
+view, he felt a happiness deep down in his boyish heart that could not
+be excelled by a prince of the royal blood coming into his palace home.
+
+He was merry all evening, and the twins romped as they had not done for
+many a day, in fact, ever since their brother had left them.
+
+The mother looked on in silent approval, thinking that once more home
+seemed to have a brightness about it that had been long lacking.
+
+When all had retired save Darry he sat by the fire thinking.
+
+Somehow he could not forget that skulking figure he had seen leaving the
+vicinity of the cabin at dusk, and he would have given much to have
+known just what mission brought the vindictive Jim out there.
+
+The bully's home was in the village, and he had no business so far away,
+unless bent on an errand that would not bear the light of day.
+
+A sense of responsibility came upon the boy as he sat there.
+
+What if this young wretch should be cruel enough to poison the chickens,
+or the three pigs that were expected to help carry the family over the
+winter?
+
+The thought gave him a bad feeling, and almost unconsciously he reached
+out his hand and picked up the gun that Joe had purchased with money
+earned through the sale of roots dug in the woods or furs secured
+through clever deadfalls.
+
+There were a few shells in the box, and among others, several containing
+very small shot, that might sting pretty lively, but could not do much
+damage to a half-grown boy as tough as Jim Dilks.
+
+And it was with that same individual in his mind that Darry pushed two
+of these small bird shells into the barrels of the gun.
+
+He did not know that he would care to send even this charge directly at
+a human being; but in case it became necessary he wanted to make
+certain he would do little harm.
+
+After that he seemed to feel easier in his mind, for he lay down and was
+soon fast asleep.
+
+Something awoke him about midnight, and thinking he had heard a sound he
+sat up to listen; then he heard it again, and felt sure it must be a
+cough, as of some one partly choking.
+
+He was worried and left his lowly bed to go to the door connecting the
+rooms and listen, but nothing came from beyond.
+
+Could the sound come from outside?
+
+He slipped on some of his clothes, and stepping over quietly opened the
+outer door, looking into the night.
+
+The new moon had long since vanished behind the horizon, and yet he
+could see some sort of flickering light, coming from that region back of
+the house.
+
+At the same time he believed he caught the muttering of voices, or it
+might be a low chuckle, followed by a plain sneeze.
+
+Smoke came to his nostrils, and that meant fire!
+
+Darry had a sudden vision of Jim Dilks getting even, and it took the
+form of a burning corn-crib or chicken house.
+
+Filled with indignation, he turned back into the house, and snatched up
+the old shotgun; gone now was his hesitation with regard to using the
+gun to pepper the rascally gang that took orders from the even more
+rascally Jim.
+
+Without saying a word Darry shot out of the door and turned the corner,
+when his worst fears were realized, for he saw flames rising up
+alongside the pigsty, which adjoined the building in which the fowls
+were kept.
+
+His first act was to fire the right barrel of his gun in the air, and at
+the same time give vent to a shout.
+
+Immediately several shadowy figures, which in spite of their bent
+attitudes he knew to be boys, started to scamper away, in sudden alarm
+lest they be recognized, and made to pay the penalty in the squire's
+court.
+
+As near as Darry could tell there were three of them, and as they ran he
+believed he could recognize Jim Dilks in the centre of the group.
+
+The temptation was too great to be resisted, and filled with indignation
+because of the cowardly trick of which they had been guilty, Darry took
+a snap shot at the running bunch.
+
+It was music to his ears to catch the howls that immediately arose; but
+he knew no serious damage had resulted because they ran faster than ever
+after that, quickly vanishing from view in the shadows.
+
+There was work to be done if he would save the humble quarters of the
+family porkers from destruction, and the hennery as well.
+
+He knew where the rain barrel stood that held the wash water, and
+snatching up a bucket he hastily dipped it in, after which he rushed
+over to the fire and dashed the contents upon the blaze.
+
+Back and forth he galloped, using considerable discretion as to where he
+put the water so as to head off the creeping fire.
+
+Mrs. Peake now came running with another bucket, and proved herself a
+woman in a thousand by assisting the new addition to the family put out
+the last of the conflagration.
+
+When there was not a spark remaining, and beyond the grunting of the
+pigs and the cackling of the fowls, everything had fallen back into its
+usual condition, one or two neighbors arrived on the scene, asking
+questions, and busying themselves generally, though had it depended on
+their efforts the frail buildings must have gone up in smoke before now.
+
+Of course many questions were fired at Darry, and he felt that it was
+necessary he should tell what he had seen, though cautious about saying
+he had fully recognized any one of the three skulkers, no matter what
+strong suspicions he may have entertained.
+
+He believed he had a means of identifying one or more of them,
+nevertheless, when the proper time came.
+
+More neighbors arrived, attracted by the shots and the confusion, for
+nothing could quiet the excited chickens; and for an hour there was more
+or less discussion on the part of these good people.
+
+Finally the excitement died out, the last neighbor went home, and the
+Peake cabin was left to those who belonged there. There was no further
+alarm during the balance of that eventful night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ACROSS THE BAY
+
+
+Darry welcomed the coming of dawn.
+
+He was glad to see that the sky was clear, for he anticipated a long row
+across the broad bay that day, bearing the mail for those at the
+life-saving station, as well as several things he had been commissioned
+to fetch over by Abner.
+
+Hardly had they finished breakfast than there arrived a visitor.
+
+Mrs. Peake saw him coming along the road, for she could look out of the
+window of the kitchen, where they ate, and have a view of the open
+stretch.
+
+"Here comes old Hank Squires. I reckon he's heard something about what
+happened here last night. It's about time he took notice of some of the
+mean pranks those village boys play on those who live outside. Tell him
+all he wants to hear, Darry; but unless you can swear to it perhaps
+you'd better not say that you think it was Jim Dilks and his crowd. If
+you feel sure, go ahead," she remarked, for with all her temper Mrs.
+Peake was a woman with a due sense of caution.
+
+The constable knocked, and in response to her call to "come in," he
+entered.
+
+"I heard ye had a little shindig up to here last night, Mrs. Peake, an'
+I jest called 'round to see what it is all 'bout," said Hank, seating
+himself. "I see thar was a fire here all right, an' it kim near burning
+yer buildings down in the bargain. Some says as how it was sot by a
+passel o' boys. How 'bout that, ma'am?"
+
+"I didn't see anyone," answered the woman. "When I got out Darry here
+had the fire pretty well under control, and I only helped him finish.
+You can ask him about it, Mr. Squires."
+
+Darry had already learned through the grocer that previous to her
+marriage to Abner the good woman had been for some years a teacher in
+the schools, which fact accounted for her superior language and
+knowledge of things that were far above the intelligence of most of her
+neighbors.
+
+The constable looked keenly at our hero.
+
+"I b'lieve this is the boy wot was saved from the wreck o' that
+brigantine. So he's gwine to be your boy now, Mrs. Peake? Well, I
+understand he's got the makin' o' a man in him, so Mr. Keeler sez to me
+last night, and I hope you'll never have no reason to be sorry. I want
+to know, Darry, what about this here fire?"
+
+"I'll be only too glad to tell you all I know, sir," replied the boy
+promptly.
+
+"When did it happen?" began the constable, with the air of a famous
+lawyer, with a bewildered witness on the rack.
+
+"I think it was somewhere near midnight. I have no watch, and Mrs. Peake
+took the little clock in her room with her."
+
+"That was near the time. It was half-past one when I went back to my bed
+with my two little girls," remarked the owner of the house.
+
+"S'pose you tell me what happened, jest as it comes to you, lad."
+
+With this invitation Darry soon related the whole matter, even to his
+firing after the vanishing culprits.
+
+This latter event appeared to interest the constable more than anything
+else.
+
+"Do you think you hit any o' 'em?" he asked, eagerly.
+
+"They didn't stop to tell me, but I heard a lot of howling, and they ran
+faster than ever," replied Darry, smiling.
+
+"That sounds as if you did some damage. Mrs. Peake, I must look into
+this outrage closer, and if I can only git my hands on any dead-sure
+evidence somebody's boys is a gwine to pay for the fiddlin'. I'm tired
+o' sech goings-on. They sure are a disgrace to our village. But you know
+how it is--my hands are tied acause theys politics back o' it all. If I
+arrested Jim Dilks now on the strength o' a suspicion I'd get tied up in
+litigation and lose my job in the bargain. I hears as how theys gwine to
+be a meetin' called at the house o' the dominie to discuss this
+question, an' see what kin be did to change things."
+
+"I'm sure I'm glad to know it, and if they want another to join in tell
+them to count on Nancy Peake. The women must take this thing in hand,
+since the men are too much afraid of that ruffian, big Jim Dilks, to do
+anything. Be sure and let me know when that meeting is coming off, Mr.
+Squires," said Abner's better half; and when he saw the fire in her eyes
+and the determination shining there Constable Squires realized that the
+day of salvation for Ashley village was not so very far away.
+
+"Then you wouldn't like to swear to its being any particular pusson?" he
+went on, turning again to Darry.
+
+"I did not see a face, and without that my evidence would hardly
+convict. No, sir, I would not swear that one of the three was Jim."
+
+"That's bad. I stand ready to do my duty and arrest the boy if so be
+any one makes a complaint; but without that it wouldn't pay and only
+makes useless trouble all 'round. But I'm goin' to keep my eyes open
+from now on, and when I git a sure case on Jim he comes in."
+
+That was all Mr. Squires would say, and he soon departed; but not before
+he had called Darry outside for a few words in parting.
+
+"Looks like you was marked to be the central figger o' the comin' storm,
+lad. Keep your eye open for squalls. If things git too black around jest
+slip over to the dominie's leetle house and hev a talk with him. I knows
+more about what's gwine to happen than I let on; but somebody's due to
+hev a surprise that hain't a donation party either. You seem to have the
+right stuff in you, lad. I heard from Mr. Keeler how you took that bully
+Jim into camp mighty neat. He'll never be satisfied till he's paid you
+back. A word to the wise is sufficient. Goodbye, Darry."
+
+After all the constable did not seem to be a bad sort of fellow.
+
+During the morning Darry accomplished many things for Abner's wife, and
+she showed in her manner how pleased she was to have him there.
+
+When noon had come and gone he prepared for his row across the bay, for
+she insisted upon his making an early start.
+
+"Clouds are banking up in the southeast, and we look for trouble
+whenever that comes about. Still, you will have plenty of time to row
+over. Stay with Abner to-night and return in the morning if it is safe
+on the bay. Perhaps you may have a chance to see how the life savers
+work," said Mrs. Peake.
+
+It was almost two when he pushed off from the float and started on his
+long row directly across the bay.
+
+Steadily he kept pushing across the wide stretch of shallow water.
+
+As Abner had said, a new pair of oars seemed to be badly needed in
+connection with the old boat; but a willing heart and sturdy arms sent
+the craft along until finally Darry reached his goal.
+
+The storm was drawing near, for by now the heavens were clouded over,
+and the haze seemed to thicken. Perhaps had he lingered another hour
+Darry might have stood a chance of losing his way, and being drawn out
+of the inlet by the powerful ebb tide--just as the unfortunate Joe had
+been.
+
+Abner was waiting at the landing for him.
+
+"Glad to see yuh, lad. How's everything to home?" he asked.
+
+Of course Darry understood this to mean with regard to himself and his
+relations with the good woman of the house.
+
+Truth to tell Abner had worried more than a little since parting from
+the boy, for his wife had shown more than unusual ill temper lately, and
+he feared that he had possibly done an unwise thing in leaving Darry
+there to be a constant reminder of the son she had lost.
+
+But the happy look on the boy's countenance eased his mind even before
+the boy spoke a single word.
+
+"He kin do it, if any boy kin," was what the life saver was saying under
+his breath.
+
+"All well, and your wife sent this over to you, sir. Here's the mail,
+too. The postmaster didn't want to give it to me, but Mr. Keeler told
+him it was all right, and that I belonged with the crew over here."
+
+Unconsciously his tones were full of pride as he made this assertion,
+and the grocer had evidently done more to please the lad in making that
+assertion than he would ever know.
+
+But Abner seemed to be staring down at something.
+
+"Seems like as if yuh bed ben a leetle mite keerless, son, with them
+trousers. Don't strike me thet burn was on 'em yesterday," he remarked.
+
+"It wasn't, Mr. Peake. I got that last night," he said, quickly.
+
+"Doin' what?" went on Abner, who seemed to guess that there was a story
+back of it all that he ought to hear.
+
+"Putting out the pigsty, that was on fire, sir."
+
+"What's that? Who sot it afire, I'd like to know? Them pigs never has
+smoked, leastways not yit. Jest tell me the hull bloomin' thing, lad."
+
+To begin at the start Darry had to take up the subject of his encounter
+on the road, and from that he went on until the whole story had been
+told, including the visit of Hank Squires.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE SIGNAL ROCKET
+
+
+Abner Peake made no comment until the end had been reached.
+
+Then he smote one hand into the palm of the other, and relieved his
+feelings in the expressive way one would expect a coast "cracker" to do.
+
+"This sorter thing has got to stop! It's sure the limit wen them
+varmints set about burnin' a honest man's buildin's up! I'll take the
+law into my own hands onless somethin' is did soon. P'raps that parson
+kin manage to rouse up the village, and upset old Dilks. Ef so be it
+falls through I'm gwine to take a hand, no matter what happens."
+
+He immediately told the whole story to his companions at the station,
+and they, of course, sympathized with him to a man.
+
+"That Dilks gang has got to be run out of Ashley, root and branch, daddy
+and sons, for they're all alike," declared the keeper, Mr. Frazer, who
+was a man of considerable intelligence--indeed, no one could hold the
+position he did unless fairly educated and able to manage the various
+concerns connected with the station. "It's a burning shame that the
+families of men who are away from home in the service of the Government
+can't be left unmolested. I'm going to take the matter up with the
+authorities the next time the boat comes to this station."
+
+The life savers asked Darry many questions, but he was careful not to
+fully commit himself with regard to identifying the three culprits.
+
+"Course he couldn't say, boys. Don't forget Darry's new in this section,
+and most o' the boys is strangers to him. But he's put his trade-mark on
+one as won't forget it in a hurry. And for me I'd be willing to wager my
+week's pay that young Jim Dilks was leadin' them raiders in their
+rascally work," declared one of the crew, a stalwart young fellow named
+Sandy Monks.
+
+By this time the storm began to break, and it became necessary for the
+keeper to make good use of his glass in the endeavor to place any vessel
+chancing to be within range, so that in case of trouble later in the
+night they would have some idea as to the character of the imperiled
+craft.
+
+Darry watched everything that was done with eager eyes.
+
+After an early supper, in which he participated with the men of the
+station, he saw the guard that had the first patrol don their storm
+clothes, and prepare to pass out to tramp the beach, exchanging checks
+when they met other members of the next patrol to prove that through the
+livelong night they had been alive to their duty.
+
+Abner was on the second watch. He had consented to let the boy go out
+with him, and share his lonely tramp, for he seemed to realize that just
+then it was the most ardent wish in the heart of our hero to become a
+life saver like himself.
+
+The rain came down in sheets, and the thunder rattled, while lightning
+played in strange fashion all around; but this storm was not in the same
+class with the dreadful West India hurricane that had sent the poor
+_Falcon_ on to the cruel reefs, to wind up her voyaging forever.
+
+Darry might have liked to sit up and listen to the men tell about former
+experiences; but the keeper chased them to their beds, knowing that it
+was necessary to secure some sleep, since they must remain up the latter
+half of the night.
+
+A hand touching his face aroused Darry.
+
+"Time to git up, lad, if so be yuh wants to go along," came a voice
+which he recognized as belonging to Abner, though he had been dreaming
+of the captain.
+
+He was quickly dressed and out of doors.
+
+It seemed to be still raining, and the wind howled worse than ever,
+though but little thunder accompanied the vivid flashes of lightning.
+
+Having been giving some spare waterproof garments in the shape of
+oilskins, and a sou'wester, Darry felt himself prepared to face any
+conditions that might arise during his long walk with his friend.
+
+Taking lantern and coster lights for signalling, Abner set out, another
+patrol going in the opposite direction.
+
+Those who had been out for hours had returned to the station in an
+almost exhausted condition, and at the time Abner and Darry left they
+were warming up with a cup of coffee, strong spirits being absolutely
+forbidden while on duty.
+
+Darry asked questions when the wind allowed of his speaking, which was
+not all the time, to be sure.
+
+He wanted to know how the patrol learned when a ship was in distress,
+and Abner answered that sometimes they saw lights on the reefs; again
+the lightning betrayed the perilous condition of the recked vessel; but
+usually they learned of the need of assistance through rockets sent up
+by those on board, and which were answered by the coast guard.
+
+Captain Harley had not been given a chance to send such an appeal for
+help, since he had been swept overboard just after the brigantine
+struck; besides, the vessel was a complete wreck at the time, and
+without a single stick in place could never have utilized the breeches
+buoy even had a line been shot out across her bows by means of the Lyle
+gun.
+
+In two hours they had gone to the end of their route, and exchanged
+checks with the other patrol coming from the south. Then the return
+journey was begun.
+
+Almost an hour had elapsed since turning back, and they were possibly
+more than half way to the station, when suddenly Darry, who chanced to
+be looking out to sea, discovered an ascending trail of fire that seemed
+to mount to the very clouds, when it broke, to show a flash of brilliant
+light.
+
+"See!" he had exclaimed, dragging at the sleeve of his companion's coat,
+for Abner was plodding along steadily, as if his mind was made up to the
+effect that there was going to be no call for help on this night.
+
+"A rocket! a signal!" cried the old life saver, at once alive to the
+occasion.
+
+His first act was to unwrap one of the coster lights, and set it on
+fire.
+
+This was intended to inform those on board the ship that their call for
+assistance had been seen, and that the lifeboat would soon be started if
+conditions allowed of its getting through the surf; for there are
+occasionally times when the sea runs so high that it proves beyond human
+endeavor to launch the boat.
+
+Having thus done his duty, so far as he could, Abner set out on a run
+for the station, knowing that unless the full crew was on hand all
+efforts to send out the boat would be useless.
+
+Darry kept at his heels, though he could have outrun the older man had
+he so desired, being sturdy and young.
+
+Stumbling along, sometimes falling flat as they met with obstacles in
+the darkness, they finally came within sight of the lights of the
+station.
+
+Here they found all excitement, for the signal rockets had of course
+been seen by the lookout, and all was in readiness to run the boat out
+of its shed.
+
+Darry found that he could certainly make himself useful in giving a
+helping hand, and with a will the boat was hurried down to the edge of
+the water that rolled up on the beach.
+
+All they waited for now was the coming of one man, whose beat happened
+to be a little longer than any other, but who should have shown up ere
+now.
+
+As the minutes passed the anxiety of the helmsman grew apace, for those
+on the stranded vessel were sending more rockets up, as though they
+believed their peril to be very great.
+
+The men stood at their places, ready to push at the word, and then leap
+aboard.
+
+Darry was with them, eager and alert; indeed, he had done such good
+service up to now that the stout Mr. Frazer cast an eye toward him more
+than once, as though tempted to ask him to take the place of the missing
+man, who must have had an accident on the way, perhaps spraining an
+ankle over some unseen obstacle that came in his way as he ran headlong.
+
+Darry saw him talking with Abner, who looked his way, and shook his head
+as if hardly willing to give his consent.
+
+Just as his hopes ran high, and the words seemed trembling on the lips
+of the helmsman a shout was heard and the missing man came limping down
+to take his place without a complaint, though as it afterwards turned
+out he had a bad sprain.
+
+Then the wild word was given, the men heaved, the surf boat ran into the
+water, with the men jumping aboard, oars flashed out on either side, and
+were dipped deep, after which the boat plunged into the next wave, rode
+on its crest like a duck, made a forward move, and then darkness shut it
+from the gaze of the lad left behind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+JIM THE BULLY
+
+
+Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had
+been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
+
+One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a
+beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
+
+What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense
+as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare
+upon the clouds overhead was essential.
+
+By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken
+chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
+
+They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious
+looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the
+boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the
+vessel in danger.
+
+Finally a loud shout was heard:
+
+"There they come!"
+
+Upon the top of an incoming billow the lifeboat was seen perched, with
+the men laboring at the oars to keep it steady, and the steersman
+standing at his post, every muscle strained to hold the craft from
+broaching to.
+
+It was a wild sight, and every nerve in Darry's body seemed to thrill as
+he kept his eyes glued upon that careening boat.
+
+On it came, sweeping in with the wash of the agitated sea, until finally
+it was carried far up the beach, where men, rushing in waist deep,
+seized hold and prevented the undertow from dragging it out again.
+
+Then the crew jumped out to lend their aid.
+
+Darry saw that quite a number of strangers were aboard, who had
+undoubtedly been taken from the vessel.
+
+They were passengers, the captain and crew refusing to abandon their
+craft.
+
+The steamer being head on, was not in as bad a condition as might
+otherwise have been the case; and as the storm promised to be
+short-lived, the commander had decided to try and await the coming of
+tugs from the city to drag his vessel off.
+
+The telephone to the mainland was immediately put to good use, and a
+message sent to a salvage company that would bring a couple of strong
+sea-going tugs to the scene inside of ten hours.
+
+Abner had labored with the rest.
+
+He was more or less tired when Darry found him, after the boat had been
+drawn up on the beach, but not housed, since it might be needed again;
+but this sort of thing was an old story in his life, and in comparison
+with some of his labors the adventure of the night had been rather tame.
+
+In the morning Darry started across the bay again, homeward bound.
+
+He was sorry to leave the beach, so much was his heart wrapped up in the
+work of the life savers.
+
+The day was bright and fine after the short storm which had seemed to
+clear the air wonderfully.
+
+He could see a few boats moving about, some of them oyster sloops or
+dredgers, other pleasure craft belonging to the rich sportsmen who had
+already commenced to drift down in pursuit of their regular fall
+shooting.
+
+Occasionally the distant dull boom of a gun told that a few ducks were
+paying toll on their passage south.
+
+Darry looked longingly at a splendid motor-boat that went swiftly past
+him.
+
+The young fellow on board seemed to be having a most delightful time,
+and it was only natural for any boy to envy him.
+
+It was noon when our hero arrived home. Mrs. Peake was interested in
+all he had to tell about the trip of the life savers.
+
+"We get used to hearing these things," she said, "but all the same it
+keeps the wives of the life savers feeling anxious. Some night it
+happens one of the crew of the lifeboat goes out and does not return. At
+any time it may be my turn. I know three widows now."
+
+"I think they ought to pick out the unmarried men," remarked Darry, who
+had himself been considering this very subject.
+
+"They do, I believe, as far as they can; but we must have bread, and the
+number of available surfmen is small. But those who win their living
+from the sea learn to expect these things sooner or later. It is only a
+question of time."
+
+After a bit of lunch Darry was sent to the village on an errand.
+
+This was how he happened to see Jim Dilks again.
+
+The meeting occurred just before Darry reached the grocer's, and as Jim
+was totally unaware of his coming he had no chance to assume airs.
+
+Darry looked at him eagerly, as though expecting to make a discovery;
+and this anticipation met with no disappointment.
+
+There could be no doubt about Jim limping, and once he instinctively
+put his hand back of him as if to rub a spot that pained more or less.
+
+Darry understood what it meant, and that he had not sent that shower of
+fine bird shot after the trio of desperate young scamps in vain.
+
+If Hank Squires wanted positive evidence as to who had been connected
+with the firing of Mrs. Peake's out-buildings he could find it upon an
+examination of the person of Jim Dilks.
+
+When the good-for-nothing caught sight of Darry it was surprising how he
+stiffened up and walked as upright as a drum-major.
+
+Darry had lost all respect for the prowess of the young ruffian, after
+that one trial of strength, when he had found Jim so lacking in
+everything that goes to make up a fighter. He had the feeling that he
+could snap his fingers in the other's face.
+
+Being a boy he could not help from addressing the ex-bully, and rubbing
+it in a little, for Jim was scowling at him ferociously.
+
+"Hello, Jim, how's the sprain--or was it rheumatism you had in your
+wrist? Sorry to see it's gone down now into one of your legs, and makes
+you limp. I tell you what's good for that sort of thing. First, be sure
+to take out any foreign substance, such as gravel, _lead_ or anything
+like that; then wash it well and rub on some sort of ointment. Follow
+the directions and it will work fine," he said, as soberly as though he
+meant every word.
+
+If anything, Jim scowled worse than before, since his guilty soul knew
+that this boy suspected his connection with the lawless act of the
+recent night.
+
+"Saw yer comin' acrost the bay this mornin'; say, was yer over on ther
+beach with the life savers? Did a boat go ter pieces on the reefs?" he
+asked.
+
+Darry saw that the other was swallowing his resentment in order to pick
+up information, and he remembered what dark stories he had heard in
+connection with the men who formed the companions of Jim's father--that
+they were termed wreckers, and some said they had reached a point of
+desperation where they did not hesitate to lure a vessel upon the reefs
+in order to profit from the goods that would float ashore after she went
+to pieces.
+
+Possibly the older Dilks and his cronies may have been abroad on the
+preceding night, hovering around in hopes of a windfall; and Jim was
+eager to learn whether such a chance had come.
+
+"Not last night, I'm glad to say. There was a steamer aground, but only
+the passengers would come ashore, the captain and crew remaining on
+board waiting for the tugs to arrive," replied Darry.
+
+Jim's face fell several degrees.
+
+He would have been satisfied to hear that a dozen poor sailors had been
+lost if it meant a big haul for the wreckers of the coast.
+
+"Say, be yer goin' to stay 'round this district," asked the bully,
+changing the subject suddenly.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Peake wants me to remain with her, and so does Abner. I'm
+thinking about it. When I make my mind up I'll let you know, Jim. If
+it's stay, why we can have it all over again. I want to warn you, Jim.
+You're going to get yourself into trouble if you keep on the way you're
+bent now. There's a law that sends a man to the penitentiary for setting
+fire to a neighbor's house," he said, as sternly as he could.
+
+"Never set fire ter a house," declared Jim, quickly.
+
+"Well, it doesn't matter whether it's a house or a barn or a hencoop. If
+Hank Squires could only find some positive evidence against you he says
+he'd lock you up right now; and Jim, I know how he could get all the
+evidence he needs."
+
+"'Taint so," flashed out the bully, but looking alarmed all the same;
+while his hand half instinctively sought his rear.
+
+"I think that an examination of those ragged trousers you wear would
+show where a few fine bird-shot peppered you as you ran. Perhaps both
+the other fellows got a touch of the same medicine, too, so you'd have
+company, Jim, when you went up."
+
+"It's a lie. I never sot that pigpen on fire!"
+
+"Oh! you know it was a pigpen, then, do you? I spoke of a chicken coop
+only."
+
+"Heerd 'em torkin' about it. Thet ole busybody, Miss Pepper, she war in
+ther store wen I was gittin' somethin' fur mam, and she sed as how she'd
+run this village if she war a man, an' the feller as set fire ter a
+honest woman's pigpen 'd git his'n right peart. Like fun she wud,"
+returned Jim, quickly.
+
+"She's got her eye on you, Jim. She believes you led that gang. Going,
+eh, good-bye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+A GLORIOUS PROSPECT
+
+
+Jim had heard enough. He was beginning to be a bit afraid lest this
+sturdy new boy who had mastered him so easily in their late encounter,
+take a notion to investigate his condition physically; and there were
+several little punctures that just then Jim did not care to have seen.
+
+Darry watched the bully saunter away, and it made him smile to see what
+an effort the other kept up his careless demeanor, when every step must
+have caused him more or less pain.
+
+Perhaps Jim, in spite of his bombastic manner, might have received a
+lesson, and would be a little more careful after this how he acted.
+
+So he walked to the store, completed his purchases, and was waiting for
+them to be tied up when who should enter but the young fellow he had
+seen in the beautiful cedar motor-boat out on the bay.
+
+He was dressed like a sportsman, and there was a frank, genial air about
+him that quite attracted Darry.
+
+Apparently he had dropped in to get his mail, for he walked over to the
+little cubby hole where a clerk sat.
+
+As his eyes in roving around chanced to fall on Darry, and the latter
+saw him give a positive start, and he seemed to be staring at him as
+though more than casually interested.
+
+Then he spoke to the clerk, who looked out toward Darry and apparently
+went on to explain that he was a stranger in the community, having been
+on a brigantine recently wrecked on the deadly reefs off the shore.
+
+The young man sauntered around until Darry left.
+
+Just as our hero put the last of the small shanties that formed the
+outskirts of Ashley behind him he caught the sound of hurrying steps.
+
+Thinking of Jim and his ugly promise of future trouble he half turned,
+but to his surprise and pleasure he saw that it was the owner of the
+launch, and that apparently the youth was hurrying to overtake him.
+
+What his curiosity was founded on Darry could not say; but presumed the
+other had liked his looks and wanted to strike up an acquaintance.
+
+It would not be the first time such a thing had happened to him.
+
+"Good morning, or rather good afternoon," said the stranger. "I believe
+they told me your name was Darry, and that you are stopping with one of
+the life savers. My name is Paul Singleton, and I'm down here, partly
+for my health, and also to enjoy the shooting. It turns out to be pretty
+lonely work, and I'm looking for a congenial companion to keep me
+company and help with the decoys later. I'm willing to pay anything
+reasonable, and I carry enough grub for half a dozen. My boat is small,
+but affords ample sleeping accommodations for two. How would you like to
+try it," and the youth smiled broadly.
+
+Darry was thrilled at the prospect, although he could not see his way
+clear to accept it just then.
+
+First of all he would not think of doing so without consulting Abner,
+who had been so kind, and who expected him to remain with the little
+family; then, it was nice to believe that Mrs. Peake would feel sorry to
+lose him; and last of all he knew little or nothing about the bay or the
+ways of guides, and the duties connected with the profession.
+
+"I'd like it first-rate, but just now I don't see how I could accept,"
+he replied.
+
+"If it's a question of wages--" began the young man, who was watching
+the various expressions flit over Darry's face with an eager eye.
+
+"Not at all. I was only thinking of my duty to Abner Peake and his wife,
+who have been so good to me. Perhaps later on I might accept, providing
+you have not already filled the place."
+
+"I suppose you know best, but somehow I've taken a notion I'd like to
+have you along with me, Darry. For a week or two I mean to just knock
+around here, sometimes ashore and again afloat. Perhaps when the
+shooting begins in earnest you may be able to give me a different
+answer."
+
+"At any rate by that time I shall know more about the bay and the habits
+of the ducks that drop in here. I'm a stranger, you see, Mr. Singleton,
+and though I've done some hunting in India and other places where our
+ship lay at anchor for weeks, I know little about this sport. I can cook
+as well as the next fellow, and of course know something about boats,
+though more used to sails than gasoline."
+
+"You're too modest, Darry. Some chaps would have jumped at the chance to
+have a fine time. But I like you all the better for it. I see you are in
+a hurry, so I won't detain you any longer. It's understood then that if
+you can get off later you'll come to me?"
+
+"I'll only be too glad to do so, Mr. Singleton," was Darry's answer.
+
+The young fellow thrust out his hand, while his gaze still-remained
+riveted on Darry's face.
+
+As the boy walked rapidly away, feeling a sense of overpowering delight
+at the prospect ahead if all things went well, something caused him to
+glance back, and he saw Paul Singleton shaking his head while sauntering
+toward the village, as if something puzzled him greatly.
+
+Darry could not understand what ailed the other, or how anything about
+his appearance should attract so fine a young gentleman.
+
+He told Mrs. Peake about it, and while she looked displeased at first,
+Darry was so apparently loth to leave her that the better element in the
+woman's nature soon pushed to the front.
+
+"Of course you can go, after a little. There's nothing to prevent. It
+will be a fine thing for you, and may lead to something better. We have
+put through one winter without a man in the house, and can again. Time
+was when all my children were little, and even then Abner used to be
+away most of the time. Don't worry about us, Darry. When the time comes,
+I say, go," was what she remarked.
+
+How the skies were brightening for him!
+
+And only a few days back he had faced such a gloomy prospect that it
+appalled him!
+
+Now he whistled as he worked, rubbing up the various traps taken from
+Joe's box, and preparing to sally out for his first experience in trying
+to catch the muskrats that haunted the borders of the watercourses in
+the marshes near by.
+
+Carrying that invaluable little notebook along for reference in case he
+should become puzzled about anything, and with a few traps slung over
+his shoulder Darry followed the paths along the edge of the marsh until
+he reached one that seemed to enter the waste land.
+
+Joe had designated this as his favorite tramp, since it paralleled the
+creek, and the burrows of the little fur-bearing animals could be easily
+located.
+
+Presently Darry was busily engaged in examining the bank, and it was not
+long before he had found what he sought.
+
+This was a hole just below the water line.
+
+There were also the tracks of the occupants close by, showing just how
+they issued from their snug home to forage for food.
+
+He carefully set his trap under a few inches of water, so that the first
+rat coming forth and starting to climb the bank would set his hind feet
+in it.
+
+The chain he fastened to a stake out in the creek.
+
+This was done in order that the little rodent would be quickly drowned.
+
+Trappers invariably follow this rule when after water animals, and it is
+not always through a spirit of mercy toward the victim that actuates
+their motive, but the fact that they would otherwise lose many a catch,
+since the captive in despair over its inability to escape would gnaw its
+foot off.
+
+Having finished with the trap, Darry walked further into the marsh. It
+was a lonely place, seldom visited save by a few hunters in the season,
+who looked for mallard ducks there; or it might be some boy trapper,
+endeavoring to make a few dollars by catching some of the shy denizens
+wearing marketable fur coats.
+
+Here a brace of snipe went spinning away, and a little further a blue
+crane got up and flapped off, his long legs sticking out like fishing
+poles.
+
+In an hour or so the boy had placed all his traps. He had followed Joe's
+directions to the letter, and the morning would show as to whether he
+was to make a success of the venture.
+
+One thing was positive, and it was this, that even should he find
+nothing in the traps he did not mean to give up; if he had made a
+mistake, then it must be rectified, even if he had to secure some old
+boat in order to carry out his operations without leaving a scent behind
+to alarm the game.
+
+It was late in the afternoon when he reached home.
+
+The twins ran to meet him as though already they looked upon him in the
+light of a member of the little family.
+
+Darry threw first one and then the other up into the air, while they
+shrieked with laughter, and he could see that Mrs. Peake was looking on
+approvingly, as if her desolated mother heart was warming toward this
+lad who had never known what it was to have any one love him.
+
+He had been thinking much that afternoon of Paul Singleton, even
+repeating the name of the young man over and over, as though striving to
+remember whether he could have ever heard it before, which did not seem
+likely.
+
+And it was not so much anticipation of the good times coming that
+engaged his thought as that queer look on the face of Paul while they
+had been talking.
+
+What could it mean?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE STOLEN TRAPS
+
+
+In the morning Darry occupied himself repairing the damage done by the
+fire.
+
+After he had done all the chores, even to assisting Mrs. Peake wash the
+breakfast dishes, and there seemed nothing else to be undertaken, he
+took Joe's shotgun on his shoulder and walked toward the marsh.
+
+The woman, seeing how much he looked like her lost boy with the gun and
+the clothes, had a good cry when left to herself; but Darry did not know
+this.
+
+As he approached his first trap he found himself fairly tingling with
+eagerness.
+
+This was not because of the value involved in the skin of a muskrat,
+though it seemed as though each year the price was soaring as furs
+became more scarce; but he wanted to feel that he had learned his lesson
+well, and followed out the instructions given in Joe's little handbook.
+
+The trap was gone!
+
+He saw this with the first glance he cast over the low bank.
+
+Did it have a victim in its jaws or had some marauder stolen it?
+
+With a stick he groped in the deeper water, and catching something in
+the crotch he presently drew ashore the trap.
+
+He had caught his first prize.
+
+Of course he understood that when compared with the mink and the fox, a
+muskrat is an ignorant little beast at best, and easily captured; but
+for a beginning it was worth feeling proud over.
+
+Setting the trap again in the hope that there might be others in the
+burrow, one of which would set his foot in trouble on the succeeding
+night, Darry went on.
+
+He found only one more victim to the half dozen traps.
+
+Perhaps he had been too careless with the others and left plain traces
+of his presence that had warned the cunning rodents.
+
+Having placed all his traps in the water again, he started back home,
+swinging the two "muskies" in one hand, while carrying his gun in the
+other.
+
+After leaving the marsh he chanced to look back and was surprised to
+see a boy come out and start on a run toward the village.
+
+Darry had very little acquaintance with the village lads, and could not
+make up his mind whether he had ever seen this fellow before or not; but
+once or twice he thought he detected evidence of a limp in his gait when
+he fell into a walk, and this brought to mind Jim and his two cronies.
+
+It was not Jim, but at the same time there was no reason why it should
+not be one of his bodyguard, "the fellows who sneezed when Jim took
+snuff," as Mrs. Peake had said in speaking of the lot.
+
+Suppose this did happen to be Sim Clark or Bowser, what had he been
+doing in the marsh?
+
+Could it be possible that the fellow had been spying on him, and was now
+hastening to report to his chief?
+
+They might think to annoy him by stealing the traps he had placed, or at
+least robbing them of any game.
+
+Darry shut his teeth hard at the idea.
+
+He made up his mind that he would go out earlier on the following day,
+even if, in order to do so, he had to get up long before daylight to
+accomplish his various chores.
+
+No doubt he made rather a sorry mess of the job when he came to removing
+those first pelts--at least it took him half a dozen times as long as a
+more experienced trapper would have needed in order to accomplish the
+task.
+
+Still, when he finally had them fastened to a couple of boards left by
+Joe, he felt that he had reason to be satisfied with his first attempt.
+
+Mrs. Peake declared they seemed to look all right, and as each
+represented a cash money value of some forty or fifty cents, Darry
+realized that there was a little gold mine awaiting him in that swamp,
+providing those miserable followers of Jim allowed him to work it.
+
+Several times he awoke during the night and started up, thinking he
+heard suspicious sounds again, but they proved false alarms.
+
+He was glad to see the first peep of day, and quickly tumbled out to set
+about his various duties of starting the fire, bringing in water and
+wood, and later on chopping a supply of fuel sufficient to last through
+the day.
+
+When Mrs. Peake gave him permission to go Darry hurried off.
+
+Again he carried the gun, thinking he might find a chance to bag a fine
+fat duck or two, which Mrs. Peake declared she would be glad to have for
+dinner.
+
+Arriving at the scene of his first triumph of the previous day, he
+discovered once more that the trap was gone from the bank.
+
+Again he fished for it with the crotched stick, but despite his efforts
+there was no trap forthcoming.
+
+Finally, filled with a sudden suspicion, he crawled down to examine the
+stake in the water to which the chain had been secured.
+
+The stake was there all right but no trap rewarded his search.
+
+With his heart beating doubly fast, Darry sped along the path to where
+he had located his second trap, only to find it also missing.
+
+Now he knew that it could be no accident, but a base plot to upset all
+his calculations and deprive him of the fruits of his industry.
+
+The thing that angered him most of all was the fact that he must face
+Mrs. Peake and tell her he had lost the treasures she valued so highly.
+
+He shut his teeth together firmly.
+
+"They won't keep them, not if I know it," he muttered. "I'll find out
+where they hide them. I'll get 'em again, sure as I live!"
+
+The thieves had apparently done their evil work well. Not a single trap
+did he find in the various places where he had left them.
+
+But one thing he saw that gave him a savage satisfaction, and this was
+the fact that there were footprints around the last one, in which the
+muddy water had not yet had time to become clear.
+
+Darry believed from this that those who had rifled his belongings could
+not have left the scene more than a few minutes.
+
+Perhaps if he were smart he could overtake them and demand restitution.
+
+It stood to reason that the rascals could not have returned along the
+same path, for he would have met them.
+
+He bent down to examine the ground and could easily see where the marks
+of several wet and heavy shoes continued along the trial that followed
+the creek.
+
+Darry immediately started off on a run.
+
+Hardly five minutes later, as he turned a bend, he had a glimpse of a
+figure just leaving the path and entering the woods bordering the swamp.
+
+So far as he knew he had not been noticed; but to make sure he crept
+along under the shelter of neighboring bushes until he reached the place
+where the moving figure had caught his eye.
+
+Voices now came to his ear, and it was easy enough to follow the three
+slouching figures that kept pushing deeper into the swamp.
+
+He even saw his precious traps on their backs, together with several
+muskrats which Jim himself carried.
+
+Perhaps their first idea was to throw the traps into the oozy water of
+the swamp, so that they could never be found again; but then those steel
+contraptions represented a cash value of a dollar or so, and money
+appealed strongly to these fellows; so they hung on, with the idea of
+placing them in a hollow tree, where, later, they could be found and
+sold.
+
+Darry knew that he was going to recover his own, and he now watched the
+movements of the three with more or less curiosity.
+
+All the while he kept drawing nearer, fearful lest they discover him
+before he could get close enough to hold them up; for should they run in
+different directions he could not expect to accomplish his end.
+
+Then he saw what brought them to this place.
+
+A rude shack made of stray boards, and branches from trees loomed up.
+
+It was evidently a secret hide-out of the gang, where they came when
+matters got too warm either at home or among the neighbors whose hen
+roosts they had been pillaging.
+
+When Darry saw Jim throw his bunch of game on the ground, he knew his
+chase was at an end, and that presently, when he felt good and ready, he
+could turn the tables on his enemies.
+
+Lying there watching them start a fire and prepare to cook something
+they had brought along, he even chuckled to imagine how surprised the
+trio of young rascals would be when he popped up like a
+jack-in-the-box.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+JOE'S SHOTGUN SECURES A SUPPER
+
+
+One of the fellows with Jim, and whom he addressed as Sim, gathered the
+six stolen traps together and held them up laughingly.
+
+"A bully find, fellers; but if I had me way I'd let 'em lie and snooped
+the musky out every day. Why it'd be like takin' candy from the baby,
+that's what. But Jim there wanted to kerry off the hull bunch," he said,
+swinging the traps idly to and fro.
+
+"I wanted ter let him know I allers kep' me word. When he finds 'em gone
+I bet yer he knows who's had a hand in it; but he caint prove nothin'. I
+kin snap me fingers in his face, an' tell him ter chase hisself. Here,
+Bowser, git that fire goin' in a hurry. I'm pretty near starved. The ole
+man chased me outen the house last night, an' ther ole woman won't give
+me a bite. Reckon I'll hev ter hustle fur meself arter this. Dad's as
+mad as hops 'cause he aint hed a chanct ter pick up any stuff on the
+beach fur three moons. If it keeps on, him and his gang 'll hev ter do
+sumpin different ter make biz good."
+
+Darry did not care to linger any longer.
+
+He wanted those traps and the animals that had been taken from them, and
+he meant to have them.
+
+"Why, hello, boys!"
+
+The three young rascals sprang erect when they heard these words, and
+their amazement can be imagined at discovering the object of their
+recent raid standing there not twenty feet away, holding Joe Peake's old
+shotgun carelessly in his hands.
+
+In that moment the real nature of each of them showed itself--Sim Clark
+darted into cover and ran away at the top of his speed like the coward
+he was, Bowser fell on his knees and wrung his hands, being weak when it
+came to a showdown; but Jim Dilks, ruffian as he was, scorned to do
+either, and stood his ground, like a wolf brought to bay and showing its
+fangs.
+
+"I see you have been so kind as to gather a few traps of mine together.
+And as I live if you haven't relieved me of the trouble of fishing for
+several rats. Very kind of you, Jim. Now, don't say a word, and just
+keep where you are, or by accident something might happen. Guess you
+know what shot feels like when it hits. Once ought to be enough, and
+this time you're so close it might be serious. Now, listen to me, once
+and for all, Jim Dilks, and you Bowser, I'm going right back and set
+these traps where I think I'll find more game. You touch a finger to
+one of them at your peril. I'll let Hank Squires know all about this
+shack here, and what you've been up to. The first trap that is missing
+means the whole three of you behind the bars. That's all."
+
+Jim never opened his mouth. He was awed for the time being, and watched
+Darry pick up the traps, together with the three muskrats, swing the lot
+over his shoulder and walk away.
+
+The boy did not know but what they might attempt to jump upon him yet
+and kept on the alert; but when he presently looked back upon hearing a
+shout, he found that Jim was only relieving his wounded feelings by
+kicking the kneeling Bowser vigorously.
+
+Darry did just as he had said he would.
+
+He went a little further into the marsh, thinking that since so many
+feet had been trampling around the bank of the creek the game might have
+become shy; but he set the six traps, and even marked the tree nearest
+each, so that the location could be easily found by himself or others,
+inclined that way.
+
+Such bold tactics would do more to keep Jim and his set from disturbing
+the traps than the utmost secrecy.
+
+When Darry went back home, he thought it best not to say anything about
+his adventure to Mrs. Peake; but having occasion to go to the village
+later in the day he sought out the constable, whom he found cleaning up
+his garden patch and burning the refuse.
+
+Old Hank amused him. The fellow was always indulging in mysterious hints
+as to what he was going to do some day soon, and doubtless his
+intentions were all right, but, as Miss Pepper had truly said, he lacked
+the backbone to carry them out.
+
+Old Jim Dilks and his crew of trouble breeders had dominated the
+vicinity so long now that it was hard to break away from their sway.
+
+The officer of the law was in his shirt sleeves, so that his fine nickel
+badge could not shine upon his manly breast; but as he saw Darry
+approach, and scented coming business, he drew his tall figure up as if
+in that way he could at least represent the majesty of the law.
+
+Hank had an idea that he possessed an eye that was a terror to
+evil-doers, when to tell the truth his gaze was as mild and peaceful as
+that of a babe.
+
+"Glad to see you, Darry. Hope there ain't been any more doings up at
+your place? I'm laying for the slippery rascals, and hope to have them
+dead to rights soon; but you know men in my profession have to go slow.
+A mistake is a serious thing in the eye of the law," he said, offering
+his hand in a friendly fashion.
+
+"There's nothing wrong up at the house, sir; but I wanted to tell you
+something I think you ought to know, in case the time comes when you
+might want to find Jim Dilks and his gang and they were not at home,"
+began Darry.
+
+The constable quailed a trifle, then grew stern.
+
+"Big Jim or little Jim, which?" he said, anxiously.
+
+"The boy who has tried to make things so warm for me. He and his crowd
+have a shack in the swamp, where they camp out from time to time. That's
+where you'll find them when wanted."
+
+"Sure that's interesting news, lad. Can you tell me just where to look?"
+
+He heaved a sigh of relief--then there was not any need of immediate
+haste, and Hank was a true Southern "cracker," always ready to postpone
+action.
+
+"Leave the path along the creek just where it makes that sharp bend. A
+fallen tree marks the spot. Head due south until you sight a big live
+oak, the only one I noticed. The shack lies under its spreading
+branches, Mr. Squires. I thought you ought to know. Besides, I told Jim
+and his crowd I meant to inform you."
+
+"What! you saw Jim there, and his crowd with him? I wonder they let you
+get out of the swamp without a beating," exclaimed the constable,
+surprised, and looking at this newcomer as though he could hardly
+believe his senses.
+
+"They knew better. The fact is, sir, I had a shotgun with me. Perhaps
+they may have had a recent experience with such a little tool. But no
+matter, they let me gather up my traps and the three muskrats taken from
+them, and never offered to put out a hand to stop me."
+
+"Traps--muskrats--look here, now I begin to see light, and can give a
+guess how it came you were there in that swamp. You followed the rascals
+there."
+
+"To tell the truth, I did, for I was determined to get back what they
+had taken."
+
+"Bully for you, lad. If you had dropped in on us some time back we might
+have had a different class of boys around here by now. You're a
+reformer, that's what you are. First you knocks that tyrant Jim down;
+then you pepper him with shot after he has fired the pigpen of your new
+home, and now you brave him in his own dooryard. That's reforming all
+right, and I hope you keep at it until you've reformed the ugly beggar
+into the penitentiary. I begin to pluck up hope that soon public spirit
+will be so aroused that we can do something right. Would you mind
+shaking hands with me again, Darry. It does me good, sure it does."
+
+Of course Darry complied, though he had his doubts as to whether Mr.
+Squires would ever have the nerve to connect himself with any movement
+looking to the purging of Ashley village of its rough element.
+
+In fact, if anything were ever done he believed such women as Miss
+Pepper would be the ones to run the evil-doers out of town, and put up
+the bars.
+
+Darry had taken the three animals home, pleased to know that after all
+half his traps had found victims on this second day.
+
+He judged from this that he was doing very well, and with a little more
+experience could consider himself a full-fledged trapper.
+
+Later in the afternoon he thought of the ducks, and passing out upon the
+marsh walked until he discovered several feeding among the wild rice,
+when he started to creep up on them with infinite cunning.
+
+Reaching at last a bunch of grass as near as he could hope to go he
+waited until two were close together, when he fired his right barrel.
+
+As the remaining mallard started to rise in a clumsy fashion Darry gave
+him the benefit of the other barrel.
+
+When Mrs. Peake saw what fine birds he had secured she was loud in her
+praise, for their coming meant at least one good meal without cost, and
+every cent counted in this little family.
+
+Again Darry busied himself with his pelts.
+
+He was pleased to find how much easier the job seemed after his
+experience of the preceding day; and when the skins had been stretched
+upon the boards they had a cleaner look that satisfied the eye.
+
+After that he plucked the three ducks for the good woman, saving her a
+task she never fancied, and winning her thanks.
+
+Then he looked after the gun, believing that it is wise to always keep
+such a weapon in the best of order, since it serves its owner faithfully
+when called upon.
+
+"I had some visitors while you were away," announced Mrs. Peake, when
+after supper they were seated by the table.
+
+Darry looked up from his work of whittling more stretching boards,
+interested at once.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE LONELY VIGIL OF THE COAST PATROL
+
+
+Mrs. Peake looked amused.
+
+"A young man called on me," she said.
+
+Dairy's face lighted up.
+
+"It must have been Mr. Singleton!" he exclaimed, eagerly.
+
+She nodded in the affirmative.
+
+"Did he come to see me?" he asked.
+
+"No, I rather think he wanted to have a little talk with me. You see he
+guessed from what you told him that it all was because of me you
+wouldn't go with him, and he just dropped in, he said, to have a
+neighborly chat, and let me know how much he was interested in a boy by
+the name of Darry."
+
+"That was fine of him. What did you think, wasn't he all I said?"
+
+"As nice a young gentleman as I ever met. He asked a lot of questions
+about you."
+
+"Of course. He had a right to. When a gentleman asks a strange fellow to
+go off with him on a cruise it's only business for him to learn all he
+can about whether the other is honest and all that. You told him I
+never touched liquor, I hope?"
+
+"He never asked about such things. In fact, it was all in connection
+with your past he seemed interested."
+
+"My past--how could he be interested in that? He never saw me before."
+Yet, strange to say, the fact seemed to thrill Darry through and
+through; for he was still hugging that hope to his heart, and wondering
+if some day he might not be lucky enough to learn who and what he was.
+
+"Well, all I can say is that he kept asking me all about you came here,
+why you were Darry, and what your other name might be; when he learned
+that you never knew who your parents were he seemed to be strangely
+agitated. He didn't take me into his confidence; but I'm morally
+convinced that Mr. Singleton believes he is on the track of some sort of
+discovery. I heard him ask Miss Pepper, who was hurrying over, seeing I
+had a visitor, if there was a telegraph office in Ashley; and when he
+left he was saying to himself: 'I must let her know--this may be
+important.' It would be a fine thing for you, my boy, if circumstances
+brought you face to face with some rich relative so soon after you
+landed on the soil of America."
+
+Darry drew a long breath, and shook his head.
+
+"It would be great, as you say, whether my father or mother were rich or
+poor, it wouldn't matter a bit to me; but I'm afraid you're getting too
+far along. Perhaps what you heard him say may refer to another affair
+entirely. No matter, I like Mr. Singleton, and have from the start. If
+we go off together I know I'd enjoy it first-rate in that dandy little
+motor-boat of his. I haven't said I would for sure. I mean to wait a
+while and see how things come out here ashore."
+
+She knew he was thinking of Jim Dilks and his scheming for
+mischief--that he believed the fact of her giving him shelter and a home
+had drawn upon her head the vindictive fury of the lawless rascal, who,
+finding the little home undefended if Darry went away, might think it
+safe to continue his persecution.
+
+When Darry strode forth into the marsh the next day he again carried the
+gun.
+
+He found his traps all safe. Undoubtedly his defiance had had its effect
+upon the mind of Jim; and however much he may have felt like repeating
+the thievish act which Darry's prompt arrival on the scene had nipped in
+the bud, he dared not attempt it.
+
+He was beginning to be afraid of this young chap who kept a chip on his
+shoulder, and dared him to knock it off.
+
+This time four victims attested to the skill with which the new trapper
+attended to his business.
+
+Already was the list reaching respectable proportions.
+
+He expected to cross over that afternoon to see Abner, and carry the
+mail again; and it would be with satisfaction that he could inform his
+good friend how the traps Joe had left behind were still fulfilling
+their destiny at the same old stand.
+
+The sky was clouded over when he started out on his long trip.
+
+He had during his leisure minutes fashioned a sort of sail that could be
+used with the wind astern; and as this happened to be the case now Darry
+got it in position for service.
+
+With the sail, he just rushed along over the bay; and all the while sat
+there taking his ease instead of dragging at the oars.
+
+Having spent some years on the waters there was little in connection
+with boats, big or little, that the lad did not know.
+
+He had found some good wood which Abner had expected to use for the
+purpose at some future date, and one oar was already pretty well
+advanced.
+
+By the time he crossed again he believed he would have them both
+completed; and at that they would be nothing of which anyone need feel
+ashamed.
+
+The favoring wind kept up until he drew in to the little landing where,
+as before, Abner stood waiting for him.
+
+That was a great night for Darry. First there came the supper with those
+jolly fellows, whose laughter and jokes he enjoyed so much; after that a
+nice quiet chat with Abner, who asked for all the news, and was deeply
+interested in his success in catching the sly denizens of the marsh;
+although he frequently sighed while Darry was speaking, and the boy
+could easily comprehend that at such times the poor man was picturing in
+his mind how Joe used to go through with the same experiences.
+
+When Darry thought it only right to tell how the three cronies had
+stolen his possessions, and how he had recovered them, Abner slapped his
+hand down on his knee, and exclaimed:
+
+"I reckon Mr. Fraser was right t'other day when he sez as how the sun o'
+the Dilks tribe began to set when yuh kim ashore from that wreck.
+Somehow yuh seem to be hittin' 'em hard, son. I aint much o' a prophet,
+sence I caint even tell wot the weather's gwine to be tomorry; but I
+seem to just know from the way things is a heapin' up that they's gwine
+to be a big heave soon, an' that means the Dilks has got to move
+on--Ashley don't want ther kind no more."
+
+Darry insisted on accompanying Abner when it came his turn to go out on
+his long patrol; this time it was in the earlier part of the night, so
+neither man nor boy thought of going to bed.
+
+The night was not wholly dark, for there was a moon behind the clouds;
+but beyond a certain limited distance of the sea lay in gloom, only the
+steady wash of the incoming waves telling of the vast reach of water
+lying along toward the east.
+
+They talked of many things as they plodded along the sandy beach.
+
+Darry spoke for the first time of Paul Singleton, and his desire that he
+accompany him later on in his cruising up and down the series of
+connected bays that stretched for some hundreds of miles back of the
+sandbars.
+
+Abner was silent at first, and the boy realized that he felt grieved to
+know there might come a break in the pleasant relations that had been
+established at home.
+
+"Course it's only right yuh should accept, lad," he said presently,
+"It's give me much comfort to know yuh was gittin' on so well with the
+ole woman, for I've felt bad on 'count o' her many times sense _he_ war
+taken. But it's a chance thet may never kim again, an' we cudn't 'spect
+to tie yuh down. Anyhow, your comin' hez been a good thing fur Nancy,
+an' I reckons she'll begin to perk up from now on. 'Sides, who knows wot
+may kim outen this? Jest as she sez thet younker aint interested in yuh
+jest acause he wants a feller in the boat along with him--I tell yuh he
+thinks he knows who yuh belong to, and that's a fack, son."
+
+"Oh! I hope so; but I don't dare dream of it. But I'm glad you think
+well of his offer. I can earn some money that will help out at home,
+besides having a good time," said Darry, eagerly; though truth to tell,
+it was the faint hope lodged in his heart that he might learn something
+concerning his past that chief of all influenced him in his desire to go
+with the owner of the motor-boat.
+
+"Glad to hear yuh say that word '_home_,' boy. I hopes it is a home to
+yuh, an' allers will be. I've ben thinkin' that your comin' war the
+greatest favor Heaven ever sent to me an' mine. If it gives Nancy new
+life that means a lot to me."
+
+Darry knew not what to say to this, but he found the rough hand of
+Abner, and with a hearty squeeze expressed his feelings far better than
+any words could ever have done.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE POWER OF MUSIC
+
+
+It seemed as though luck favored Darry on this trip, for the wind veered
+around during the night, and blew out of the southeast when he was ready
+to start on his return voyage to the mainland.
+
+Thus he was able to use his little sail to advantage both ways.
+
+It was coming so hard off the ocean, however, that at the advice of
+Abner he took a reef in the canvas before leaving--the life saver had
+become so attached to his new boy by this time that he could not bear to
+see him taking any unnecessary chances on that sheet of treacherous
+water that had already deprived him of one son.
+
+Darry was glad he had taken his friend's advice before half way across.
+Where the wind had a full sweep of the bay the waves were quite heavy,
+and it required all his skill as a sailor to keep his cranky little
+craft head on.
+
+As it was, he reached his haven with a rush, and his tactics in making a
+landing aroused the admiration of several old fisherman who were
+lounging at the dock.
+
+He had only time to accomplish several little messages at the store and
+get on the road for home when it began to drizzle.
+
+Darry was sorry for this, for he had laid out to visit his traps again
+during the afternoon, not wishing to leave any game that may have been
+taken, too long in the water.
+
+When later on at lunch he mentioned this to Mrs. Peake she said he would
+find an old oilskin jacket of Abner's behind the closet door in the
+hall, which Joe had been wont to don under similar circumstances.
+
+So after all, he went forth, defying the elements, as a true sailor lad
+always does; and was rewarded for his labor by taking three more
+trophies from the firm-jawed traps.
+
+Really it was beginning to look like business, with so many on the
+stretching boards; and Mrs. Peake smiled to see how careful the boy was
+in everything he undertook.
+
+It spoke well for his future, if he carried the same principle into his
+whole life.
+
+Of course Darry knew full well that the skins he was taking thus early
+in the fall were not as good in quality, and would not be apt to bring
+as high prices in the fur marts as those to be captured when real cold
+weather had set in; but there are times when one has to make hay while
+the sun shines; and he could not be sure that he would have the
+opportunity to do these things later.
+
+Besides, the supply of rats seemed unlimited, so rapidly do they breed
+all over the Eastern coast, from Maine to the Florida line.
+
+The rain continued all that night and the better part of the following
+day.
+
+It was one of those easterly storms that generally last out portions of
+three days, and are followed by a lengthy spell of good weather, with
+touches of frost in the early mornings.
+
+Darry made his regular pilgrimage to the marsh in spite of the rain, and
+this time found only two prizes to reward his diligence.
+
+From this he determined that it was time to make a change of base, and
+set his traps in other places where the game might not be so wary.
+
+At any rate he was having no further trouble with the Dilks crowd, and
+in that he found more or less satisfaction.
+
+Unconscious of the fact that he was being watched from time to time by
+one of the cronies of which Jim boasted, Darry went about his business,
+satisfied to do his daily duties, and each night count some progress
+made.
+
+Twice had he crossed the bay to the strip of sandy beach where the tides
+of the mighty Atlantic pounded unceasingly, day and night.
+
+His coming was always eagerly anticipated by the whole crew of the
+life-saving station, and for a good reason.
+
+It happened that on his visit just after the easterly storm had blown
+out, while they were all gathered around just before dark, chatting and
+joking, Darry cocked up his ear at the tweeking sound of a fiddle, which
+one of the men had drawn out of its case, and was endeavoring to play.
+
+Altogether he made a most doleful series of sounds, which upon analysis
+might prove to be an attempt to play "Annie Laurie," though one would
+need all his wits about him to settle whether this were the tune, or
+"Home, Sweet Home."
+
+The men looked daggers at the player, for the screeching sounds were
+certainly anything but pleasant.
+
+Darry sauntered over. He had played since a little lad, some Italian
+having first taught him; and on the brigantine Captain Harley had a
+violin of more than ordinary make, with which he had coaxed the cabin
+boy to make melody by the hour.
+
+"Sounds like a pretty good instrument?" suggested Darry to the would-be
+performer.
+
+"They tell me that, boy; but you see I ain't much of a judge. P'raps in
+time I may get on to the racket, that is if the boys don't fire me and
+the fiddle out before-hand," replied the surfman, grinning, for his
+clumsy hands were really never intended by Nature to handle a violin
+bow.
+
+"Would you mind letting me try it? I used to play a little."
+
+At the first sound of that bow crossing the strings, after Darry had
+properly tuned the instrument every man sat up and took notice; and as
+the boy bent down and lovingly drew the sweetest chords from the violin
+that they had ever heard, they actually held their breath.
+
+After that he was kept busy; indeed they would hardly let him have any
+rest, and that was why those rough men looked forward eagerly to the
+expected coming of Abner Peake's new boy.
+
+It seemed as though he must know everything there was, and the music
+would turn from riotous ragtime to the most tender chords, capable of
+drawing tears from those eyes so unused to weeping.
+
+It was a rare treat to Darry, too, for he dearly loved music, and the
+absence of his fiddle had made a gap in his life.
+
+The month was now passing, and closer drew the stormy period when, with
+the advent of grim November, the duties of the beach patrol naturally
+grow more and more laborious, since there are greater possibilities of
+wrecks, with the strong winds and the fogs that bewilder mariners, and
+allow them to run upon the reefs when they believe they are scores of
+miles away from the danger zone.
+
+The boom of guns could now be heard all day, and frequently Darry saw
+Northern sportsmen in the village; though as a rule they kept on board
+their yachts or else stayed at the various private clubs up or down the
+sound.
+
+Jim Dilks and his gang still lay low. They awaited a favorable
+opportunity to carry out some evil scheme, whereby the boy they had come
+to fear, as well as hate, might be injured.
+
+Well, they knew that he made daily trips into the marsh, and it would
+seem that they might find the chance they craved at such times; but
+there was one thing to deter them, and this was the fact that Darry
+never went to examine his traps without carrying that steady-shooting
+old shotgun.
+
+The burnt child dreads the fire, and Jim had hardly ceased to rub his
+injured parts, so that the possibility of getting a second dose was not
+at all alluring in his eyes.
+
+He was a good waiter, and he felt that sooner or later fortune would
+turn the trick for him, and the chance arise whereby he might pay back
+the debt he owed the "interloper," as he chose to deem Darry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+DARRY MEETS WITH A REBUFF
+
+
+During these weeks Darry had accomplished many little jobs around his
+new home, things that had been wanting looking after for a long time;
+for Abner's visits were so few and far between that he had little time
+to mend broken doors, or put up shelves where they would save the
+"missus" steps.
+
+If he went off with Paul Singleton later he would have no chance to look
+after these things, and so he made good use of his opportunities.
+
+He had not seen the young gentleman once since, and upon making
+inquiries of the storekeeper, learned that he had gone to a very
+exclusive club to spend some little time.
+
+Darry wondered whether he had been utterly forgotten.
+
+Perhaps the youth had regretted asking him to keep him company; it may
+have been done on the spur of the moment, simply because he chanced to
+resemble someone he knew.
+
+Once in the comfortable club, with experienced guides to attend him, and
+the very best points for shooting reserved, doubtless Paul Singleton had
+forgotten that there was such a boy as Darry in existence.
+
+So he tried to forget about it, and make up his mind that he could find
+plenty of congenial work looking after his traps and assisting Abner's
+wife during the winter, with occasional trips across the sound, and
+possibly a chance to pull an oar in the surfboat, should luck favor him.
+
+All this while he had taken toll of the feathered frequenters of the
+marsh, and many a plump fowl graced the table of the Peake family,
+thanks to the faithful old gun, and the steady nerves back of it.
+
+Darry soon learned where there were squirrels to be found, and twice he
+had brought in a mess of the gray nutcrackers, though not so fond of
+hunting them as other game.
+
+And one day he had delighted the good housewife with four nice quail, or
+as they were known in this section, "pa'tridge," which he had dropped
+out of a bevy that got up before him in the brush close to the woods
+where he looked for squirrel.
+
+He knew that something had been troubling Mrs. Peake, but it was a long
+time before he could tempt her to speak of it.
+
+It concerned money matters, of course, as is nearly always the case when
+trouble visits the poor.
+
+Abner had been incautious enough to put a little mortgage upon his
+humble home in order to help a relative who was in deep distress because
+of several sudden deaths in her family.
+
+He should not have done it, to be sure, but Abner had a big heart, as
+Darry well knew, and simply could not resist the pleading of his cousin.
+
+No doubt she meant well, but circumstances had arisen that prevented her
+from repaying the debt, and for the want of just one hundred dollars the
+Peakes were in danger of being dispossessed.
+
+Of course the mortgage was in the hands of a money shark, for even
+little villages boast their loan offices, where some usurer expects to
+get ten per cent. on his money, and will not hesitate to foreclose if it
+is not forthcoming.
+
+Abner's friends were all as poor as he was, and besides, he was so
+bashful about such things that he could never muster enough courage to
+mention his financial troubles to anybody.
+
+When by degrees Darry managed to draw this story from Mrs. Peake he
+thought it all over while off on one of his swamp trips, and reached a
+conclusion.
+
+That very day he stepped into the store of a man who as he chanced to
+know purchased the few furs that were taken in a season around that
+section.
+
+He learned that pelts were bringing unusually good prices, and the party
+quoted as high as eighty cents for fall muskrat skins, properly treated.
+
+When he got home, Darry counted his catch and found that he had some
+twenty-six in stock; with these he went back to the dealer, and struck a
+bargain whereby he came away with fourteen dollars in his pocket.
+
+Then he made for the office of the lawyer who held the mortgage,
+thinking he could pay up the arrears of interest, and bring happiness to
+the face of his kind benefactress.
+
+Just there he struck a snag.
+
+The loan shark refused to accept the money.
+
+He claimed that since they had defaulted on the interest the entire
+amount was due, and that he meant to have it, or foreclose.
+
+Darry knew little of law, but he saw that Darius Quarles meant business,
+and suspected that for some reason he meant to hold to his advantage and
+give Abner Peake more or less trouble.
+
+"Mr. Quarles, if you would only accept this interest now, I think I can
+promise that the whole sum will be paid by spring," Darry said, eagerly.
+
+This was, of course, just what the lawyer did not want. He pretended to
+look skeptical, and shook his head.
+
+"I suppose you are the boy Peake has adopted. Where did you get this
+money, may I ask? Did Nancy send you here with it?" he went on; and from
+the look in his cold, blue eyes, it was apparent that he would have
+enjoyed having the woman on her knees before him.
+
+Darius Quarles was a very small-minded man evidently; even a boy like
+Darry could understand that.
+
+"No, she does not know I have come here," replied our hero.
+
+"Then where did you get the money? Boys as a rule don't sport such sums
+as fourteen dollars in a bunch. I haven't heard of any bank being
+robbed, or a sportsman being held up; but you understand, it looks
+suspicious, boy."
+
+Darry flushed with mortification at the insult; but because of Mrs.
+Peake he managed to bite his lips and refrain from telling the
+curmudgeon just what he thought of him.
+
+"I received that fourteen dollars not ten minutes ago from a merchant in
+this village. He will vouch for it if you ask him," he said, quietly,
+though his eyes flashed fire.
+
+"Just mention his name, if you please. I might take a notion to drop in
+and see if he corroborates your assertion. As I am a magistrate as well
+as a lawyer, it is my bounden duty to make sure there is nothing crooked
+in such transactions as come under my observation. Who is the man?"
+
+He tried to look stern, but the attempt was a failure. Nature had made
+Mr. Quarles only to appear small and mean.
+
+"It was Mr. Ketcham, the hardware man," the boy answered.
+
+"And what would he be paying you this munificent sum for? So far as I
+know you have never worked for Ketcham, boy. Now, be careful not to
+commit yourself. What was this money given to you for doing?"
+
+Darry smiled as he drew out a paper.
+
+How fortunate that the hardware merchant who sold traps and purchased
+such furs as were taken in that region had insisted upon giving him a
+little bill of sale, in order to bind the transaction, and prove
+conclusively what the reigning price happened to be at the time.
+
+"Please glance at that, sir."
+
+Darius Quarles did so, and a shade of disappointment crossed his face.
+
+"I see you have taken up the same foolish pursuit that young Joe Peake
+followed--wasting your time loafing in the marsh when you had better be
+going to school and perhaps learning to become a useful man, a lawyer
+like myself for instance."
+
+Darry shrugged his shoulders, and his action brought a frown to the face
+of the narrow-minded man who sat there before him; perhaps he jumped to
+the conclusion that this frank-faced lad did not entertain such an
+exalted notion of his greatness as he would have liked to impress upon
+him.
+
+"At least that proves I did not steal the money, Mr. Quarles?" asked
+Darry.
+
+"I suppose so, though it is an open question as to whether you have any
+right to take these little inoffensive animals, and sell their coats to
+Ketcham. I think he might be in a better business; but then he always
+was a cruel boy."
+
+As Darry remembered the hardware man he believed him to be a jolly,
+red-faced man, and with a kindly eye, quite the opposite from the fishy
+orb of Mr. Quarles; but then there are some things that had better
+remain unsaid, and he did not try to voice his opinion.
+
+"Then you will not do Mrs. Peake this little favor, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Business is business with me, young man. Sometimes it is one person's
+day, and then the tables turn, and it is another's. This happens to be
+my time. According to the strict construction of the law, and the
+wording of the mortgage, the failure to pay the interest on time, with
+three days' grace, constitutes a lien on the property. I have a use for
+that cottage--in fact, a relative of mine fancies it. Here, I will give
+Nancy a chance to redeem her home. Wait a minute or two."
+
+He wrote rapidly on a sheet of paper, signed the same, and held it out.
+
+"Seven days I agree to wait, and if the principal and delayed interest
+are not handed over to me by next Tuesday, just one week from to-day, on
+Wednesday they will have to vacate. That will do, boy. Tell Nancy I only
+do that because of our old friendship. Had it been anyone else they
+would have cleared out before this. You can go now."
+
+Darry had to bite his lips harder than ever to keep from telling the
+skinflint just what he thought of him.
+
+Thrusting the paper in his pocket he stalked from the den of the human
+spider, his mind in a whirl; but grimly determined to try and find some
+means for saving the humble home of Abner Peake from the hand of the
+spoiler.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+ABNER TELLS A LITTLE HISTORY
+
+
+As he walked home that evening Darry was figuring. Fourteen dollars was
+not going far when the sum required, according to the figures Mr.
+Quarles had written out, reached the grand total of a hundred and eleven
+dollars and thirty-seven cents.
+
+He had had much more than that on board the poor old _Falcon_ when she
+went to pieces, the amount of his savings for several years; but there
+was no use of his thinking about that.
+
+To whom could he look for assistance?
+
+He had not a friend, save new ones in the village; and even Mr. Keeler
+would be apt to decline to lend him money. Times were hard, collections
+very slow--he had heard this said many times of late--and to small
+merchants the sum of a hundred dollars means much.
+
+Darry thought it best not to say anything just then to Mrs. Peake,
+though a little later he must tell her about his visit to the money
+lender, and deliver the message Mr. Quarles had sent to her.
+
+He was due to cross the sound on the morrow, and perhaps it would be
+best to tell Abner first; he might have been making some arrangement to
+get someone else to assume the mortgage, and pay the lawyer off.
+
+So Darry tried to assume a cheerfulness he was far from feeling.
+
+Long he lay awake that night, thinking and trying to lay out some plan
+of action that might promise results.
+
+In the morning Darry visited his traps.
+
+Only one victim rewarded his labor, and this added to his gloom.
+
+He finished all his various chores, and they were many, for he had taken
+numerous duties upon his shoulders in order to spare Abner's wife.
+
+As before, it was nearly the middle of the afternoon before he could get
+away.
+
+Mr. Keeler loaded him down with packages intended for the
+station-keeper; indeed Darry had to make two trips between the store and
+his boat before he had all his cargo aboard.
+
+The weather was what a sailor would call "dirty"; that is, it gave
+promise of turning into more or less of a storm, and wise mariners would
+be keeping a weather eye out for a safe and snug harbor.
+
+Darry had no fear. He believed he knew that bay like a book now, and
+since he had tinkered with the boat and placed it in fair condition he
+thought it could stand any sea that might meet him in his passage to and
+fro between the mainland and the stretch of sand acting as a buffer to
+the ocean tides.
+
+It was a dead calm when he started, and he was compelled to use the
+oars; but by the time he reached the middle a breeze sprang up, and
+quick to take advantage of his opportunity he spread his bit of a sail,
+and went flying along like a frightened gull.
+
+Abner was always glad to see him, and taking advantage of the first
+chance to get the life saver alone, Darry told of his recent experience
+with the loan shark.
+
+The other looked very downcast; indeed, Darry could not remember having
+ever seen him appear so disheartened.
+
+"It means trouble for the poor ole woman, Darry. If I kin only muster up
+enough courage to ask some o' the folks to help me out p'raps we kin
+pull through; but the best o' friends pull back wen money is spoken of.
+They all got ther own burdens to kerry. I know I war a fool to ever do
+it; but Jenny got on my nerves yuh see, an' promised to give it back.
+An' thet shark, Quarles, it does him a lot o' good to know he kin push
+me down a peg," he said, with a heavy sigh.
+
+"I seemed to get the notion that he didn't love you very much, Mr.
+Peake," remarked Darry.
+
+"I thort he'd forgot all about it, but now I know he ain't, the skunk!
+He holds it agin me, and hes all these years. I reckon he jest hugged
+hisself wen I kim to him an' asked that loan. It war jest like playin'
+into his hands. Yuh see, lad, him an' me was rivals onct on a time."
+
+Darry pricked up his ears.
+
+Here was a touch of romance, something one would hardly expect to find
+in connection with so ordinary looking a man as Abner Peake.
+
+"You mean that he wanted Nancy--that is Mrs. Peake, to marry him?" he
+asked.
+
+"Thet's jest it, son. I reckon he'd a got her, too, fur I didn't hold a
+candle to Darius wen it kim to looks or larnin', but yuh see thet's whar
+chanct stepped in an' guv me a shove."
+
+"Something happened then?"
+
+"Nancy fell overboard off a boat we was all on. Darius, he didn't know
+how to swim and all he could do was to yell and wave his arms."
+
+"And you went overboard after her?"
+
+"I reckon I did. They sed as how I was in the water nigh about as quick
+as Nancy herself. She was a carryin' on high, like she was chokin', when
+I got to her, but I had her out in a jiffy. Arter thet she kinder took
+to me, an' Darius he got the mitten."
+
+"Now I understand why he feels that way toward you," said Darry, wisely.
+
+"They was some things I never did understand 'bout that thing. Nancy,
+she was allers the best gal swimmer in the village, but she did act like
+she was drownin' that day. Some sed as how they thort she tumbled over
+apurpose jest to hev some fun, an' see which o' her beaux'd drap in
+arter her the quickest," and the surfman smiled at the thought.
+
+"And you won out. I guess Mr. Quarles has never forgiven you for that.
+But what can be done to beat him at his game now? Isn't there any way?"
+
+"We got a week to try, an' as I git off before the end o' the time I'll
+see if anything kin be did. P'rhaps Keeler might help me out, though I
+did hear him say he was mighty hard up jest now. It was nice in yuh
+tryin' to do wot yuh did, boy. I knowed I wasn't makin' no mistake when
+I sized yuh up as the right sorter lad to take leetle Joey's place."
+
+The life saver put an arm affectionately across the shoulders of his
+companion, and Darry never felt prouder in his life than when he
+realized that he had "made good" with this simple surfman who had been
+so kind to him at their first meeting.
+
+"I only wish I had been able to do what I wanted to. It it had been any
+other man but Mr. Quarles I think he would have fixed it up, and I
+meant to put aside what I earned this winter, either from trapping or
+working for Mr. Singleton, to wipe out all that debt. I will yet, if I
+have the chance, and you can get somebody to take over the mortgage," he
+said, stoutly.
+
+"Give me time to think, lad. Wen yuh kim acrost another time p'raps I'll
+have some plan made up. I'd do nigh anything to save pore Nancy bein'
+put outen our leetle home. 'Taint much to look at, but she sets a heap
+by it, I reckon. And as soon as I git a chanct I mean to drop outen this
+business an' try to make a livin' another way, so I kin be home more.
+Fishin' it might be, er somethin' thet way."
+
+That night Darry played for the men, but they could not help noticing
+that much of his music was along the sad order.
+
+In the morning the sky was still overcast, and the sound lay in a bank
+of half darkness that looked like fog, though the whistling wind seemed
+to forbid such a thing.
+
+Abner was a little dubious about letting the boy depart, but Darry
+laughed at the idea of any harm befalling him.
+
+He had several things he wished to attend to, and besides, Mrs. Peake
+would need him through the day in many ways.
+
+He entered his boat and took up the oars for a hard row, for the wind
+was of too deceptive a character to allow him to make use of his sail.
+
+The men of the station had come down to see him off, for by this time
+Darry had won his way into the hearts of every rough fellow, and they
+looked upon him as a sort of general ward of the crew, pulled out of the
+sea at their door and destined for great things.
+
+Not one of them but who believed a bright future awaited Peake's new
+boy, and many were the predictions made among them, some even venturing
+the assertion that he would be president yet.
+
+So they waved their sou'westers and shouted a merry good-bye to him as
+he rowed into the gray blanket of mist that shrouded the sound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH
+
+
+The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
+
+He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all
+kinds of bad weather.
+
+Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own
+against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again
+he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice
+can bring.
+
+By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
+
+He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all
+his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was
+impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
+
+The situation would have alarmed many a lad less accustomed to depending
+on himself in emergencies.
+
+Darry felt no fear.
+
+He noted the direction of the waves, and unless the wind shifted
+suddenly, which it was not apt to do, he felt positive he could bring up
+somewhere along the shore near the village.
+
+To his surprise he heard the sullen boom of a gun close by and wondered
+what any sportsman could be doing out there in that dense atmosphere,
+where it was impossible to see more than fifty feet away.
+
+Certainly ducks could not be coming to stool under such conditions.
+
+What could he be firing at then?
+
+There it was again, one shot following another in rapid order, until he
+had counted six.
+
+That would indicate the possession of one of those new style repeating
+shotguns, capable of holding half a dozen shells, and worked with a pump
+action.
+
+All of a sudden it struck Darry that possibly someone was in trouble and
+was taking this means of summoning assistance; though the chances were
+very slight that any bayman would be anywhere near with that gray
+blanket covering things--they knew enough to stick to the shore at such
+a time.
+
+Our hero changed his course a little thinking it could do no harm to
+look into matters and see what the bombarding meant.
+
+Should it prove that some green sportsman from one of the clubs was lost
+in the mist perhaps he would be glad of help, and might even promise to
+pay liberally to be taken ashore in tow.
+
+Just then Darry's mind was filled with an eager desire to make money,
+for he knew of a good use to which he could put it.
+
+Again as he approached, the rattle of a fusilade came to his ears,
+followed by a series of shouts in a strained voice.
+
+He was close on the spot apparently.
+
+"Hello!" he shouted in return.
+
+An answering whoop came back.
+
+"This way, please! I'm in a peck of trouble here!" he heard someone say.
+
+Twisting his head around as he bobbed up and down on the rollers, our
+hero caught just a glimpse of some object that seemed stationary, with
+the waves breaking over it.
+
+It was even worse than being lost upon the sound then--the unknown had
+driven his boat upon some half hidden rocks, and caught as in a vise she
+was in danger of being wrecked unless some other craft came upon the
+spot and pulled her off.
+
+That accounted for the shots and shouts, her owner realizing his extreme
+peril, for he was two miles from land and the storm increasing
+constantly.
+
+Darry pushed on and soon another surprise awaited him.
+
+"Hello! is that you, Darry?" asked a voice, and now he recognized it, so
+that even before he turned around again he knew he was once more in the
+company of Paul Singleton.
+
+"How are you, sir?" he cried. "Looks like you had run aground in the
+middle of the bay. If you will give me a rope I'll try and drag you off
+the way you went on. That is the only thing to be done."
+
+"I like the way you go about business," answered the young man. "I begin
+to have hopes that my poor little _Griffin_ may come out of this
+adventure with a whole skin. It began to look as though I might have to
+swim for it. Here you are with the painter, which I have fastened to the
+stern. All depends on how good a haul you can give, Darry."
+
+"What happened to your engine, sir?" asked the boy, surprised that it
+was not working in the effort to help the boat off.
+
+"I'll start it up again, but it did no good before, only churned the
+water. It seems I am wedged between two rocks so fast that even the lift
+of the waves has no effect upon the boat. They break all over us, and
+I'm wet to the skin and shivering in the bargain. You're as welcome as
+the flowers in May, Darry."
+
+The engine was speedily started up and the little propeller thrashed the
+water at a great rate, but though the cedar craft trembled violently
+there was no change in her position.
+
+"Keep that up and stay in the stern, so as to lighten the bow all you
+can. I think that is where she is caught fast. If you have anything
+heavy up forward and can manage to shift it aft so much the better,"
+called Darry, as he kept off by an expert use of the oars; indeed, Paul
+never could understand how he managed to do this and secure the rope to
+a thwart at the same time.
+
+"There are a few things up there I can move--the water can and a lot of
+stuff in tins. Will you be able to hold out a few minutes longer?" asked
+Paul.
+
+"Easy enough. Take your own time, sir. When you're ready tell me, and
+I'll give a series of sharp jerks. I hope we can make her move some."
+
+Presently the owner of the motor-boat declared he had moved everything
+possible, and that the bow seemed to be a little more free than before,
+as though almost ready to rise with each flowing wave that swept past
+with a rush.
+
+Darry set to work and began to use every atom of strength in his sturdy
+muscles; at the same time he engineered matters in such a clever fashion
+that every time he pulled his oars through the water it was with a rapid
+movement in the nature of a shock, so that the little hawser tightening,
+gave a drag at the imprisoned craft.
+
+"She's moving!" yelled Paul Singleton, excitedly.
+
+Darry kept right along, pulling with even more vim than before.
+
+"Bully boy! she's coming! I can feel her move each time. If only an
+inch, it is something. We're going to get her off! It's a cinch, I tell
+you!"
+
+Plainly Paul Singleton was considerably excited over the changed
+prospect that confronted him, and his cries gave the lad heart to exert
+himself to the utmost.
+
+Suddenly he found that he was towing the launch behind him.
+
+She had left her berth in between the two rocks and floated on the
+waves.
+
+The owner gave a last whoop of delight.
+
+"I knew if anyone could accomplish it, you would. I think you must be my
+good genius, Darry. To think of our meeting again here in the middle of
+the bay and just when I was on my way to your home to see if I could
+induce you to keep your half-given promise. It's great! Tell me about
+destiny after this."
+
+That was the way Paul was calling out, as he busied himself in righting
+things aboard the jaunty little cedar craft.
+
+[Illustration: SHE HAD LEFT HER BERTH IN BETWEEN THE TWO ROCKS AND
+FLOATED ON THE WAVES.]
+
+"Now, what's to hinder you coming aboard and towing the rowboat astern?
+The engine is all right and capable of twelve miles an hour, so we can
+go with this blow easily enough," he suggested.
+
+Darry was quite willing, for his arms felt a bit weary after his
+exerions, and the launch did look comfortable, even though fairly
+drenched just then, as a result of the waves breaking over the stern
+while she was held a prisoner in the jaws of rock.
+
+The transfer was made without any particular trouble, and once Darry had
+secured his boat to the brass cleat in the stern of the launch he set to
+work throwing some of the surplus water overboard.
+
+"Working your passage, eh?" laughed Paul, who seemed to be in unusually
+high spirits, such was the re-action that had come over him.
+
+Meanwhile they drew in toward the land.
+
+What with the rain that was falling both of them were wet through; but
+this was such a chronic condition for a sailor lad to be in that Darry,
+for one, paid little attention to it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE PART OF AN ELDER BROTHER
+
+
+"Come," said Paul, after the boat had been tied up where the waves could
+not reach them and things had begun to assume a more comfortable aspect;
+"Here's a fine little cabin and an oil stove on which to make a hot pot
+of coffee, besides assisting to dry us out. I insist on you staying to
+keep me company for a while. We are both cold and wet. Say you will,
+Darry!"
+
+Darry did not need much urging. He was wet and chilled, and it did look
+cozy after Paul had started the stove going.
+
+"Besides," continued Paul, misconstruing his silence; "I am under heavy
+obligations to you for coming to my assistance when you did. You saved
+my life and you are a regular life saver like Mr. Peake. There must be
+some way in which I can partly cancel that debt. You are allowed salvage
+by law when you save a vessel, Darry, did you know it? But for your
+coming my poor little _Griffin_ must have gone to pieces, not to mention
+what would have become of her owner. Now, how can I settle for this
+indebtedness."
+
+He was laughing as he spoke, but Darry considered the moment had come
+for him to put in a plea for his friends.
+
+So he swallowed what seemed to be a lump in his throat, for after all it
+was no easy thing to ask such a favor from one who was hardly more than
+a stranger.
+
+"Mr. Singleton, I was just wishing I could meet you somewhere soon," he
+began.
+
+"Well, that is queer, since I was thinking about you too, and hoping you
+would not go back on me, for somehow, I seem to have set my mind on
+having you with me. And besides, there was another reason why I wanted
+to keep track of you, which I may tell you some day soon, Darry. But why
+were you wanting to see me?"
+
+"To ask a great favor?"
+
+"Not to let you off from your promise?"
+
+"Oh, no, I'll be only too glad of a chance to be with you. It would be
+glorious to spend some time aboard this fine little boat. What I wanted
+to say--that is, the favor I wanted to ask was not for myself."
+
+"Come, that's rather strange, Darry. Not for yourself--a favor for
+another? Let's hear what it's about. You've certainly excited my
+curiosity, and don't hesitate a bit about it. I shall be only too
+willing to do anything that lies in my power, if it pleases you."
+
+The words were most kind, and the smile that accompanied them even more
+so.
+
+Darry flushed with a sense of coming victory, for something told him he
+was in line to win out, and that the money-shark would be cheated of his
+prey.
+
+"I want to borrow a hundred dollars, sir," he said, slowly.
+
+Paul laughed as if amused.
+
+Immediately taking out his pocket-book he withdrew from it a bank bill of
+a large denomination and handed it to his companion, who received it in
+an embarrassed way.
+
+"There you are, Darry, and there is no loan about it. I owe you many
+times that much for your assistance. Now, don't say anything about it,
+for I am not used to being crossed. It's a mere bagatelle to me, as you
+must know. Some time if you feel like it you may tell me the
+circumstances that have arisen; but not until you're good and ready. I'm
+only too delighted to be of a little help."
+
+"I'm going to tell you all about it right here. It's only fair you
+should know where your money is going, sir. As soon as I get my breath
+you shall hear," went on Darry, fingering the hundred dollar bill as
+though he could hardly believe his senses.
+
+Never did a bill of like denomination seem to carry more happiness in
+its touch; he could easily picture the light that would dawn upon the
+worried features of Mrs. Peake when he handed her that mortgage,
+canceled, and Abner, too, how he would be likely to throw up his hat in
+the air and shout like a boy.
+
+Paul Singleton had been observing him curiously, but with kindling eyes,
+as if he saw more and more in this boy to admire; he could give
+something of a guess as to what was coming, and hence was not much
+surprised a little later when he heard the story of Darius Quarles and
+his long-slumbering revenge.
+
+He laughed heartily at the quaint way in which Abner had hinted about
+Nancy tumbling overboard on purpose, in order to discover which of her
+lovers was the better man.
+
+"I've met the lady, and to tell the truth I really believe she would
+have been equal to such a prank some years back. There's a lurking
+spirit of mischief in her eyes to this day, though I know she has met
+with a great grief lately, for I heard all about poor little Joe," Paul
+said, after Darry had finished.
+
+"You can never understand how glad I am to be able to bring a little joy
+to this poor couple. They have not known much happiness, sir. Even now,
+Abner is compelled to be away from home all the time in order to earn
+bread for his family."
+
+Paul Singleton seemed to consider.
+
+"We'll talk that over later on, Darry, when we have plenty of time," he
+answered. "Perhaps I may be able to suggest a remedy. I have shares in
+several properties down this way, and possibly Abner can be given a
+steady job as keeper at the club, or put in charge of a farm I own not
+far away from here. Depend upon it, some means can be found to help your
+benefactor out. I'd rather talk about you, just now, and what you have
+seen in your adventurous past. In fact, I'd like to know everything that
+ever happened to you, if you don't mind," he continued.
+
+Again Darry had that queer sensation pass over him, and he could not but
+remember what Abner had said about the possibility of his finding out
+something connected with his childhood, and that this young gentleman
+would be the means of supplying the missing link.
+
+So as they sat there and sipped the delicious coffee and dried out in
+comfort, he answered all the questions Paul could think of asking.
+
+They covered his entire past, from his earliest recollection, and
+especially about the old man who had finally deserted him in Naples,
+for he naturally occupied a prominent place in the recital.
+
+Darry had called him uncle, but thought the man could not have held that
+relationship toward him. He never knew what had become of the old man,
+but suspected that he must have met with some fatal accident in the
+Italian city.
+
+Then he narrated how he had supported himself by playing the violin, and
+at the same time learned to speak Italian as well as a native.
+
+Finally came the scene in the café, when Captain Harley rescued him from
+the cruelty of a bully, and after that there was very little to tell up
+to the time the brigantine was lost and his best friend vanished from
+the scene, never to appear again on earth.
+
+Paul Singleton harked back to his earliest recollections, and with the
+skill of a lawyer asked questions that put Darry's memory to a strain;
+he examined the singular mark upon the boy's arm with deepest interest
+and seemed impressed.
+
+"That will undoubtedly prove one thing or the other, as soon as I can
+see her," Darry heard him say, as if to himself.
+
+Evidently Paul Singleton knew nothing of the mark and was depending upon
+some other party to settle the identification.
+
+It was noon before either of them realized it.
+
+Darry declared he must hurry off so as to catch the lawyer at his office
+and settle matters before going home.
+
+"Hark, Darry," said Paul, holding his hand as they parted; "promise me
+that if there is anything else I can do to please you I'm to know it
+right away. Confide in me, my boy. It makes me happy to share, even to a
+limited extent, in your little affairs. And you know we are going to be
+great chums all winter, you and I. Look on me then as a sort of elder
+brother or a cousin, if you please."
+
+And Darry thought as he looked into the clear laughing eyes of Paul
+Singleton that nothing would give him greater happiness on earth than if
+he could claim relationship to this fine manly fellow.
+
+He seemed to be walking on air as he left the cove and headed into the
+village.
+
+Upon calling at the office of Darius Quarles he was disappointed to
+learn that the lawyer had gone off in his closed buggy early that
+morning, and would not be back all day--he had to foreclose a mortgage
+the clerk remarked, and never allowed that duty to be performed by a
+subordinate, for it gave him too much satisfaction to attend to it
+personally.
+
+Even his employees had a secret contempt for his mean ways, it seemed.
+
+"He expects to be home to supper, and if your business is pressing you
+might call at his house, which is just out of the village on the road to
+Harden," the young clerk said in concluding.
+
+"Thank you, I believe I shall call, as I wish to see him very much,"
+replied Darry, and left the place.
+
+He made his way along the rather lonely road that led to the humble home
+of the Peakes, bowing his head to the storm, and yet with a song of
+thanksgiving swelling in his heart, for he knew he was carrying with him
+the means of lifting the load that had for some time oppressed his kind
+benefactors.
+
+Suddenly something struck him a stunning blow and looking up as he
+staggered he heard a chorus of shrill laughs, and realized that a rope
+had been thrown around him in such a way that his arms were pinioned
+down at his sides.
+
+At the same moment several impish figures sprang out of the dense brush
+and fell upon him with vicious blows, as though bent upon knocking him
+down.
+
+Though they had their faces concealed after a ridiculous fashion he
+recognized the malicious laugh of one as belonging to Jim Dilks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+BAD LUCK AND GOOD
+
+
+Of course Darry knew what this attack meant.
+
+His enemy had been brooding over matters for a long time, and despairing
+of accomplishing his end while Darry was armed with a gun, during his
+daily visits to the big marsh, he had finally decided to lie in wait and
+have it out on the road from the village.
+
+Jim wisely backed himself up with a couple of allies in thus undertaking
+to give his enemy that long-delayed whipping.
+
+He had tried it once by himself and apparently had no relish to repeat
+the experiment.
+
+Perhaps it would have been the part of wisdom on the part of the young
+life saver to have taken to his heels and beat a masterly retreat.
+
+Great generals have done this same thing and considered it no dishonor
+to save their army for another day.
+
+To a high-spirited lad, however, it is the last thought, and many a
+fellow will stand the chances of a beating rather than to turn his back
+on the foe.
+
+Of course there was no time to consider the matter.
+
+The three disguised boys attacked him on all sides, and almost before
+Darry knew what he was doing blows were being exchanged with a vim.
+
+He fought gallantly and well, sending in just as many hard hits as his
+knowledge of the game permitted.
+
+Whenever he saw an opening he was quick to take advantage of the same,
+and as a consequence first one of Jim's supporters and then the other
+temporarily bit the dust, with a galaxy of stars floating before their
+mental vision.
+
+They were very much surprised.
+
+True, they may have heard something about the fighting abilities of this
+wonderful new boy; but Jim had kept declaring that only for his lame
+hand he would surely have easily come out victor on that memorable day
+of the first meeting, and they were forced to believe him.
+
+Artful Jim was wise enough to do a great deal of jumping about, but
+seemed quite willing his allies should meet with the brunt of the battle
+while he saved himself for the finishing touches.
+
+When Darry had tired himself out against Sim Clark and Bowser then his
+time would have arrived.
+
+Darry anticipated being whipped in the encounter.
+
+It was not to be expected that one boy could hold his own against three
+such tough customers as those opposed to him, since they would wear him
+out.
+
+Nevertheless, he declined to run at the beginning, and after a little it
+was entirely out of the question for him to do so, since he lacked the
+wind to conduct a flight.
+
+So there was really nothing to do but stand and take what was coming to
+him, at the same time give as good as he knew how.
+
+They would never be able at any rate to say they had won an easy
+victory.
+
+By this time they were beautifully daubed with mud, as each appeared to
+be the under dog while the minutes crept along.
+
+Darry's only hope lay in the possibility of some one passing that way,
+and as the day was so stormy, and few people ever took this road, his
+chances were indeed slender.
+
+Now the whole bunch seemed to be upon the ground alongside the road,
+struggling like a pack of Kilkenny cats, the three aggressors having
+their hands on Darry at one time in the endeavor to subdue him.
+
+Suddenly Jim gave a hoarse cry.
+
+"Haul off dere, fellers; somebody's comin'!" was what he ejaculated.
+
+Immediately the other two sprang to their feet like a couple of deer,
+afraid lest they be caught at their game; perhaps a vision of old Hank
+Squires flashed before them, with the penitentiary in the background.
+
+Darry, out of breath, but game to the last, made an ineffectual attempt
+to hold one of his tormentors, catching the flying end of his jacket;
+but such was the moment of Sim's upward movement, and the flimsy
+character of his wearing apparel, that the entire section came away,
+remaining in the grip of the enemy as he went tearing after his mates.
+
+The three of them plunged into the bushes alongside the road, and were
+lost to sight, leaving Darry half sitting up on the road, plastered with
+mud, and ruefully surveying the strip of cloth in his hand.
+
+After all it proved to be a false alarm, for no one came in sight.
+
+Darry was not foolish enough to invite a further attack by remaining on
+the ground after the enemy had temporarily withdrawn, so he gathered
+himself together and continued along the road, feeling of his limbs to
+ascertain just how seriously he had been bruised, and trying to scrape
+some of the mud from his clothes.
+
+He felt ashamed to let Mrs. Peake see him in this condition, for the
+clothes had been Joe's, and naturally she would feel badly to discover
+how they were now treated to a coating of mud.
+
+But then the fact of his having such a joyful surprise for her would
+discount any bad effect of his appearance.
+
+Thinking thus, Darry put his hand eagerly into the inside pocket where
+he had so carefully stowed the little leather pocket-book in which the
+hundred dollar bill given him by Paul, as well as the amount which his
+muskrat pelts had fetched at the hardware store, had been lodged.
+
+The pocket-book was gone!
+
+Poor Darry shivered as if someone had struck him a blow.
+
+Could he have lost it while upon the shore with Paul Singleton and had
+the angry sound claimed it as passage money for having allowed a victim
+to escape?
+
+No, he recollected very distinctly feeling it there as he started from
+the office of the lawyer, after learning that Mr. Quarles was away.
+
+Then it must have fallen out during his struggles on the road, for
+several times he had been on his back, with those "wildcats" clawing at
+him.
+
+Despite the chances of meeting them again, and having the struggle
+renewed, he deliberately turned back and quickly ran to the spot where
+there were plain evidences to be seen of the free-for-all fight.
+
+How eagerly he searched every foot of that territory, his heart,
+figuratively speaking, in his throat with anxiety. But as the minutes
+passed and he realized the hopeless character of his hunt it seemed to
+drop like lead into his shoes, the change was so great.
+
+Then there remained only one solution of the mystery--one of those young
+rascals must have inserted a hand in his coat while they were struggling
+there on the road and stolen the pocket-book with its contents.
+
+His heart seemed almost broken, and he even contemplated rushing after
+them to renew the battle and tear the prize from their possession; but a
+little thought caused him to understand how foolish such a move would
+be, for he had no idea as to what quarter they could he heading for when
+they left him, unless it might be that shack in the swamp, and it would
+be rash indeed for him to go there alone.
+
+He tried to pluck up courage enough to go home, basing all his hopes on
+Paul, who had seemed so very kind, and ready to help him out.
+
+Of course Mrs. Peake was astonished at his appearance, but the rising
+anger vanished when she learned who had been the cause of his
+misfortunes--at least it was turned in the direction of Jim Dilks, and
+she vowed that before another day had passed she would swear out a
+warrant for his arrest, and go personally to see that Hank Squires did
+his duty.
+
+Depressed in spirits Darry crept away to change his clothes for some
+others she brought him, also once belonging to Joe.
+
+Mrs. Peake advised that the muddy garments be hung up until they dried,
+when by a vigorous brushing they might be restored to something like
+their former condition of cleanliness.
+
+Accordingly, Darry first of all picked up the trousers and placed them
+on a line in a corner of the room, where they could drip without soiling
+the floor, he having spread a newspaper beneath.
+
+Then he proceeded to attend to the coat in the same way.
+
+While engaged in this he felt something bulky in one of the pockets and
+smiled faintly as he remembered thrusting that portion of Sim's torn
+coat there.
+
+This he had done under the impression that Hank might consider it
+conclusive evidence, calculated to convict the young ruffian beyond a
+possibility of doubt.
+
+It might just as well hang alongside the other garments, though Darry
+did not intend removing the incriminating mud stains from the fragment.
+
+As he drew the offending piece of cloth out he was thrilled to feel
+something in the folds, and with trembling fingers he opened it out.
+
+It seemed that with the portion of the coat that had come away in his
+hands was one of the pockets, and out of this receptacle Darry quickly
+drew something at which he stared as though he fancied he were dreaming.
+
+_His pocket-book!_
+
+Sim had undoubtedly snatched the same from his person as they wrestled
+upon the ground, and having no other place in which to hide it at the
+moment, had thrust it in the very outside pocket of his coat that a
+minute later remained in the grip of the boy he had robbed.
+
+Darry stared at it until he realized the amazing fortune that had so
+kindly returned him his property, and then rolling over on the floor he
+shook with wild laughter, so that Mrs. Peake came to the door in alarm
+to see if he were ill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+SATISFYING THE MORTGAGE
+
+
+While Darry was gurgling with laughter, still clutching the fragment of
+coat and the precious pocket-book, he felt a hand seize his arm.
+
+Looking up he saw the puzzled and anxious face of Abner's wife.
+
+"What ails you, boy? Did they injure you more than you told me?" she
+asked, as if fearful that he were going out of his mind.
+
+To the further astonishment of the good woman the boy climbed to his
+feet, suddenly threw his arms around her neck and gave her a vigorous
+hug.
+
+"It's all right, mother, after all; they didn't get it!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What's all right? I don't understand at all," she replied, looking at
+the dirty strip of cloth he was holding, and the pocket-book as well.
+
+"Why, what do you think, while we were struggling there on the road,
+with me underneath part of the time, that sneak thief, Sim Clark,
+managed to steal my pocket-book out of my inner pocket. That was what
+made me seem so blue, for I had something in it I meant to show you. But
+when he tried to run away I held on and part of his coat ripped away. I
+stuck it in my pocket, thinking Hank would like to see it as evidence,
+and when I took it out here, don't you see I found what I had lost in
+Sim's pocket! Did you ever hear of such luck in your born days."
+
+Mrs. Peake herself laughed.
+
+"You do seem to be a fortunate boy. And they would have robbed you of
+what little you have. I'm glad you got it back, and I'm determined to
+see Hank Squires to-morrow about this thing. It has gone far enough."
+
+"But I've got something else to tell you. Come and sit down where we can
+talk," he continued, feeling happier than ever before in all his life,
+for he knew he was in a condition to chase away the clouds that had been
+bringing anxiety to her mind for months.
+
+So he told first of all about his visit to the hardware man, and how he
+obtained fourteen dollars for his muskrat skins.
+
+After that came the call upon the lawyer and what followed in connection
+with his offer to pay the interest due, and how Mr. Quarles had
+absolutely refused to accommodate him.
+
+Nancy sighed as she heard what the cold, grasping man of law had said
+about settling old scores.
+
+Perhaps she was sorry now she had given him such cause for hatred; but
+better the life she had led than one as the wife of a cruel money shark
+of his breed.
+
+From this Darry soon branched out and spoke of his trip to the shore,
+and how on his return a kindly fate had allowed him to be of material
+assistance to the very young man with whom he expected to spend the
+winter on his launch.
+
+Mrs. Peake began to listen more eagerly now, for she surmised that
+something of a pleasant nature was coming.
+
+When Darry finally placed the money in her hand, she looked at it in
+bewilderment, never having touched so much at one time in all her life;
+then she turned her tear-stained eyes upon him, and drawing him into her
+motherly arms kissed him again and again.
+
+And Darry never felt so well repaid for any action of his life as that.
+
+There was sunshine in the Peake house the balance of that day, even
+though the weather without was dark and overcast, for light hearts carry
+an atmosphere of their own that does not depend upon outside
+influences.
+
+The woman would not hear of Darry's going to see the lawyer that night.
+
+Something might happen to him again, with those malicious boys still at
+large, and it would be wiser she thought, to wait until morning, when
+the two of them could take the money to Darius Quarles and satisfy the
+mortgage.
+
+Besides, Nancy thought she would like to see what the money-lender
+looked like when finding his plans frustrated so neatly.
+
+"Thank goodness that relative of his will have to wait some time before
+this house falls into his clutches," she remarked, for the fourth time,
+since it was impossible, just then, to talk about anything else.
+
+So when another day dawned, while the weather was still heavy they
+walked to the village and astonished the lawyer by appearing in his
+office soon after his arrival.
+
+Supposing that Nancy had come to beg for more time, he set his face in
+its hardest lines, even though pretending to be sympathetic--times were
+out of joint, collections difficult to make, and he absolutely needed
+every cent he could scrape together in order to meet his
+obligations--that was the way he put it, when she announced she had come
+in relation to the mortgage.
+
+"Then I suppose you will be glad to receive this money, Darius, and
+return the mortgage canceled to me. And you can be sure that Abner will
+never trouble you in the same way again," she said, thrusting the full
+sum, with interest toward him.
+
+He slowly counted it, and found that every cent, as he had written it
+down for Darry, was there.
+
+"Ahem! this is an unexpected pleasure, Nancy. I congratulate you, indeed
+I do, on your success in finding someone to take over the mortgage," he
+stammered, as his face turned from red to white, and his little eyes
+glittered.
+
+"You are mistaken. There will be no mortgage on my home after this. The
+money has been earned by this brave boy here, not borrowed," she said,
+coldly.
+
+This caused him to look at Darry, and his mouth told that he was
+gritting his teeth wrathfully.
+
+"Ah! yes, indeed, truly a remarkable boy. What has he been doing
+now--taking the rats of the swamp by wholesale, I presume? Let me see,
+only yesterday he had sold twenty-six skins for fourteen dollars, and
+now a hundred dollar bill follows. It is amazing. Pardon me if I doubt
+my eyes. I suppose the bill is a good one?"
+
+"We will wait here until you go and find out. You might ask Mr. Paul
+Singleton, who has a little launch down at the docks, and is a member of
+the club above," replied Mrs. Peake, with stinging emphasis.
+
+"Did Mr. Singleton give him this money?" demanded the lawyer, suddenly.
+
+"He did, for saving his launch out in the bay yesterday. And what is
+more, Darry expects to cruise with him the balance of the winter. He has
+taken a great fancy for my boy. You can find him easily if you wish to
+ask him about this."
+
+It was wonderful how quickly the lawyer changed his manner.
+
+He knew who Paul Singleton was, and what wealth he represented in the
+exclusive sporting club near Ashley.
+
+"That alters the complexion of the whole thing. Now I congratulate Darry
+on his good fortune in making such a good, easy friend. Of course the
+bill must be all right if Paul Singleton gave it to him. I will
+immediately attend to the mortgage for you, and also see that it is
+satisfied on the books at the county office. Meanwhile I shall write you
+out a receipt in full, showing that it has been paid."
+
+Mrs. Peake said nothing more.
+
+She felt the utmost contempt for this man, and having been enabled to
+defeat his scheme for humiliating herself and husband, wished to remain
+in his company no longer than was absolutely necessary.
+
+So she and Darry presently went forth, and how pure even the stormy
+atmosphere seemed after being for half an hour in that spider's web of a
+lawyer's den.
+
+On the strength of the improved prospects Mrs. Peake felt that she was
+privileged to spend a portion of the small sum of money she had been
+hoarding against paying the interest, though as it had not amounted to
+the full sum she had not dared approach Darius with an offer.
+
+Mr. Keeler, being a good friend of the Peakes, and inclined to be
+hostile to the lawyer, she naturally confided her late troubles to his
+sympathetic ear, feeling that she could not keep silent.
+
+He shook the hand of the boy with sincerity, and declared that it was a
+great day for Abner and his brood when the surf man helped to pull the
+cabin boy of the _Falcon_ out of the sea.
+
+Being a modest lad, Darry escaped as soon as he could, and waited around
+until Mrs. Peake was ready to go home, when he showed up to carry her
+parcels.
+
+The family feasted that night most royally.
+
+Darry himself had purchased a steak in the store as his donation, and
+this was a luxury the little Peakes seldom knew.
+
+Ducks and fish were all very well, together with oysters, when they
+could get them; but after all there was a sameness in the diet that
+rather palled on the appetite, and that beefsteak with onions did smell
+mighty fine, as even the good cook admitted.
+
+The future looked very rosy to both Darry and Abner's wife.
+
+When the latter heard what Paul Singleton had said about getting some
+place for the life saver ashore, where he could be with his family right
+along, the poor woman broke down and sobbed; but it was joy that caused
+the tears to flow, and Darry felt his own eyes grow wet as he realized
+how she must have suffered while compelled to live in this mean way.
+
+Nancy having been a teacher had looked to better things, no doubt; but
+Abner thus far had lacked the ability to provide them for his family.
+Now, however, the current had changed.
+
+"And to think it all comes through you, boy. God sent you to us, I
+believe, just when things were at the worst. How different it looks now.
+I am the happiest woman in Ashley this night," she declared, and it
+seemed as though she could hardly take her beaming eyes off his face
+during that whole evening as they sat and built air castles for the
+future.
+
+It can be set down as certain that Darry found it hard to get to sleep
+after so much excitement. Long he lay there and went over all the
+recent experiences, to wonder again and again why Providence was so good
+to him, the waif who had until the last few years known only cuffs and
+trouble.
+
+The morning showed no improvement in the weather, for which Darry
+was sorry, because he wished to cross the sound in order to carry the
+glorious news to Abner and relieve his mind of the worry that must even
+now fill it.
+
+And as the prospect was that even worse weather might follow before it
+would improve he determined to go, though Mrs. Peake was rather loth to
+grant permission.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+ABNER HEARS THE NEWS
+
+
+When Darry reached the village and was making for the place where his
+boat was tied up, he remembered that Paul Singleton was close by with
+his motor-boat.
+
+Perhaps he was aboard and would be interested in hearing what had
+happened to Darry since they parted.
+
+Accordingly he walked that way and was accosted by a genial voice
+calling:
+
+"All hail, comrade, what news? Come aboard. Just thinking about you, and
+if you hadn't hove in sight soon I meant to don my raincoat and saunter
+up to find out what was in the wind. Here you are, just in time to join
+me at my lunch, such as it is--coffee, a canoeist stew and some fresh
+bread I bought from a good housewife in the village. Sit down right
+there; no excuse, you must know sooner or later what sort of a cook I
+am, for we expect to share many a meal in common."
+
+In such a hearty way did Paul Singleton greet him, and of course Darry
+had to obey orders, even though hardly hungry.
+
+He entertained Paul with an account of his recent adventures, and that
+young gentleman nearly doubled up with merriment when he heard how a
+malicious fate had succeeded in cheating Sim Clark out of the reward of
+his villainy.
+
+"And where are you off to now?" demanded Paul, when they had finished
+their "snack," as he termed it in Southern style, and Darry seemed to be
+getting ready to depart.
+
+"Across to the station. Mr. Keeler told me last evening there was some
+important mail to go over, and I think its going to storm worse before
+it finally clears up."
+
+"Looks pretty dusty out there even now, for your little tub. Say,
+suppose we take your boat in tow and go over in the launch? I was
+wondering what to do only a little while back. Besides, I've wanted to
+see the surfmen work their boat, and if it comes on to storm hard,
+perhaps there may be a necessity for them to launch. I'd be sorry to
+have a wreck occur; but if it does happen I'd like to be on hand. Say
+yes, now, Darry."
+
+Of course he did, for who could resist Paul Singleton; especially when
+the passage could be made so much more quickly in the staunch little
+motor-boat than with his own clumsy craft.
+
+In a short time they sallied out.
+
+The cedar craft was a model of the boat builder's art, and carried a
+twelve-horse power engine, so that even though the wind and tide chanced
+to be against them they made steady progress toward the shore seen so
+dimly far across the sound.
+
+Nearly every wave sent the spray flying high in the air as it struck the
+bow; but there was a hood to catch this, and besides both occupants of
+the motor-boat had donned oilskins before starting.
+
+It was a long trip, nevertheless, for the wind continued to increase in
+force as the afternoon waned, and Darry, with a sailor's gift of
+foretelling what the weather was to be, predicted that the succeeding
+night must witness a storm such as had not visited the coast since the
+night he was cast ashore.
+
+Abner was delighted to see his boy, and it was not long before the party
+found shelter in the warm station, for the air was growing bitter.
+
+"A bad night ahead!" said one of the surfmen, after greeting Darry, "and
+worse luck, poor Tom here has broken his leg. Mr. Frazer is somethin' of
+a surgeon, and has set it, but as soon as this storm is over he must be
+taken home. It leaves us short a man if so be we are called out, unless
+some feller happens to run across before night, which is kinder
+unlikely."
+
+"I'd be only too glad to pull an oar, if necessary, and you couldn't
+find any better man," said Darry, quickly, looking at Abner, who shook
+his head, dubiously.
+
+"They may hev to take yuh, lad; but I hopes as how we aint gwine to be
+called out. It's a cruel night to fight the sea, an' only them as has
+been thar knows wot it means. Now come an' set down here, both on yuh,
+an' tell me all the news from hum. I seen somethin' in your eye, lad,
+thet tells me yuh knows sure a heap wuth hearin'. I hopes it's good
+news," he said.
+
+"Indeed it is, the best ever," replied Darry, with bursting heart, and
+then as quickly as he could he told the whole story.
+
+Poor Abner sat there, blinking, and hardly able to comprehend the
+wonderful change that had so suddenly come over his fortunes.
+
+Unable to speak he could only stretch out his hand to Paul, and then
+turning to our hero looked at him with his very soul in his eyes.
+
+After a little, when he became calmer, he asked many questions, and even
+had a quiet little laugh at the expense of Darius Quarles.
+
+"That's the second time yuh see he's ben knocked out a-tryin' to rob
+me. Nancy done it fust a-fallin' into the water, and this time Darry
+here cum to the front. Darius he must be concludin' he was borned under
+an unlucky star, 'specially wen he tackles Nancy Peake. I'd give
+somethin' to see the gal jest now," he added wistfully as he tried to
+picture what she must look like when really and truly happy.
+
+Long they talked, until an early supper was ready, and the men gathered
+about the table, while the wind shrieked and sighed about the corners of
+the station, telling of the severe labors the coming night would demand.
+
+After the meal was finished nothing would do but that Darry must give
+them some music ere the first detail went out on their arduous duties in
+facing the cold storm.
+
+Paul had known nothing of this accomplishment on the part of his new
+friend.
+
+He sat there as though enthralled while Darry drew such weird strains
+from the little polished instrument in his hands that this young man,
+who had doubtless listened to many masters of the violin believed he had
+never in all his life heard such wonderful music.
+
+Of course the strange surroundings had something to do with it, for
+there was a constant accompaniment of howling wind, with the surge of
+the wild surf beating time to the magic of the bow, and it seemed as
+though the player selected just such music as would be appropriate to
+such a setting.
+
+Finally the first detail had to make ready for their long tramp along
+the beach, and muffled in their oilskins they sallied forth.
+
+Later on Abner and his companions expected to start out, for Paul was
+determined to learn all he could about this hard life of those who
+patrolled the coasts while the storms raged, a helpful auxiliary to the
+lighthouse department.
+
+The men should have sought rest and sleep while they had the chance, but
+no one seemed desirous of lying down.
+
+Tom, the poor fellow with the broken leg, was bearing up bravely, and
+only bemoaned the fact that, if there should be any necessity for the
+launching of the surfboat he could not do his duty.
+
+Suddenly everyone started up.
+
+Above the roar of the storm a sound had come that could not be anything
+other than the boom of a gun.
+
+There is nothing that startles more than this sound, heard upon the
+shore as the storm rages, for it invariably tells of peril hovering over
+some vessel that has been beaten from her track and is threatened with
+wreck, either upon the reefs or the treacherous sands.
+
+Instantly all was bustle and excitement.
+
+Every man donned his oilskins, and as they had made all preparations
+there was little time wasted in doing this.
+
+Paul rushed out with the rest, eager to be "in the swim," as he said.
+
+It was a scene never to be forgotten.
+
+The waves were running high and breaking upon the beach with a
+thunderous roar, while the wind added to the clamor; so that save for
+the absence of thunder and lightning the picture seemed to be a
+duplicate of that other so strongly impressed upon Darry's mind.
+
+Down the beach they could catch glimpses of an illumination, and it
+seemed as though some of the coast patrol might be burning coster lights
+to signal the vessel on the reef.
+
+Presently they would come back, when the lifeboat would be launched.
+
+With material that was kept ready for just such an emergency a fire was
+immediately started.
+
+Mr. Frazer was looking anxiously down the beach, and Darry heard him
+calling to Abner.
+
+"I don't like the looks of things yonder. That fire is none of the work
+of our men. Jim Dilks and his wreckers must be over here looking for
+pickings. I pity any poor wretch who comes ashore and falls into their
+hands. That scoundrel wouldn't be above robbing a castaway, and even
+chocking out what little life remained in his body, if so be it looked
+like he might tell. Keep a lookout for the rascals, boys. And all give a
+hand here to get the boat out of the shed. We're going to have a hard
+night of it, I'm afraid."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+DARRY IN THE LIFEBOAT
+
+
+The boat was soon rolled out and placed where it could be quickly
+launched at the word.
+
+Mr. Frazer was not only the keeper of the station but the helmsman of
+the lifeboat, which latter was a most responsible position, since he
+must direct the movements of the men who pulled the oars, bring the boat
+under the vessel in peril, manage to rescue as many of those aboard as
+could be carried, and finally navigate the craft successfully to the
+shore.
+
+Darry looked upon him as a wonderful man, a hero, indeed, whose equal he
+had never known.
+
+There were signs of distress seaward. Through his night glasses Mr.
+Frazer reported seeing a steamer in trouble. She had evidently gone on
+the reef, having gotten out of her course in the wild storm, or else
+because the wreckers further down the coast had deceived her navigator
+by means of false beacons.
+
+No matter, she was fast upon the treacherous reef and would likely fill
+and be a wreck before morning, since her entire port side seemed
+exposed to the fury of the waves.
+
+It was a wonder how anything could remain on board and endure so
+terrific a pounding; if later on she were washed free the chances were
+there would be holes enough in her by that time to cause her to sink
+like a shot.
+
+The lifeboat could not get out to her any too soon.
+
+Those on board were burning lights, and sending up rocket after rocket
+to indicate that their need of assistance was great.
+
+Still nothing could be done until the men on the detail came in.
+
+Already it had been settled that unless assistance came speedily, in the
+shape of a recruit to take the place of Tom, Darry would have to go.
+
+The boy was in a fever of suspense, fearful that he might be cheated out
+of the experience, as on the previous occasion.
+
+Paul was quite useless because he knew so little about pulling an oar,
+while as a sailor, with some years experience on a vessel, Darry was at
+home on the water in any capacity.
+
+"I certainly admire your grit, Darry," said Paul, shuddering as he
+looked out at the heaving waves, the white tops of which loomed up in
+the gloom.
+
+"Oh! I'm used to these things. Dozens of storms I've been through, under
+all sorts of conditions," answered the boy.
+
+"All the same it's a big risk. I hope nothing will go wrong. That's a
+mighty small boat to pit against the fury of the sea."
+
+"But as safe as they make them. It's impossible to sink it, and the
+ropes are there to keep us from being swept out, even if flooded. All
+around the outside you see ropes, and if a fellow goes over he holds on
+to one of those until another wave sweeps him back in his seat again,
+and there you are."
+
+Although Darry spoke so lightly it must not be assumed that he failed to
+realize the gravity attending the passage of the surboat out upon such a
+troubled sea; for accidents do happen to the crews of these life-saving
+craft, and many a daring soul has gone to his account while trying to
+rescue others.
+
+But just then the patrol came running up, almost out of breath.
+
+From one man Frazer learned that his surmise concerning the appearance
+of the lawless wreckers on the shore was well founded, and that they had
+been up to some mischief further south, where signs of lights had been
+noticed by this coastguard.
+
+The word was given to take their places, as the boat was about to be
+launched.
+
+They had waited a brief time to allow the newly-arrived men a chance to
+recover their wind for they would need it presently, when once upon the
+heaving bosom of the deep.
+
+Paul squeezed the hand of his young friend.
+
+How he envied him this chance to prove his courage and to pull an oar in
+a life-saving trip.
+
+The rockets had ceased to ascend as though either the supply had given
+out, or else conditions had become so bad that there was no longer a
+chance to carry on this work.
+
+Then came the word:
+
+"Go!"
+
+There was a simultaneous movement on the part of the entire crew, and as
+the sturdy men put their shoulders to the task the surfboat shot forward
+just at the proper instant when a wave expended itself upon the sloping
+beach.
+
+Its prow entered the water, and those furthest ahead sprang into their
+places, whipping the long oars into the rowlocks for a struggle against
+the force of the next onrushing billow.
+
+Darry was one of these.
+
+He had not watched that other launching for nothing, and understood just
+what was required of him, as though through long practice.
+
+Now they were off!
+
+The oars dipped deep, and hardy muscles strained back of them.
+
+Slowly but surely the boat gained against all the fury of the onrushing
+tide, and foot by foot they began to leave the shore.
+
+Paul was shouting, swinging his hat, as Darry could see while he tugged
+at his task.
+
+Once fully launched upon the swelling bosom of the sea, the progress of
+the surfboat was more rapid, though every yard had to be won by the most
+arduous of labor, the men straining like galley slaves under the lash;
+but in this case it was a sense of duty rather than the whip of the
+tyrant that urged them on.
+
+No man but the helmsman saw anything of the steamer that was fast upon
+the cruel jaws of the reef, for it was against orders for anyone to turn
+his head.
+
+Such an incautious movement might throw him out of balance in the swing
+of the stroke and bring about disaster, or at least temporarily
+disarrange their regular advance; they had to trust everything to the
+wisdom and experience of the man who hung on to the long steering oar,
+and blindly obey his shouted instructions.
+
+Many times had he gone forth upon just such a hazard, and thus far his
+sagacity had proven equal to the task.
+
+They began to hear human voices shrieking through the storm.
+
+That meant they were drawing close under the lee of the steamer, and
+that those on board must have sighted them, and were consequently filled
+with new hope.
+
+Above all else came the awful pounding of the sea upon the side of the
+doomed steamer.
+
+Darry knew the sound well, for many a night had he gone calmly to sleep
+while the chorus of the elements was beating close to his head.
+
+He had pulled well, and held his own with the brawny men of the crew,
+just as Mr. Frazer had known would be the case when he allowed him to
+take the place of Tom in the boat.
+
+Abner was next to him, and the surfman had watched the manly efforts of
+his adopted boy with secret delight.
+
+Few boys indeed of his size could have proven their worth to the crew of
+the lifeboat in time of need as Darry had done.
+
+He could indeed be reckoned one of the life savers from this hour on, if
+so be they came back again to the shore that had witnessed their
+departure.
+
+Now, as they swung around temporarily the rowers were afforded their
+first glimpse of the imperiled vessel.
+
+It was undoubtedly a steamer, one of the coasters that pass up and down
+the Atlantic seaboard, bound from New York to one of the various
+southern ports, or _vice versa_, and usually keeping far enough out to
+avoid the perils that hover about Kitty Hawk and Hatteras.
+
+She was in a bad position, having gone ashore, or been washed aground,
+so that her whole quarter was exposed to the sweep of the boiling sea.
+
+Through the flying spray they could see numerous figures along the lee
+rail of the vessel, hanging on desperately, while now and then the water
+would sweep over the deck, and at such times a chorus of screams told
+that there were other than men there, women half frightened out of their
+senses by the peril.
+
+The surfboat was, after some maneuvering, gotten in such a position
+under the lee of the steamer that a rope could be thrown aboard.
+
+Then a woman was lowered by means of this, and safely stowed away.
+
+As the rope had been fastened to the boat there was no longer necessity
+for the crew to strain at the oars, consequently they were at liberty to
+assist in caring for those sent down by the steamer's crew, working
+under the direction of a cool, level-headed captain.
+
+Darry had cast off his oilskins, as being in the way.
+
+A wetting was of small moment anyway to one so warm-blooded as he, and
+the cumbersome garments impeded his movements, since they were meant for
+a big man.
+
+The sleeve of his shirt had also become torn in some way and flapped
+loose until he tucked it up out of the way.
+
+All unconscious of the picturesque figure he made he continued to work
+with all his might, helping to receive the women and children as they
+were slipped over the side.
+
+Many an eye was attracted toward him as seen by the light of the
+lanterns that were held over the side of the steamer to aid the workers,
+and more than one wondered how it came that a mere lad was to be found
+keeping company with these hardy men of the coast, seasoned to storms,
+and able to defy the rigors of the cold.
+
+It was no easy task to take on a load of the passengers under such
+conditions.
+
+Only when the surfboat rose on a billow could they be lowered, for at
+other times the distance was so great that the deck of the steamer
+looked as far away as the roof of a tall building.
+
+Yet, thanks to the ability of the steamer captain, and the experience of
+the surfmen below, the shipping of the women and children was
+accomplished with but a single accident.
+
+One child dropped off the rope, having been insecurely fastened, and
+with the shrieks of the women fell into the sea, but hardly had she
+reached the water than with a splash Darry was over, and had seized upon
+the little one.
+
+His companions immediately reached out friendly hands, and both were
+drawn into the plunging boat, amid frantic cheers from all who had seen
+the daring rescue.
+
+One woman seized hold of the boy as he pushed his way through the crowd
+to his place at the oars, and looked wildly in his face.
+
+He supposed she must be the mother of the child he had saved, and not
+wishing for any scene just then, when he was needed at his place, as
+they were about to cast off, Darry gently broke her hold, leaving on her
+knees and staring after him.
+
+Although he little suspected the fact it was something else that had
+chained the attention of this woman passenger; and even as she knelt in
+the bottom of the boat, which was beginning its perilous passage toward
+the shore, her eyes continued to be riveted upon his face, and she was
+saying to herself over and over:
+
+"Oh! who is he, that boy? I must see him again if we both live. Can it
+be possible he had any connection with Paul's telegram? I have come far,
+but I would go over the distance a thousand times if only a great joy
+awaited me. Yes, I must see him surely again!"
+
+From which it would appear that the friendly fortune that seemed to be
+attending the affairs of our young hero of late had again started work;
+and that even in gratifying his wild desire to serve as a life saver
+Darry had been advancing his own cause.
+
+Now the lifeboat was headed for the shore, and sweeping in on a giant
+roller.
+
+Great care had to be exercised lest the boat broach-to, and those in her
+be spilled out, when some must be drowned, for having taken so many
+aboard they lacked the buoyancy that had previously marked their
+progress.
+
+Standing in his place the steersman carefully noted every little point,
+and high above the rush of the storm his voice rang out as he ordered
+the crew to cease rowing, or to pull hard.
+
+It was well worth experiencing, and Darry was glad he had at last found
+a chance to go out with the crew.
+
+Abner knew that at least one more trip would have to be made, in order
+to take off the crew of the steamer, and he was determined that if there
+should have arrived any substitute on the beach while they were away
+Darry must not be called upon to undertake the second voyage.
+
+The strain was terrific for a mere stripling of his build, and only old
+seasoned veterans could stand under it.
+
+There was no need of questioning the willingness of the lad to volunteer
+again; and if it seemed absolutely necessary Abner would give his
+consent, but he hoped circumstances might change and another hand be
+provided.
+
+With the women and children they had several of the crew who had come
+along to relieve any oarsman who might give under the great strain; the
+more sent in this load the less remaining for the next, and among these
+Abner had picked upon a certain husky fellow who seemed able to do his
+part if called upon.
+
+Now the shore was close by.
+
+The fire burned brightly, fed by Paul, and the steersman could see
+several other men at the water's edge, proving that they had crossed the
+sound in some sort of staunch craft, or had come down from above,
+knowing the wreck was close to the life-saving station.
+
+At last the boat mounted the last billow on which she was to continue
+her voyage to the beach.
+
+The crew pulled heartily to keep her perched high on its foamy crest,
+and in this fashion they went rushing shoreward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE AWAKENING
+
+
+As the boat shot forward and her keel grated on the sand the crew were
+over the sides like a shot, seizing upon her in order to prevent the
+outgoing wave from carrying her along.
+
+Then one by one the women and children were carried to the shore, and
+hurried to the shelter of the station, where a warm fire and something
+to drink in the way of coffee and tea would put new life in the
+shuddering mass.
+
+The woman who had been so strangely agitated at sight of Darry seemed to
+be a lady of refinement, but she was almost perishing from the cold, and
+did not resist when they forced her to seek shelter.
+
+Once she turned around and looked back to where Darry was busy; but when
+inside the house she swooned from exhaustion, to come to later and find
+Paul Singleton bending anxiously over her, with words of affection on
+his lips.
+
+Meanwhile Darry was ready to again take his place with the rest, but
+Abner had been busy, and spoke to Mr. Frazer, who in turn engaged a
+stalwart fisherman to fill the vacancy caused by Tom's absence.
+
+Although disappointed, Darry did not insist, for he knew the tax upon
+his young muscles had been severe, and if he failed it might throw the
+whole crew out of balance.
+
+So he saw them set out again, with his heart in his eyes.
+
+When they had vanished from view he walked nervously up and down the
+beach for a short time; then noticing the presence of a moving light not
+more than half a mile down the shore he remembered what he had heard Mr.
+Frazer say about the wreckers being abroad, looking for anything of
+value they could lay hands on.
+
+Usually these men make their living by gathering up whatever may be cast
+on the beach after a vessel has gone to pieces, and thus far their
+calling is legitimate, but as a rule they are a bad class, and at times,
+when fortune frowns upon their efforts, many of their kind resort to
+desperate means for accumulating riches, even robbing the dead, and it
+was hinted in connection with Jim Dilks' crowd, going still further.
+
+When a vessel is in danger of going to pieces, the passengers usually
+load themselves with what valuables they may possess in the hope of
+saving these in case they reach the shore in safety; so that these
+ghouls frequently find a little fortune upon the persons of the drowned
+travelers.
+
+Darry had heard the crew of the lifeboat talking about these wreckers so
+frequently that he was more than curious with regard to them, and as he
+saw the lantern moving to and fro along the water's edge, now
+approaching and again retreating, he felt a sudden desire to look upon
+their methods of work. It was not a wise move on his part at all, for
+such men are as a rule desperate characters, and resent being spied
+upon, since such action savors too much of the law and justice in their
+eyes; but Darry was only a venturesome boy, who somehow never knew the
+meaning of the word fear, and a little saunter along the beach would
+pass away some of the time until the boat came in again.
+
+So he started off, telling no one of his intention, though one man
+noticed him walk away, which fact proved fortunate in the end.
+
+As he drew nearer the moving light he saw that, as he had suspected, it
+was a lantern held in the hand of a big man who was passing along as
+close to the edge of the water as he could, and surveying with the eye
+of a hawk each incoming billow, as though he expected to discover a
+floating form that must be snatched away ere it were carried out again.
+
+But it was no errand of mercy that caused this human vulture to keep up
+his unceasing vigil; for should the body of a luckless passenger come
+ashore his first act would be to rifle the pockets rather than attempt
+to restore life.
+
+Darry caught a glimpse of several other figures beyond, but their
+lanterns had evidently given out, so they were trusting to their eyes
+alone for seeing in the dark.
+
+He had never as yet met big Jim Dilks, but something told him that this
+man was now before him, and he wondered if the son might not also be one
+of the other prowlers beyond, since he evidently possessed the same kind
+of savage instincts that characterized his father.
+
+Darry had come as close as he deemed prudent when he saw the man start
+forward with a sudden swoop, and seizing some object from the inflowing
+wave drag it up on the shore.
+
+There was no outcry to call the attention of others, for evidently this
+was a game of "every man for himself," though possibly a division of
+spoils might be made later on.
+
+Horrified, Darry pressed closer, for he fancied he had seen a feeble
+movement on the part of the figure drawn from the waves--doubtless
+alone and unassisted the swimmer could never have crawled out on the
+beach, but now that he was beyond reach of the waves, would the man who
+had snatched him ashore do the slightest thing to keep the spark of life
+from going out entirely?
+
+He saw Jim Dilks bend eagerly down.
+
+Closer still Darry pressed, unconscious in his eagerness to see that he
+was placing his own life in danger.
+
+The man who would not hesitate to rob the dead might go even further in
+order to conceal his crime.
+
+He saw Jiw Dilks hurriedly search through the pockets of the figure,
+transfer a number of articles to his own person, and then with a growl
+lift the body in his arms, giving it a toss that once more sent it
+afloat.
+
+The terrible nature of this act brought out a half-stifled cry from the
+watching boy, and the wrecker, startled, wheeled to see him there.
+
+He darted upon him like a wolf, and ere Darry could lift a hand to save
+himself he was struck a severe blow on the head.
+
+After that he knew nothing more.
+
+When he opened his eyes later he found himself in the life-saving
+station, and for a minute or so wondered what had happened, for as he
+started to rise there was a severe pain in his head, and he sank back
+with a sigh.
+
+Then it all seemed to pass before him.
+
+Again he could see the savage face of big Jim, as he turned like a
+sheep-killing dog caught in the act, and once more Darry shivered with
+the terrible thought that life had not wholly departed from the wretched
+passenger from the ill-fated steamer at the time the wrecker tossed him
+back into the merciless sea.
+
+Who had found him, and brought him here, when evidently the lawless man
+had intended that he should share the fate of the doomed passenger, and
+thus forever have his lips sealed?
+
+Someone must have heard him sigh, for there was a movement close by, and
+his eyes took in the eager face of Paul Singleton.
+
+"Bully for you, Darry! We were getting mighty anxious about you, but I
+can see you're all right now. It has been hard to keep Abner at his duty
+watching the shore. Every little while he appears at the door to ask if
+you have recovered your senses yet. Why, he couldn't be more fond of you
+if you were his own Joe," said Paul, running his hand tenderly over the
+boy's forehead.
+
+"I don't understand how I got here," declared Darry; "the last thing I
+remember was being struck by the fist of that brute, big Jim Dilks. He
+had just robbed a passenger from the wreck. I saw him pull the body out
+of the water, clean out the pockets, and then throw the poor fellow back
+again. And, Mr. Singleton, it's a terrible thing to say, but I'm most
+sure there was life still in the body of the man he robbed when he
+tossed him back!"
+
+"The scoundrel, I wouldn't put it past him a particle. And that isn't
+the first time he and his gang have done the same thing either. But
+their time has come, Darry. Even now I chance to know that the
+government has sent agents down here to make arrests, urged on by the
+women of Ashley, and before another day rolls around all of those
+rascals will be in the toils. You may be called on to give evidence
+against Dilks. But please forget all about this gruesome matter just
+now, my dear boy. There is something else of a vastly different nature
+that awaits you--some delightful intelligence, in fact."
+
+Paul paused to let the half-dazed lad drink in the meaning of his words.
+
+"Oh! Mr. Singleton!" he began.
+
+"No, from this hour let it be Paul--Cousin Paul, in truth. You know, I
+said I wanted you to look upon me as an elder brother, but now it seems
+that we are actually related, and that I am your full-fledged cousin."
+
+"My cousin! Oh! what can you mean?" gasped the bewildered Darry.
+
+"I'll tell you without beating around the bush, then. You are no longer
+the poor homeless waif you used to believe yourself."
+
+"No, that is true, thanks to dear old Abner and Nancy," murmured Darry,
+loyal to his good friends in this hour.
+
+"But there is someone who has a better claim upon your affection than
+either Abner or Nancy, kind-hearted though they undoubtedly are. It is
+your own mother, Darry!" exclaimed the young man, leaning over closer as
+he said that word of magic.
+
+"Mother! My mother! How sweet that sounds! But tell me how can this be?
+Who am I, and where is she? How did you find it out, and, oh! Paul, are
+you _sure_, quite sure? A disappointment after this would be hard to
+bear."
+
+"Have no fears, Darry, there is no longer the slightest shadow of a
+doubt. The minute my aunt set her eyes on that crescent-shaped mark on
+your arm she knew beyond all question that Heaven had granted her
+prayers of years, and in this marvelous way restored her only child to
+her again. She saw you leap overboard to save that little child, and she
+recognized in your face the look she remembered so well as marking the
+countenance of her husband, now long since dead. She says you are his
+living picture as a boy."
+
+"I remember some lady seizing hold of my arm after they dragged me
+aboard the lifeboat, but at the time I believed it must be the mother of
+the child, and I was anxious to get back to my place, for the boat might
+upset with one oar missing. And that was--my mother?"
+
+How softly, how tenderly, he spoke the word, as though it might be
+something he had only dared dream about, and had difficulty in realizing
+now that he could claim what nearly all other boys had, a parent.
+
+"Yes, that was my dear Aunt Elizabeth. I wired her away down in South
+America, where she was visiting cousins, and it has taken her quite a
+while to get here. She had to change steamers twice, and meant to come
+back here from New York by rail, when a strange freak of fortune sent
+that vessel upon the reef, and placed you in the lifeboat that went to
+the rescue. After this I shall stand in awe of the mysterious workings
+of Providence, since this beats anything I ever heard of. I could see
+something familiar in your looks, and after hearing your story sent for
+her on a chance. That was why I dared not tell you any more than I did.
+If I had only known about the history of that scar on your arm I would
+have been positive. She asked me immediately about it, and when I told
+her it was surely there she fainted again."
+
+"My mother! how strange it seems. Go on please, Paul," murmured the boy,
+reaching out and possessing himself of the other's hand, as though its
+touch gave him assurance that this was not one of his tantalizing
+dreams.
+
+"I went in search of you, and one of the men told me he had seen you
+walking down the beach, as though attracted by the light which he
+believed was a lantern carried by a wrecker, perhaps the feared Jim
+Dilks. I engaged him to accompany me, and securing a lantern we hurried
+along. And Darry, we found you just in time, for the sea was carrying
+you out. I believe that wretch must have cast you into the water just as
+he did the body of the passenger."
+
+"Then I owe my life to you--Cousin Paul?"
+
+"If so it only squares accounts, for I guess I'd have gone under out
+there on the sound only for your coming in time. But Darry, do you think
+you feel strong enough to see your mother? I forced her to lie down in
+the little room beyond, but she cannot sleep from the excitement."
+
+"Yes, oh! yes. Please bring her. I shall be a long time understanding it
+all, and trying to realize that I am truly awake. To think that I
+really have a mother!"
+
+Darry drew a long breath, and followed Paul with eager eyes as he went
+through the doorway into the other room.
+
+It was dawn now.
+
+In more senses than one the day had come to Darry.
+
+He heard low voices, and then someone came through the door, someone
+whose eyes were fastened hungrily upon his face.
+
+Darry struggled to sit up, and was just in time to feel a pair of arms
+around his neck and have his poor aching head drawn lovingly upon the
+bosom of the mother whom he had not known since infancy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+Later on, in fragments, Darry learned the whole story. It was all very
+wonderful, and yet simple enough.
+
+The old man whom he remembered so well, and who had told him to call him
+uncle, was in reality a brother of his mother.
+
+He had quarreled with his sister Elizabeth's husband, after abusing his
+kindness, and to cancel what he called a debt, had actually stolen the
+only child of the man he had wronged and hated.
+
+An old story, yet happening just as frequently in these modern days as
+in times of old, for men have the same passions, and there is nothing
+new under the sun.
+
+Everything that money could do was done to find the man and the little
+boy he had kidnapped, but he proved too cunning for them all, and
+although several times traces were found of his being at some foreign
+city, when a hunt was made he had again vanished.
+
+So the years came and went, and the child's mother was left a widow.
+
+Hope never deserted her heart, though it must have grown fainter as time
+passed on, and all traces of the wicked child-stealer seemed swallowed
+up in mystery.
+
+Paul had known of her great trouble, and it was the remarkable
+resemblance of Darry to a picture he had seen of his uncle Rudolph as a
+boy that first startled him.
+
+Then came the story about the waif, and this gave him strong hopes that
+by the wonderful favor of Providence he had been enabled to come across
+the long-lost boy, his own cousin.
+
+Their happiness was subdued, for there had been lives lost in the storm,
+a number of passengers and crew having been swept from the deck of the
+steamer by the giant waves before the coming of the life savers.
+
+As the storm subsided by noon, our little party, increased by Abner's
+presence, was enabled to cross the still rough sound in the staunch
+motor-boat of Paul, and to Nancy's amazement appeared at her humble
+little home.
+
+She heard the story of Darry's great good fortune with mingled emotions,
+for while she could not but rejoice with him in that he had found a
+mother, still, in a way, it seemed to the poor woman as though she had
+been bereaved a second time, for she was beginning to love the boy who
+had come into her life to take the place of Joe.
+
+Still, the future appeared so rosy that even Nancy could not but feel
+the uplift, and her face beamed with the general joy as she bustled
+around and strove to prepare a supper for her guests.
+
+In the village they had heard news.
+
+Jim Dilks and several of his cronies were in the hands of the United
+States authorities, having been arrested on serious charges.
+
+Later on they were convicted of using false beacons in order to lure
+vessels on the reefs for wicked purposes, and of robbing the dead cast
+up on the shore.
+
+A more serious charge could not be proven, though few doubted their
+innocence.
+
+Darry, or as he was compelled to call himself now, Adrian Singleton,
+being summoned to give evidence, helped to send the big wrecker to his
+well-earned solitude by telling what he had seen on the night of the
+last storm, and as some jewelry was found in his possession, which was
+identified by the wife of a passenger who lost his life, and whose body
+was washed up on the beach later on, there was no difficulty in securing
+his conviction.
+
+As for his profligate son, he was not long in following the elder Dilks
+to confinement, being caught in some crime that partook of the nature of
+robbery, and was sent to a reformatory, where it is to be hoped he may
+learn a lesson calculated to make him a better man when he comes forth.
+
+Since these happenings took place only a few years back, young Jim is
+still in confinement; his boon companions Sim Clark and Bowser vanished
+from Ashley and doubtless sought congenial surroundings in Wilmington,
+where they could pursue their destiny along evil lines until the long
+arm of the law reached out and brought them to book.
+
+True to his word, Paul saw to it that Abner Peake was placed in charge
+of the big farm he owned, not a great distance away from Ashley, and
+here the former life saver and his family have every comfort their
+simple hearts could wish for, so that they count it the luckiest day of
+their lives when the cabin boy of the lost brigantine, _Falcon_, was
+washed up on the beach out by the life-saving station.
+
+About once a year Abner visits his old chums out on the beach, spending
+a couple of days in their company and reviving old times, but on such
+occasions they often see him sitting by himself under the shelter of
+some old remnant of a former wreck, his calm blue eyes fixed in an
+absent-minded fashion upon the distant level horizon of Old Ocean, and
+at such times no one ventures to disturb him, for well they know that he
+is holding silent communion with the spirit of poor little Joe, who went
+out with the tide, and was seen no more.
+
+Somewhere upon that broad, lonely ocean his little form has found a
+resting place, and so long as he lives must Abner drop a tear in his
+memory whenever he sets eyes upon his watery shroud.
+
+But the Peakes are happy, and the twins are growing up to be buxom
+children.
+
+There is another little laughing Peake now, a boy at that, and at last
+accounts Darry--it is hard to call him by any other name--heard that he
+is destined to be christened Joseph Darry Peake.
+
+After all, Paul and Darry did have a chance to spend some part of the
+winter cruising together on the sound, although our hero later on
+decided that he must start in to make himself worthy of the position
+which was from this time to be his lot, and enrolled at an academy where
+his fond mother could be near him, and have a home in which he might
+find some of the happiness that fate had cheated him out of for so long.
+
+No one who knows the youth doubts that he has a promising future before
+him, and many prophesy that he will eventually make a more famous
+lawyer than his father was before him.
+
+Often Darry loves, when by himself, to look back to the days that are no
+more, and at such times he thinks with gratitude of the friends whom a
+kindly Providence raised up for him in his time of need.
+
+Among these he never fails to include Captain Harley, the skipper of the
+_Falcon_, whose widow Darry had communicated with while he was still
+under the roof of the life saver's home, and whom he later on met
+personally, as she came on to hear all he could tell about her lost
+husband.
+
+And the brave life savers on that desolate Carolina beach have not been
+forgotten by the grateful mother of the boy they had adopted, for during
+each winter there always comes a huge box filled with such warm clothing
+as men in their arduous and dangerous profession greatly need.
+
+At Christmas holidays Darry, Paul and Mrs. Singleton make it a point to
+spend a week at Ashley, during which time they live again the stirring
+scenes of the past, and find much cause for gratitude because of the
+wonderful favors that were showered upon them in that locality.
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Darry the Life Saver, by Frank V. Webster
+
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Darry The Life Saver, by Frank V. Webster.
+    </title>
+  <style type="text/css">
+    /*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
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+    p                 {margin-top: 0.5em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0.5em;}
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+    h2                {text-align: center; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 2em; clear: both;}
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+    a                 {text-decoration: none;}
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+    .figcenter        {margin: auto; text-align: center;}
+    .center           {text-align:center;}
+    .pagenum          {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: x-small;
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+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Darry the Life Saver, by Frank V. Webster
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Darry the Life Saver
+       The Heroes of the Coast
+
+Author: Frank V. Webster
+
+Release Date: August 8, 2007 [EBook #22277]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DARRY THE LIFE SAVER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-000" id="illus-000"></a>
+<img src="images/img-fpc.jpg" alt="THEN A WOMAN WAS LOWERED BY MEANS OF THIS, AND SAFELY STOWED AWAY. Darry the Life Saver Page 185" title="" width="350" /><br />
+<table summary="" class="caption">
+    <tr><td colspan="2">THEN A WOMAN WAS LOWERED BY MEANS OF THIS, AND SAFELY STOWED AWAY.</td></tr>
+    <tr><td align="left">Darry the Life Saver</td><td align="right">Page 185</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<table style="margin: auto; width:25em" summary=""><tr><td>
+<p style="font-size:2.2em; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:.2em; font-weight: bold;">Darry the Life Saver</p>
+<p style="font-size:1.8em; margin-bottom:.2em;">Or</p>
+<p style="font-size:1.8em; margin-bottom:2em;">The Heroes of the Coast</p>
+<p style="font-size:1.2em;">BY</p>
+<p style="font-size:1.6em; margin-bottom:.3em;">FRANK V. WEBSTER</p>
+<p style="font-size:0.8em;">AUTHOR OF "ONLY A FARM BOY," "BOB THE CASTAWAY,"</p>
+<p style="font-size:0.8em; margin-bottom:4em;">"THE BOYS OF BELLEWOOD SCHOOL," ETC.</p>
+<hr style='width:5%' />
+<p style="font-size:1em;">ILLUSTRATED</p>
+<hr style='width:5%' />
+<p style="font-size:1em; margin-top:3.2em;">NEW YORK</p>
+<p style="font-size:1.2em;">CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY</p>
+<p style="font-size:0.9em; margin-bottom:2.2em;">PUBLISHERS</p>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<table style="text-align:center; margin: auto; border:1px solid; width:22em" summary="">
+<tr><td style='padding-top:2em;'><span style='font-size:x-large;'>BOOKS FOR BOYS</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td><hr style='width:10%' /></td></tr>
+<tr><td>By FRANK V. WEBSTER</td></tr>
+<tr><td><hr style='width:10%' /></td></tr>
+<tr><td>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume,<br />40 cents, postpaid</td></tr>
+<tr><td><hr style='width:10%' /></td></tr>
+<tr><td style='padding-bottom:2em;'>ONLY A FARM BOY<br />
+TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY<br />
+THE BOY FROM THE RANCH<br />
+THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER<br />
+BOB, THE CASTAWAY<br />
+THE YOUNG FIREMEN OF LAKEVILLE<br />
+THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS<br />
+THE BOY PILOT OF THE LAKES<br />
+TWO BOY GOLD MINERS<br />
+JACK, THE RUNAWAY<br />
+COMRADES OF THE SADDLE<br />
+THE BOYS OF BELLWOOD SCHOOL<br />
+THE HIGH SCHOOL RIVALS<br />
+AIRSHIP ANDY<br />
+BOB CHESTER'S GRIT<br />
+BEN HARDY'S FLYING MACHINE<br />
+DICK, THE BANK BOY<br />
+DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class='center' style='margin-top:2em;'>Copyright, 1911, by<br />
+CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY</p>
+<hr style='width:10%' />
+<p class='center' style='font-size:smaller'>DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER</p>
+
+<hr class='dashed' />
+
+<h2 class="toc"><a name="Contents" id="Contents"></a>Contents</h2>
+
+<table border="0" width="500" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+<col style="width:15%;" />
+<col style="width:5%;"  />
+<col style="width:70%;" />
+<col style="width:10%;" />
+<tr>
+<td align='right'><span style='font-size:x-small'>CHAPTER</span></td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align='right'><span style='font-size:x-small'>PAGE</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">I.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Hurricane</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_HURRICANE_96">1</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">II.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Saved by the Life Chain</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#SAVED_BY_THE_LIFE_CHAIN_327">10</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">III.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Abner Peake's Offer</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#ABNER_PEAKES_OFFER_561">19</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">IV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Cabin by the Sea</td>
+  <!-- Contents title uses "Sea"; chapter title uses "Marsh" -->
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_CABIN_BY_THE_MARSH_811">29</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">V.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">An Encounter on the Road</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#AN_ENCOUNTER_ON_THE_ROAD_1069">39</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">VI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Winning His Way</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#WINNING_HIS_WAY_1260">46</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">VII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Midnight Alarm</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_MIDNIGHT_ALARM_1485">55</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">VIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Across the Bay</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#ACROSS_THE_BAY_1691">63</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">IX.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Signal Rocket</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_SIGNAL_ROCKET_1889">71</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">X.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Jim the Bully</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#JIM_THE_BULLY_2076">78</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">A Glorious Prospect</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#A_GLORIOUS_PROSPECT_2289">86</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Stolen Traps</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_STOLEN_TRAPS_2496">94</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Joe's Shotgun Secures a Supper</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#JOES_SHOTGUN_SECURES_A_SUPPER_2697">102</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XIV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Lonely Vigil of the Coast Patrol</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_LONELY_VIGIL_OF_THE_COAST_PATROL_2903">110</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Power of Music</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_POWER_OF_MUSIC_3087">117</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XVI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Darry Meets with a Rebuff</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#DARRY_MEETS_WITH_A_REBUFF_3252">124</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XVII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Abner Tells a Little History</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#ABNER_TELLS_A_LITTLE_HISTORY_3463">132</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XVIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Imprisoned Launch</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_IMPRISONED_LAUNCH_3642">139</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XIX.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Part of an Elder Brother</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_PART_OF_AN_ELDER_BROTHER_3840">146</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XX.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Bad Luck and Good</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#BAD_LUCK_AND_GOOD_4052">154</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XXI.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Satisfying the Mortgage</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#SATISFYING_THE_MORTGAGE_4265">162</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XXII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Abner Hears the News</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#ABNER_HEARS_THE_NEWS_4491">171</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XXIII.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Darry in the Lifeboat</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#DARRY_IN_THE_LIFEBOAT_4686">179</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XXIV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">The Awakening</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#THE_AWAKENING_4996">191</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+  <td align="right">XXV.</td>
+  <td></td>
+  <td align="left">Conclusion</td>
+  <td align="right"><a href="#CONCLUSION_5263">202</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class='full' />
+
+<h1>DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER</h1>
+
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_1" id="page_1" title="1"></a>
+<a name="THE_HURRICANE_96" id="THE_HURRICANE_96"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+<h3>THE HURRICANE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Will we ever weather this terrible storm?"</p>
+
+<p>It was a half-grown lad who flung this despairing question out; the wind
+carried the sound of his voice off over the billows; but there came no
+answer.</p>
+
+<p>A brigantine, battered by the tropical hurricane sweeping up from the
+Caribbean Sea, was staggering along like a wounded beast. Her masts had
+long since gone by the board, and upon the stump of the mizzen-stick a
+bit of canvas like a goose-wing had been spread in the useless endeavor
+to maintain steerageway.</p>
+
+<p>All around, the sea rose and fell in mountainous waves, on which the
+poor wreck tossed about, as helpless as a cork.</p>
+
+<p>Though the lad, lashed to some of the rigging that still clung to the
+temporary jury mast, strained<a class="pagenum" name="page_2" id="page_2" title="2"></a> his eyes to the utmost, he could see
+nothing but the waste of waves, the uplifting tops of which curled over,
+and were snatched away in flying spud by the furious wind.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was the cabin boy of the <i>Falcon</i>, having sailed with Captain
+Harley now for several years. The old navigator had run across him in a
+foreign port, and under most peculiar conditions.</p>
+
+<p>Hearing a boyish voice that somehow struck his fancy, raised in angry
+protest, followed by the crack of a whip, and much loud laughing, the
+skipper of the brigantine had pushed into a caf&eacute; in Naples.</p>
+
+<p>Here he discovered a small, but sturdy lad, who had apparently been
+playing a violin for coppers, refusing to dance for a big brute of a
+sailor, an Italian, who had seized upon his beloved instrument.</p>
+
+<p>When the boy had made an effort to recover the violin the bully
+deliberately smashed it on the back of a chair.</p>
+
+<p>Then, laughing at the poor little chap's expressions of grief as he
+gathered up the pieces tenderly in his arms, the brutal sailor had
+seized upon a carter's whip, and cracking it loudly, declared that he
+would lay it over the boy's shoulders unless he mounted a table and
+danced to his whistling.</p>
+
+<p>It was then that the big mariner strode in and stood between the lad and
+his cowardly persecutors.<a class="pagenum" name="page_3" id="page_3" title="3"></a></p>
+
+<p>When good-hearted Captain Harley heard the boy's pitiful story, and that
+he was a waif, having been abandoned some years before by an old man
+with whom he seemed to have been traveling, he offered to befriend him,
+and give him a chance to see something of the world as cabin boy on the
+good old brigantine, <i>Falcon</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This offer the little chap had eagerly accepted, for he believed he must
+be of American birth, and somehow longed to set foot on that land far
+across the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Some years had passed.</p>
+
+<p>Darry knew no other home save the friendly cabin of the brigantine, and
+since he had no knowledge as to what his name might be, by degrees he
+came to assume that of his benefactor.</p>
+
+<p>During these years the boy had seen much of the world, and learned many
+things under the guidance of the warm-hearted captain.</p>
+
+<p>Of course he spent many bitter hours in vain regrets over the fact that
+there was so little chance of his ever learning his identity&mdash;only a
+slender link seemed to connect him with that mysterious past that was
+hidden from his sight; and this was a curious little scar upon his right
+arm just below the elbow.</p>
+
+<p>It looked like a crescent moon, and had been there ever since he could
+remember.<a class="pagenum" name="page_4" id="page_4" title="4"></a></p>
+
+<p>This fact caused Darry to believe it might be the result of some
+accident that must have occurred while he was yet a baby.</p>
+
+<p>If such were the case then some people, <i>somewhere</i>, would be apt to
+recognize this peculiar mark if they ever saw it again.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Harley had always encouraged him in the belief that some happy
+day he would surely know the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Just now, however, it really looked as though Darry need no longer allow
+himself to feel any anxiety on that score.</p>
+
+<p>The ocean depths would offer just as easy a resting place to a nameless
+waif as to a crowned monarch.</p>
+
+<p>When the great waves broke over the drifting vessel the rush of water
+must have swept him away, only that he had been wise enough to lash
+himself to the stump of the mizzen-mast.</p>
+
+<p>During a little lull in the tempest someone joined him, also using the
+whipping rope-ends to secure his hold.</p>
+
+<p>Darry saw by the aid of the darting lightning that it was his good
+friend, the captain; and with his thoughts still taken up with the peril
+of his situation he repeated the question that only the mocking winds
+had heard before:<a class="pagenum" name="page_5" id="page_5" title="5"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Will we ever weather this storm, captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"I fear not, my lad," replied the master of the ship, sadly, "the poor
+old hulk is now only a plaything for the elements. It looks as though
+the <i>Falcon</i> had reached the end of her voyaging at last. Twenty years
+have I commanded her. I have a feeling that if so be she goes down I
+will not survive her."</p>
+
+<p>The roar of the gale was such that it became necessary to shout at
+times, in order to make one's self heard above the elements.</p>
+
+<p>"Are we near the coast?" asked the boy, anxiously; for he knew that such
+a thing must double their danger.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid it is only too true, though the storm has been so prolonged
+that I have long ago lost my reckoning," replied the mariner.</p>
+
+<p>"But you told me these coasts are patrolled by brave life savers, who
+always stand ready to risk everything in case a vessel is driven on the
+reefs?" continued the boy, trying to see a gleam of hope through the
+gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, but alas! I am afraid even the bravest of men would find
+themselves helpless in such a terrific blow as this."</p>
+
+<p>"But, captain, surely you have not given up all<a class="pagenum" name="page_6" id="page_6" title="6"></a> hope?" anxiously
+demanded Darry, trying to face the terrible prospect with a brave heart.</p>
+
+<p>"I never do that, lad. But one of us may not live to reach the shore;
+and since it is so, I wanted to have a few last words with you, and then
+I must return to my duty, which is to try and steer this drifting hulk
+until the end comes."</p>
+
+<p>He reached out his hand.</p>
+
+<p>The boy eagerly clutched it, and there, as the lightning flashed, he
+looked into the kind face of his benefactor.</p>
+
+<p>Something seemed to tell him that it was the last time he would ever
+feel the pressure of that friendly hand, and this thought alarmed him as
+the storm had thus far been unable to do.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, and take heed, my lad," said the skipper, earnestly, "it may be
+that Providence will shield you through this time of trouble, and that
+you shall reach the shore in safety after all. Should ill befall me I
+want you to write my old mother up in York State&mdash;you know where she
+lives. I have made all preparations, so that she will be provided for,
+and my sister also. Do you understand me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! yes, sir! But I hope we may both pull through!" cried the boy,
+earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"So do I, for life is sweet; but it may not be. Now, lad, about
+yourself, and I am done. Remember<a class="pagenum" name="page_7" id="page_7" title="7"></a> all that I have taught you. Then you
+will grow up to be a true man. And continue to search for some evidence
+of your people. That mark on your arm may be of great value to you some
+day. Hark! I fancied I caught the sound of the breakers just then! It is
+possible that the time has come for us to part. Good bye, my boy, and
+God bless you whatever betide!"</p>
+
+<p>Another fierce pressure of the hand, and Captain Harley was gone.</p>
+
+<p>Standing there, filled with horror and dismay, Darry caught a last
+glimpse of his guardian staggering across the wet deck, and then the
+gloom forever hid him from view.</p>
+
+<p>The days would come, and the days would go, but always must he remember
+that the last thought of the noble captain was for him.</p>
+
+<p>He strained his hearing to ascertain whether the captain's fears were
+well founded, and it was not long before he too could catch the awful
+pounding of the seas upon the half-submerged reefs.</p>
+
+<p>The helpless brigantine was drifting slowly, but surely to her fate; for
+there was hardly a place along the whole American coast more dangerous
+than this, which had in times past proved a graveyard for many noble
+ships.</p>
+
+<p>Among the tangled rigging was a broken spar, and<a class="pagenum" name="page_8" id="page_8" title="8"></a> to this Darry lashed
+himself, in the faint hope that if it were swept ashore he might still
+cling to life.</p>
+
+<p>He awaited the impending crash with his heart cold within his breast;
+for after all he was but a lad, and the strongest men might have viewed
+the catastrophe with a sickening sense of dread.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a fearful shock, as the brigantine was smashed down upon the
+jaws of the reef by a mighty force.</p>
+
+<p>After that the seas had her for a plaything, rushing completely over her
+as if in derision.</p>
+
+<p>Three times the boy was almost drowned by the flood that poured across
+that slanting deck, and he knew that if he remained there longer his
+time had surely come. It would be better to cut loose from the mast, and
+trust his fortunes upon the breast of the next giant wave that, if it
+were kind, would carry him well over the rocks, and head him for the
+distant beach.</p>
+
+<p>It was in sheer desperation that he seized upon his sailor's knife and
+severed the ropes that thus far had held so securely.</p>
+
+<p>Then he awaited the coming of the next comber with set teeth, and held
+his breath.</p>
+
+<p>A few seconds and it was upon him.</p>
+
+<p>This time the spar, as well as the clinging lad, went sweeping over the
+side of the vessel, and carried<a class="pagenum" name="page_9" id="page_9" title="9"></a> safely above the reef, started in
+toward the beach on a roller that seemed gigantic.</p>
+
+<p>The spray was in his eyes, so that he could hardly see at all, but at
+that moment Darry thought he glimpsed a light somewhere ahead; and what
+the captain had told him about the gallant life savers flashed into his
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow, it seemed to give the despairing boy renewed hope.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps these brave men were watching for the coming of just such
+flotsam from the wreck, which they must have sighted when the lightning
+flashed; and would find some means for plucking him out of the raging
+sea.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_10" id="page_10" title="10"></a>
+<a name="SAVED_BY_THE_LIFE_CHAIN_327" id="SAVED_BY_THE_LIFE_CHAIN_327"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+<h3>SAVED BY THE LIFE CHAIN</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The line of reefs stood as a barrier to the sea, and after the waves
+came in contact with the rocks they continued on their course with less
+violence than before.</p>
+
+<p>Still, it was terrible enough to any one exposed to their fury.</p>
+
+<p>Hope soars high in the breast of youth, however, and life is sweet, so
+that our hero continued to struggle against the forces to which he found
+himself exposed.</p>
+
+<p>Again had his eyes caught a glimpse of a burning light on the shore, and
+somehow it gave him renewed courage to hold on, for he seemed to
+understand that determined hearts were waiting there, eager to give him
+a helping hand.</p>
+
+<p>Then some object sped past him, and he caught the sight of flashing
+oars.</p>
+
+<p>It was the lifeboat!</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the great danger involved in the undertaking, the coast
+guards had succeeded in launching<a class="pagenum" name="page_11" id="page_11" title="11"></a> their boat, and were even now heading
+toward the wreck on the reef; though the chances of finding a single
+living soul aboard seemed small indeed, for the billows were breaking
+completely over her, and she must soon go to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>Darry tried to call out, but his mouth filled with salty water, and in
+despair he saw the boat pass him by.</p>
+
+<p>Even the lightning failed to illumine the scene just then, or some eager
+eye might have detected the floating spar and its human burden.</p>
+
+<p>No hope remained save that he might be tossed up on the beach somewhere
+near the friendly fire that was burning as a beacon.</p>
+
+<p>Once he fancied he heard men shouting during a lull in the roar of the
+elements; but the coming of another smothering billow shut out the
+friendly sounds.</p>
+
+<p>Closer he was flung, until he could again hear the shouts of men, but
+the baffling seas kept playing with him, sending him up on the breaking
+wave only to once more snatch him back, until the poor boy almost
+despaired of living through the dreadful ordeal.</p>
+
+<p>He tried his best to raise his voice, but the cry he gave utterance to
+was so feeble that even if heard it must have been taken for the note of
+some storm bird attracted by the light of the beacon fire.<a class="pagenum" name="page_12" id="page_12" title="12"></a></p>
+
+<p>Just when he was giving way to despair, he saw the figures of men
+running along the beach close to the edge of the waves, and new hope
+awoke in his breast that his predicament had been seen.</p>
+
+<p>Now they were pushing into the sea, holding one another's hands, and
+forming a living chain, with a sturdy fellow at the end to snatch the
+victim of the wreck out of the jaws of death.</p>
+
+<p>The precious sight was at that instant shut out, for again there came a
+deluge of water from behind, overwhelming the boy on the floating spar.</p>
+
+<p>Darry felt something take hold upon him, which, in his excited
+condition, he at first believed to be a shark; but, on the contrary, it
+proved to be the fingers of the man at the outer end of the line.</p>
+
+<p>Once they closed upon the person of the shipwrecked cabin boy they could
+not be easily induced to let go, and amid shouts of triumph, spar and
+lad were speedily dragged up on the beach beyond reach of the hungry
+waves.</p>
+
+<p>He was dimly conscious of being released from his friendly float, and
+tenderly carried a short distance to the shelter of a house.</p>
+
+<p>It was the life-saving station to which the boy had been taken by his
+rescuers.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-001" id="illus-001"></a>
+<img src="images/img-012.jpg" alt="HE WAS DIMLY CONSCIOUS OF BEING RELEASED FROM HIS FRIENDLY FLOAT." title="" width="350" /><br />
+<span class="caption">HE WAS DIMLY CONSCIOUS OF BEING RELEASED FROM HIS FRIENDLY FLOAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><a class="pagenum" name="page_13" id="page_13" title="13"></a>Here he was wrapped in blankets, and placed close to a warm fire in
+order to restore his benumbed faculties; while some hot liquid being
+forced between his pallid lips served to give new strength to his body.</p>
+
+<p>In less than ten minutes he opened his eyes and looked around.</p>
+
+<p>Kind faces, even though rough and bearded, surrounded him, and he knew
+that for once he had cheated the sea of a victim.</p>
+
+<p>As strength came back he began to take an interest in what was passing
+around him, especially when he saw several men carried in, whom he
+recognized as some of the sailors of the ill-fated brigantine.</p>
+
+<p>Eagerly he watched and prayed that his good friend the captain might be
+one of those who had been snatched from a watery grave; but as time
+passed this hope gradually became fainter.</p>
+
+<p>The lifeboat had managed to return from the wreck, to report that not a
+living soul remained aboard; and that the seas were so tremendous that
+even had it been otherwise there would have been small chance of saving
+them, since it was next to impossible to approach close to the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>How the boy, lying there, looked with almost reverence upon those
+stalwart fellows who were risking their lives in the effort to save
+their fellow men.</p>
+
+<p>Darry would never forget that hour.</p>
+
+<p>The impressions he received then would remain<a class="pagenum" name="page_14" id="page_14" title="14"></a> with him through life;
+and in his eyes the calling of a life saver must always be reckoned the
+noblest vocation to which a young man could pledge himself.</p>
+
+<p>He thought he would like nothing better than to become one of the band,
+and in some way repay the great debt he owed them by doing as he had
+been done by.</p>
+
+<p>Presently he had so far recovered that he could get up and move around.</p>
+
+<p>All of the sailors had not been equally fortunate; indeed, two of them
+would never again scour the seas, having taken out papers for that long
+voyage the end of which no mortal eye can see.</p>
+
+<p>As each new arrival was carried in the boy would be the first to hasten
+forward, but as often his sigh echoed the heavy feeling in his heart as
+he discovered a face other than the familiar one he had grown to love.</p>
+
+<p>One of the surfmen who had manned the lifeboat seemed to be particularly
+interested in the rescued boy, for he came into the station several
+times to ask how he was feeling, and if there was not something more he
+wanted.</p>
+
+<p>He was a tall, angular fellow, with a thin but engaging face, and Darry
+had heard some of the others call him Abner Peake.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow he found himself drawn toward this<a class="pagenum" name="page_15" id="page_15" title="15"></a> man from the start; and it
+seemed as though in losing one good friend he had found another to take
+the place of the kind captain.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was a native of the shore, and spoke in the peculiar dialect of
+the uneducated Southerner; but as a water-dog he knew no superior, and
+it is this quality that Uncle Sam looks for when making up his crews to
+man the life-saving stations that dot the whole coast from Maine to
+Florida.</p>
+
+<p>There was a twang about his voice that reminded Darry of a negro he had
+once had for a shipmate on the brigantine; but at the same time his tone
+was soft, and inspired confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"Better hev a leetle more coffee, bub?" he said, coming upon Darry as
+the latter turned away white-faced from the last body carried in by the
+rough men.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it would do me good; I still feel mighty weak; but I'm glad to
+be here instead of out there," replied Darry, pointing to where the
+white-capped waves were rushing in long lines toward the beach.</p>
+
+<p>"Course yuh be, bub. And we-uns air glad tuh get a chanct tuh pull yuh
+outen the water. My old woman'd like tuh set eyes on yuh. Jest the age
+our Joe would a-ben if he'd pulled through," and the rough surfman swept
+his sleeve across his eyes as he spoke.<a class="pagenum" name="page_16" id="page_16" title="16"></a></p>
+
+<p>The secret of his interest in Darry was out; he had lost a boy of his
+own, and his heart was very tender still, so that the sight of this poor
+shipwrecked lad brought back his own sorrow keenly.</p>
+
+<p>"You haven't seen anything of the captain, I suppose?" anxiously asked
+Darry, wondering if it could possibly be that he had missed sight of his
+friend at the time he was lying there unconscious.</p>
+
+<p>Abner Peake shook his head in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>He saw the boy was very eager to learn of the mariner's fate, and well
+he knew that with each passing minute the chances of the other surviving
+the pounding of the seas became less and less.</p>
+
+<p>It was now not far from dawn.</p>
+
+<p>The hurricane still blew with its old violence, and there was scant hope
+of its passing for another twelve hours at least.</p>
+
+<p>All that time those devoted men must be on the watch, ready to man their
+surfboat again and take their lives in hand, should another vessel
+strike the dangerous reefs that were marked upon the chart as the worst
+within a hundred miles of Hatteras.</p>
+
+<p>Sick at heart over the loss of his wise friend and benefactor, Darry
+found the interior of the station almost unbearable just then.</p>
+
+<p>He felt as though he must get outside where the<a class="pagenum" name="page_17" id="page_17" title="17"></a> elements rioted, and
+watch the incoming waves for some sign of the captain.</p>
+
+<p>But this new-found friend declared that it could do no good, since the
+beach was already patrolled by those whose keen eyes would discover the
+faintest trace of a brave swimmer trying to buffet the cruel waves; he
+must remain under cover, so as to escape the possible evil results of
+his late experience.</p>
+
+<p>And so Darry had to once more lie down and let the other cover him with
+a blanket, a pillow having been placed under his head.</p>
+
+<p>He was utterly exhausted, and it had only been hope and excitement that
+had buoyed him up until now.</p>
+
+<p>As he lay there watching the various things that were being done for the
+relief of the poor fellows snatched from a watery grave he found his
+eyes growing heavy, and occasionally closing in spite of his efforts to
+remain awake.</p>
+
+<p>Once he sat up as some men came in bearing another sailor who, alas, had
+apparently been dragged out of the sea too late to save the spark of
+life; but, upon learning that it was not the one in whose fate he was so
+keenly interested, Darry had fallen back again upon his hard pillow.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after things faded from his sight, and he slept the sleep of
+weariness, for every muscle in his<a class="pagenum" name="page_18" id="page_18" title="18"></a> body was as sore as though it had
+been pounded with a club.</p>
+
+<p>It was hours before he awoke.</p>
+
+<p>At first he could not understand just where he was or how he came in
+such unfamiliar surroundings; but seeing the kindly face of Abner Peake
+bending over, he asked a mute question that the other answered with a
+shake of his head.</p>
+
+<p>The captain's body had not as yet come ashore.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_19" id="page_19" title="19"></a>
+<a name="ABNER_PEAKES_OFFER_561" id="ABNER_PEAKES_OFFER_561"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+<h3>ABNER PEAKE'S OFFER</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Days passed. Darry had entirely given up hope of ever hearing from the
+captain, whose body must have been carried out to sea again, as were
+several of the crew.</p>
+
+<p>After the shock became less severe, our hero began to take a new
+interest in the scene around him, and particularly in connection with
+the life-saving station where his new friend Abner was quartered.</p>
+
+<p>The keeper was a grizzled surfman named Frazer, and a man possessed of
+some education; he did not awaken the same feelings in the boy as Abner
+Peake, but at the same time he was evidently inclined to be friendly in
+his own gruff way.</p>
+
+<p>On the third day after the rescue he called Darry to him as he sat
+mending a net with which the crew of the station secured enough fish to
+serve them for an occasional meal.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, lad. I want to talk with you a bit," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Darry dropped on a block close by.<a class="pagenum" name="page_20" id="page_20" title="20"></a></p>
+
+<p>He was still filled with the deepest admiration for these men of the
+coast, and his determination to follow their arduous calling when he
+grew big enough to take an oar in the surfboat was undiminished.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, tell me about yourself, and where you belong. We are not allowed
+to keep any rescued sailors more than a certain time. You notice that
+all the others have gone, save the poor chaps lying under those mounds
+yonder. Being a boy you've been favored; but the time has come to know
+what you mean to do. Speak up, lad, and tell me your story?"</p>
+
+<p>Encouraged by his kind voice, Darry told all he knew about himself up to
+the very moment when he parted from his friend, the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Frazer seemed interested.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel sorry for you, Darry. It must be hard to feel that you haven't
+got a friend in the world. My hands are tied in the matter, so I can do
+nothing; but there's Abner Peake telling me he'd like you to stay with
+him," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"I understood him to say he once had a boy about my age."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, a likely little chap, but it was about a year back he was lost."</p>
+
+<p>"Was he drowned?" asked Darry, feeling that this was about the way most
+persons in this coast country must meet their end.<a class="pagenum" name="page_21" id="page_21" title="21"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Yes. The little fellow was a venturesome boy, and tried to cross the
+bay in a heavy sea. He must have been swept out at the inlet. They found
+the boat on the beach, three miles above here, but never little Joe.
+Abner has never gotten over it. To this day he sits and looks out to sea
+as if he could discover his poor boy coming back to him. I thought for a
+time the fellow would go out of his mind."</p>
+
+<p>"And he wants me to stay with him?" continued Darry, musingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Abner has a small house out of the village, where his wife and the
+two little girls live, while he is over here at the station. Often we
+want someone to cross over with supplies, and he thinks you might like
+the job."</p>
+
+<p>Darry drew a long breath.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no home. The only one I ever knew was the poor old <i>Falcon</i>, and
+her timbers are scattered along the coast for ten miles. I think that if
+Mr. Peake really wants me to stay with him I shall accept gladly. It is
+tough to feel like a piece of driftwood all the time," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you are wise in deciding that way. Abner is a kind man, and as
+for his wife&mdash;well, she's got a temper all right, but if you don't rub
+it the wrong way she can be got on with, I reckon. Anyhow, it would pay
+you to try it until something else<a class="pagenum" name="page_22" id="page_22" title="22"></a> turns up. Maybe you want to ship on
+another vessel?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I have had all of the sea I want, after that time. I wake up
+nights, thinking I'm choking with the salt water, and trying to catch my
+breath. When I get older and stronger I want to be a life saver like
+you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>The keeper smiled pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>It was not often he appeared as a hero in the eyes of even a boy, and,
+being human, he could not help feeling some satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a dangerous calling, Darry; but, after all, no worse than that of
+a sailor. And while we risk our lives often, it is to try and save
+others. There's some satisfaction in that. But there sits Abner on that
+old keel of a wreck; suppose you go and tell him your story, and see
+what he says."</p>
+
+<p>When the boy joined him Abner Peake looked up, and the solemn expression
+on his face changed to one of kindliness.</p>
+
+<p>"Set down, lad. Are yuh feelin' all right agin after your rough time?"
+he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"A little sore in the arms still, but that will pass away soon. Mr.
+Frazer told me you wanted to hear my story."</p>
+
+<p>"If yuh don't mind tellin' me. I reckoned as how yuh must 'a' had a hard
+time. Now, I ain't never<a class="pagenum" name="page_23" id="page_23" title="23"></a> been away from this here coast, but I feels
+for boys what's out in the wide world. Still, there's some hope o'
+<i>them</i> comin' back tuh the nest agin, some day. Now, go on, lad," with a
+long-drawn sigh.</p>
+
+<p>Again did the homeless Darry start in to narrate his brief career, so
+far as it was known to him; and the old surfman listened with a tear in
+his eye, as he told of his abandonment in a foreign port, and the hard
+time he had getting enough to eat.</p>
+
+<p>Finally it was all told, and Abner Peake laid a hand on his arm, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't say yuh ain't got a home, any more, Darry, if so be yuh'd care to
+stay at my place. The missus ain't the easiest one in the world tuh get
+along with, but soon as she sees what a likely chap yuh be I know she'll
+like yuh, same as I do. Try it awhile, lad, until yuh kin make your mind
+up. My Joe used tuh make a tidy lot of money trappin' animals in the
+swamp for ther skins, huntin' turkles like them terrapin they pay sech a
+big price fur, an' actin' as guide fur the shooters as come down along
+the coast after ducks and snipe and bay birds. No reason but what you
+could do the same. Only try and git on the good side of the ole woman,
+to begin with, lad. She's got a heart, tho' there's some as don't
+believe it. I know she's still a feelin' bad because Joe was taken from
+us."<a class="pagenum" name="page_24" id="page_24" title="24"></a></p>
+
+<p>"It was hard to lose him, your only boy," said Darry, consolingly.</p>
+
+<p>The man shook his head dolefully, and bent a wistful look toward the
+open sea.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it was tough; but I reckon he's safe in the harbor long afore now.
+What say, lad, be yuh of a mind to try it with us?" he continued
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I will, and only glad of the chance. It is kind of you to make me the
+offer, and I only hope I may be able to please your wife. I'll do
+everything I can to take the place of Joe, although, of course, I
+couldn't expect to do that altogether," replied Darry.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, yuh make me feel better, already. Seems to me as if I heerd little
+Joe aspeakin' to me from somewhere. I'm goin' crost the bay to-night,
+lad. It's my turn for a day off, an' I'll take yuh with me. I reckons
+his clothes'd just about be the right fit fur yuh."</p>
+
+<p>So it was settled.</p>
+
+<p>Darry felt easy in his mind now, much more so than he had been ever
+since finding himself adrift on shore, like a vessel without an anchor.</p>
+
+<p>No matter how humble, it would be <i>home</i> to him, for he had no memories
+to haunt him, and bring about discontent.</p>
+
+<p>There was the village near by, where possibly he might meet boys of his
+own age; and what Abner<a class="pagenum" name="page_25" id="page_25" title="25"></a> had said about the pursuits by which Joe had
+been accustomed to making odd bits of money appealed to him, for he
+believed he had something of a love for outdoor sports in his nature,
+since he had never neglected to take advantage of a chance to use a
+fishing line, when the brigantine happened to be in one of the world
+ports to which business called her.</p>
+
+<p>But above all he gloried in the fact that occasionally he would have the
+opportunity to visit the station on the outer beach, where those hardy
+men patrolled every night, and stood ready to go to the assistance of
+any imperilled mariners.</p>
+
+<p>After supper he accompanied Abner to the little landing where a stout
+rowboat was fastened.</p>
+
+<p>Into this they dropped, and Darry immediately seized upon the oars, to
+the secret amusement and satisfaction of the life saver, who was quite
+willing to let him display his ability in this important line.</p>
+
+<p>"Yuh sure pull a good, strong stroke, lad," he declared, after they had
+been upon the bay for some time, Darry taking his bearings from a bright
+star that had appeared in the east.</p>
+
+<p>"He taught me," replied the boy, and, perhaps unconsciously, his voice
+quavered as he spoke, for he could not even think of the captain without
+emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"All the better. A feller ain't no use 'round this section less he kin
+row a boat with the best. And if<a class="pagenum" name="page_26" id="page_26" title="26"></a> so be yuh 'spect to jine with us some
+day, the more yuh larn about this same thing the better for yuh. Joe, he
+was a reg'lar water duck&mdash;but he was too darin' and he tried the game
+onct too often. Beware o' that inlet, lad. The tide sweeps outen it like
+a mill race sometimes, an' the best man couldn't hold his own agin it.
+It's ben a mystery to me always how it happened. Nobody ever knowed,
+only that we found the boat two days arter on the beach, three miles up.
+When yuh git tired say so, an' I'll spell yuh."</p>
+
+<p>After a long time they drew near the other shore. Here lights had been
+seen, and Darry discovered quite a collection of houses, for the most
+part cabins such as are so common in the south, especially along the
+coast of North Carolina.</p>
+
+<p>Abner insisted upon taking the oars now; and as he knew just where it
+was most desirable to land the boy no longer objected.</p>
+
+<p>Sitting there in the stern he watched the scene unfold as they
+approached the mainland, though the new moon gave very little light.</p>
+
+<p>Sounds as of boys at play, together with the barking of dogs, and even
+the gabble of a goose, awoke in his breast new emotions such as he had
+never experienced before; for he was about to be introduced<a class="pagenum" name="page_27" id="page_27" title="27"></a> to a home,
+no matter of what character, where he would after that belong.</p>
+
+<p>The boat was brought up against a landing, and both went ashore.</p>
+
+<p>"In the mornin' I'll get yuh to help carry the groceries to the boat, so
+I kin ferry 'em acrost. Jest now I'm pinin' to get to the shack, 'cause
+I ain't ben home these two weeks, yuh see. This way, Darry, lad. My
+cabin ain't jest in the village; but when I come home I ginerally stop
+in at the butcher's an' take some meat along. Git out, yuh yaller
+critter!" this to a dog that had come barking toward them as though
+recognizing the fact that a stranger had come to town.</p>
+
+<p>"Hyar, Peake, don't yer hit my dorg!" shouted a half-grown boy,
+slouching around a corner as though he had just come out of a drinking
+resort there.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep him home, then, Jim Dilks, er else teach the critter to behave. He
+tackled me onct and I had to kick him over a fence to save my shins from
+his teeth. Some day that hound'll get a call all right, yuh hear me,
+Jim?" declared Abner.</p>
+
+<p>Jim leered at him, and then looked at the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Reckon it'll be a bad day for the feller that hurts me dorg, see? Who
+yer got trailin' 'long with yer, Peake? Say, be he the critter as kim
+ashore? Sooner<a class="pagenum" name="page_28" id="page_28" title="28"></a> he skips outen this the better. We ain't got jobs enough
+now fur them as growed up round hyar."</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of you worrin' 'bout jobs, Jim Dilks. Work an' you never got
+on well. Mind your own business, now. This lad can look out for hisself.
+He's goin' to live with me. Come on, Darry, don't notice the loafer,"
+concluded the life saver; and he and the boy passed on. Darry was
+destined to see a great deal more of Jim Dilks, as we shall presently
+learn.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_29" id="page_29" title="29"></a>
+<a name="THE_CABIN_BY_THE_MARSH_811" id="THE_CABIN_BY_THE_MARSH_811"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+<h3>THE CABIN BY THE MARSH</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>As is customary in many of these little villages along the coast, the
+butcher shop was also the country store where groceries, dry goods,
+notions, and possibly boots and hats in addition, were sold.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Keeler eyed the boy in Abner's company, while he was cutting off the
+meat.</p>
+
+<p>"Likely lad, that, Mr. Peake," he said. "I reckon he must be the one
+that come ashore from the wreck t'other night. I heard all about it,
+'cause some of our men were over to help out," he added, in a low tone,
+taking advantage of Darry straying off a bit to examine a colored print
+that hung on the wall, and offered all manner of inducements to young
+fellows wishing to enlist in the navy.</p>
+
+<p>"The boy's all right. He's gwine to live with my missus&mdash;if they kin git
+on together. But about them as were over, Gus, I've got a notion some on
+'em thought it might be a good chanct to wreck a craft. I seen Dilks
+there, with his crowd, an' yuh know he's under suspicion o' havin' lured
+that schooner<a class="pagenum" name="page_30" id="page_30" title="30"></a> ashore with a false light last year. Time's comin' when
+them rascals air goin' to git caught. Hangin' 'd be too easy for such
+snakes. An' that boy o' his'n promises to be a chip o' the ole block.
+He's as bad as they make 'em," returned the surfman, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing so angers a life saver as the mention of a wrecker; for deep
+down in his heart he believes that the men who make a living from
+salvage after a vessel has gone to pieces on the reefs, or else in
+boarding the wreck when the storm has gone down, would not hesitate a
+minute about sending any ship to her doom if they believed it could be
+done without too much risk.</p>
+
+<p>"If he doesn't get on with the missus let me have a try with him, Abner.
+Looks to be a likely lad. They're a scarce article around here&mdash;some go
+to sea, others are in the service, and more get drowned; while those
+that are left seem bad from top to bottom, just like Jim Dilks. Yes, I
+could use that younker, I think."</p>
+
+<p>Peake had turned white at mention of the fate that befalls so many young
+men of the shore; but he made no remark concerning his feelings.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll remember what yuh say, Mr. Keeler. But I got a notion the boy will
+stick with me. When the missus gets to know him she can't help but like
+him.<a class="pagenum" name="page_31" id="page_31" title="31"></a> He's the clear quill. Take the change out of that bill. We just
+got paid last night, yuh see. Darry, let's move along."</p>
+
+<p>The village merchant looked after the couple a little enviously, as
+though something about the boy's appearance had awakened his interest.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw Jim Dilks talking to Peake before they came in here. I wager that
+young scamp has it in for the new boy in town. He's been a holy terror
+for a long time, and for one I think something should be done to put a
+stop to his doings. But his father has a grip on the worst elements
+here, and everyone seems afraid to rile up the old wrecker. Some say he
+used to be a smuggler years back, and even blacker stories are told of
+his life in Cuba, before Spain got out of the island. Well, it's none of
+my business. I don't dare act alone. If someone else starts the ball
+rolling I'll give it a big shove." And so the butcher salved his
+conscience for not doing his duty.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Darry and his new friend walked briskly along, talking as they
+went.</p>
+
+<p>The boy had seen considerable of foreign ports, and the many strange
+things he could tell were doubly interesting to this simple life saver,
+who had never been further than to Wilmington in all his life.</p>
+
+<p>"See that light ahead, lad? That's a lamp in the<a class="pagenum" name="page_32" id="page_32" title="32"></a> windy o' my shack.
+They knows when my night comes around, an' the missus puts that lamp
+there. It's a big thing, Darry, to have a light in the windy, ashinin'
+only fur you. Makes a feller feel like he had one leetle nest in all
+this big world, where some un cared fur him. And that is goin' to be
+your home too, boy."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Peake," faltered the lad.</p>
+
+<p>"Then don't try. Besides, mebbe yuh won't like it so well, after all.
+Nancy, she ain't so easy to get on with, since leetle Joe went away.
+Seems like she jest can't ever git over it. I seen her cryin' the last
+time I was over. No use tryin' to comfort the pore ole gal. It left a
+sore place in her heart that nothin' kin ever heal. I'm a hopin' that
+p'haps with you around she may perk up some."</p>
+
+<p>They were soon at the door. It was thrown open at the sound of Abner's
+call, and two rather unkempt little girls rushed out, to be tossed up in
+the air by the proud father.</p>
+
+<p>They looked at Darry with wide-eyed wonder, for strangers were uncommon
+in this neighborhood, so far removed from the railroad.</p>
+
+<p>"Come right in, Darry. Here's the missus," said the life saver.</p>
+
+<p>A woman came forward, and after greeting Abner,<a class="pagenum" name="page_33" id="page_33" title="33"></a> looked with a little
+frown in the direction of the boy.</p>
+
+<p>The surfman hastened to explain that Darry was a survivor of the last
+wreck, on the shore where so many brave ships had left their bones.</p>
+
+<p>"He's a waif, what's never knowed no home, Nance. The captain picked him
+up abroad, but he's English or American, sure enough. With the death of
+that captain went his only friend. I liked the lad,&mdash;he somehow made me
+think of our Joe. Jest the same size, too, and he could wear his clothes
+fine. He'd be a great help to yuh, I reckons, if so be yuh would like to
+have him stay."</p>
+
+<p>Abner saw a look of coming trouble in the eyes of his wife, and his
+voice took on a pleading tone.</p>
+
+<p>His mention of Joe was unfortunate, perhaps, for the woman had never
+become reconciled to the loss of her only boy, and always declared
+Heaven had dealt unjustly with her when there were so many worthless
+lads in the village, who could have been far better spared.</p>
+
+<p>"Just like I didn't have my hands full now, without bringing home any
+more mouths to feed," she fumed. "Like as not he's a good-for-nothing
+like Jim Dilks, and will only make us trouble right along. Keep him over
+at the station if you want, Abner Peake, but you don't quarter him on
+me. This is my<a class="pagenum" name="page_34" id="page_34" title="34"></a> house, and I'm to be consulted before anybody is brought
+here."</p>
+
+<p>Abner had apparently thought this all over.</p>
+
+<p>He simply took Darry's hand and drew the half resisting lad over in
+front of the irate woman.</p>
+
+<p>"Nancy, I never knowed yuh to be anything but fair. S'posin' our leetle
+Joe was kerried out to sea, an' in a strange land met up with a citizen
+as took him home to his wife. What kinder reception do yuh think <i>he'd</i>
+get? Could any woman look in Joe's face an' send him away from her door?
+Wall, then, jest look in the face o' this boy, an' then if so be yuh say
+take him away, I'll do it, Nancy," he said, simply.</p>
+
+<p>Almost against her will she was compelled to look.</p>
+
+<p>Well it was for Darry that he had clear eyes in which lurked no guile,
+for that gaze of the surfman's "missus" was searching, since she had
+before her mind a picture of the lost Joe.</p>
+
+<p>She only nodded her head and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Let him stay."</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps she was too full of emotion to say more; but the husband nodded
+his head as though satisfied with what he had done.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right, boy; she seen Joey in your eyes, jest as I done. Seems
+to me yuh kin make good with the ole woman. Don't notice all she says
+fur a time. Sure she's suffered some."<a class="pagenum" name="page_35" id="page_35" title="35"></a></p>
+
+<p>Apparently the family had waited with supper for Abner to come home, for
+his wife immediately placed the meat on the frying pan, and the odor of
+steak quickly filled every cranny of the small cabin of three rooms.</p>
+
+<p>The two little girls were slow to make up with Darry, but he knew how to
+interest them in certain ways, and it was not long before they hovered
+around him as if he were a curiosity indeed.</p>
+
+<p>Abner tried to make himself as agreeable as possible, for various
+reasons.</p>
+
+<p>He saw that his wife had not yet become reconciled to the fact of a
+stranger coming among them, and was watching Darry out of the corners of
+her eyes from time to time, while a frown would gather on her brow.</p>
+
+<p>She was a sharp-featured woman; but life goes hard with those of her sex
+in this coast country, and they grow old at forty.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was studying hard how to please her, for he felt that she was to
+be pitied after having lost her only boy so suddenly a year or so back;
+and he determined never to forget this if she should scold him
+needlessly or show temper.</p>
+
+<p>He anticipated her wants in the line of wood for the fire, cheerfully
+assisted in washing up the supper dishes, and was withal so obliging
+that ere long the<a class="pagenum" name="page_36" id="page_36" title="36"></a> anxious Abner saw the lines begin to leave the
+forehead of his better half.</p>
+
+<p>This tickled him more than any well-won fight in the breakers might have
+done, for he had a secret dread of Nancy's often ungovernable temper.</p>
+
+<p>"The boy's gone and done it, blame me if he ain't!" he muttered to
+himself, when he saw his wife actually smile over at where Darry was
+sitting, with one of the twins on either side, entranced with some
+figures he was drawing to illustrate a little story he had been telling
+them about some sight seen in Naples.</p>
+
+<p>When it came time to retire Darry was given a shake-down in the second
+room.</p>
+
+<p>He felt that he had made some sort of an impression upon the surfman's
+wife, and that after all she might not prove so hard to win as he had
+feared from what little he had heard about her temper.</p>
+
+<p>That night was the most peaceful he had known for some time.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning he was up before any one else stirred, and when Mrs Peake
+made her appearance she found a bright fire burning in the kitchen,
+plenty of wood on hand, a bucket of water from the spring handy, and a
+boy only too anxious to do anything he was told in the way of chores.<a class="pagenum" name="page_37" id="page_37" title="37"></a></p>
+
+<p>Perhaps she may have had a suspicion that it would not last.</p>
+
+<p>"A new broom sweeps clean," she remarked to Abner, as he appeared and
+looked at her inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"I calkerlate this one means to keep a-going' right along," he said,
+"yuh see, the poor critter ain't never had no home before, an' he'll
+sorter 'preciate one now. Give him a show an' he'll make good."</p>
+
+<p>When Abner had to return to the other side of the bay Darry went with
+him to the store, where a supply of edibles was laid in according to the
+list written out by the station keeper; together with a can of oil,
+since their stock had run low.</p>
+
+<p>When Abner shook his hand heartily at pushing off, Darry felt as though
+another link connecting him with the past had been broken.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps his face betrayed his feelings, for the old man exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Keep a stiff upper lip, lad, and it'll all come out well. The missus is
+interested in yuh already. Tell her that I said to give yuh Joe's gun,
+and the traps he left. He writ down how he used to git the muskrats an'
+coons, too, so yuh kin understand how to set the traps. Tell the missus
+that yuh mean to share an' share alike with her in the money yuh get.
+That'll please her, 'cause yuh see cash is some skeerce with we-'uns all
+the time. Ten dollars a week<a class="pagenum" name="page_38" id="page_38" title="38"></a> don't go far. Sometimes Nancy hunts roots
+in the marshes, or picks up a few turkles that sells for a dollar or two
+each. To-morrow yuh bring over the mail. I've got a boat as is fair, if
+it only had a new pair o' oars. P'raps as a sailor lad yuh could whittle
+out a pair to answer. Well, good-bye, Darry, my boy, and good luck. Keep
+an eye out to windward for squalls if so be that Jim Dilks shows
+alongside."</p>
+
+<p>When the surfman had pulled with a strong stroke for some distance he
+paused long enough to wave his hand to the boy; after which Darry turned
+away to get the articles Mrs. Peake wanted at the store, and for which
+she had doled out the necessary cash to a penny.</p>
+
+<p>It would seem as though Abner must have had a vision of some coming
+trouble in connection with the ne'er-do-well son of the notorious
+wrecker, Dilks, for even as Darry entered the village street on his way
+to the general store he saw the heavily built young ruffian shuffling
+toward him.</p>
+
+<p>There was a leer on the features of the bully.</p>
+
+<p>Our hero had knocked around the world long enough to be able to detect
+signs of a coming storm when he saw them; and if ever the signals were
+set for trouble they certainly gave evidence of being now, when that
+shiftless Jim Dilks intercepted the newcomer.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_39" id="page_39" title="39"></a>
+<a name="AN_ENCOUNTER_ON_THE_ROAD_1069" id="AN_ENCOUNTER_ON_THE_ROAD_1069"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+<h3>AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Jim Dilks had long ruled as the bully of Ashley village.</p>
+
+<p>He had a reputation as a bad boy that served him in place of fighting;
+and as a rule an angry word from him was sufficient to command
+obedience.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, Nature had made him so ugly that when he scowled it was enough
+to send a shiver down the spinal column of most boys.</p>
+
+<p>Darry came to a pause. Indeed, he could not well have continued along
+the path he was taking without walking over the bully, so completely had
+Jim blocked his way.</p>
+
+<p>"Looky here, didn't yer hear me tell yer last night ter get outen this
+place?" demanded the wrecker's son, thrusting that aggressive chin of
+his forward still more, and glaring at his prospective victim in his
+usual commanding way.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you did say something like that. Are you Jim Dilks?" asked
+Darry, and to the surprise of the other he did not seem to show the
+customary<a class="pagenum" name="page_40" id="page_40" title="40"></a> anxiety that went with hostile demonstrations by the bully.</p>
+
+<p>"When air yer going, then?" continued Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't decided. In fact, I like my present accommodations with Mrs.
+Peake so well that I may stay there right along," replied Darry,
+steadily.</p>
+
+<p>Jim caught his breath, and in such a noisy way that one would think it
+was a porpoise blowing in the inlet.</p>
+
+<p>In all his experience he had never come across such an experience as
+this.</p>
+
+<p>"I see yer want takin' down," he cried. "I've run this ranch a long time
+now, an' there ain't no new feller comin' here without I say so. Yer got
+ter skip out er take a lickin' on the spot. Now, I give yer one more
+chanct ter say yer'll hoof it."</p>
+
+<p>Darry knew what it meant, for he had not knocked around so long without
+learning the signs of storm and fight.</p>
+
+<p>He had thought seriously over this very matter, after being warned that
+he might sooner or later have trouble with Jim; and as a result his
+decision was already formed.</p>
+
+<p>When Jim Dilks saw him deliberately taking off his jacket he stared,
+with a new sensation beginning to make its presence felt around the
+region of his heart&mdash;the element of uncertainty, even fear.<a class="pagenum" name="page_41" id="page_41" title="41"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Wot yer doin' that fur?" he demanded, shaking his head after the manner
+of a pugnacious rooster about to enter into combat for the mastery of
+the barnyard.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you said you were going to lick me, and as this is a very good
+coat Mrs. Peake gave me, one that used to belong to her boy, Joe, I
+thought she might feel bad if she saw it dusty or torn," replied Darry,
+solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, you bean't goin' ter fight, be yer?" gasped Jim, hardly able to
+believe his senses, the shock was so great.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you said I had to. I don't want to fight a bit, but I always obey
+orders, you see, and you told me I must or leave Ashley. Now, I don't
+mean to go away, so I suppose I must do the other thing. But I hate to
+hurt anyone."</p>
+
+<p>"Hey? You hurt me? Don't worry about thet, cub. I reckon I kin wipe up
+the ground with a feller o' yer build. So yer won't run, eh? Then all I
+kin say is yer got to take yer medicine, see?"</p>
+
+<p>Naturally, Jim knew next to nothing about the science of boxing, for he
+had always depended upon his brute strength to pull him through, backed
+by his really ferocious appearance, when he assumed his "fighting face,"
+as he was proudly wont to term it.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand Darry had often boxed during<a class="pagenum" name="page_42" id="page_42" title="42"></a> the dog watch, with some
+of the sailors aboard the old brigantine, and since there were several
+among the crew who prided themselves on a knowledge of fisticuffs, he
+imbibed more or less of skill in the dexterity shown in both self
+defense and aggressive tactics.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time Darry had seldom been called upon to utilize this
+knowledge, for he was of a peaceful nature, and would shun a fight if it
+could be done in honor.</p>
+
+<p>Now, he knew that Jim Dilks was determined to have it out with him, and
+consequently, if he really intended to remain in Ashley, he must show
+this bully that he could take care of himself.</p>
+
+<p>Jim was surprised when he received a staggering blow in the first
+encounter, and before he had even been able to lay a hand on his
+antagonist, who, after striking had nimbly bounded aside, so that the
+village boy came near falling down.</p>
+
+<p>Believing that this must have been only an accident, Jim turned with a
+roar and once more strove to crush his rival by sheer weight and bulldog
+tactics.</p>
+
+<p>There never was a fight yet that did not immediately attract a crowd of
+the curious and idle. Boys came running from several quarters, and not a
+few men too, the more shame to them, always glad to<a class="pagenum" name="page_43" id="page_43" title="43"></a> watch a contest,
+whether between a pair of aggressive dogs or roosters, or pugnacious
+lads.</p>
+
+<p>Those who came running up could hardly believe their eyes, when they saw
+the recognized bully of the village engaged with a strange boy, and
+apparently, thus far, getting the worst of the bargain.</p>
+
+<p>Darry felt rather ashamed to be caught in the centre of such a
+gathering; but the fight had been forced upon him, and the only thing
+left was to wind it up as quickly as possible.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, he began to force matters, and the third time that Jim
+leaped at him, failing as before to land his blow, he received a sudden
+shock in the shape of a swift tap directly under the ear that hurled him
+to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>There was a buzz of excitement about this time.</p>
+
+<p>Boys who had tamely yielded to the sway of the bully for many moons
+began to take notice, and even say things that were not calculated to
+soothe the lacerated feelings of Jim who was picking himself up slowly,
+and trying to collect his scattered wits.</p>
+
+<p>The bully, of course, had not had enough as yet. This time, however,
+when he came on it was with considerable caution, for his rough
+experience had begun to teach him that rush tactics were not going to
+answer with the boy who knew so well how to handle his fists.<a class="pagenum" name="page_44" id="page_44" title="44"></a></p>
+
+<p>It made no difference, for Darry met him squarely, and after a rapid
+interchange of blows that brought out many a whoop from those who looked
+on, Jim once more received an unexpected tap that caused him to sit down
+a second time.</p>
+
+<p>He was in no hurry to get up now, but sat there in a half-dazed way,
+rubbing the side of his head, and gritting his teeth savagely.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd began to cheer, and it must have been a galling sound to that
+defeated bully, whose hour had come, as it usually does with most of his
+kind.</p>
+
+<p>"Get up!" said one man, jeeringly.</p>
+
+<p>Jim scrambled to his feet, to find his antagonist facing him in a manner
+that made him quail.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you done, or shall we go on with it?" asked Darry, calmly, for he
+did not seem to have been even winded in the exchange of blows.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, git out. Me hand is sprained, I tell ye. I fell on it last night.
+That's why I couldn't knock yer out. This thing ain't done yet, cub.
+I'll git yer as sure as me name is Jim Dilks. I allers do wen I goes
+arter a feller."</p>
+
+<p>He turned away with his head tossed in the air as though victory had
+really perched upon his banner.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-002" id="illus-002"></a>
+<img src="images/img-044.jpg" alt="HE WAS IN NO HURRY TO GET UP NOW, BUT SAT THERE IN A HALF-DAZED WAY." title="" width="350" /><br />
+<span class="caption">HE WAS IN NO HURRY TO GET UP NOW, BUT SAT THERE IN A HALF-DAZED WAY.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><a class="pagenum" name="page_45" id="page_45" title="45"></a>The laugh that arose must have been galling to his pride, for he stopped
+in his tracks and looked around angrily in the hopes of detecting one of
+the boys in the act, whom he could trash later on as a sop to his
+wounded feelings; but they were shrewd enough to hide their exultant
+faces just then.</p>
+
+<p>Darry picked up his coat, and putting it on, strode away.</p>
+
+<p>He was conscious of a feeling of satisfaction, not because he had
+whipped his antagonist, for it had been almost too easy; but he knew Jim
+Dilks had long lorded it over the boys of Ashley, and perhaps after this
+he might hesitate to act the part of bully again.</p>
+
+<p>At any rate he was not intending to leave the place just because one
+fellow had given him orders; perhaps before they left him alone he might
+have to repeat this dose; but the reputation of the one who had downed
+Jim Dilks would travel fast, and the balance of the village herd would
+think twice before trying conclusions with the new boy at Peake's.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_46" id="page_46" title="46"></a>
+<a name="WINNING_HIS_WAY_1260" id="WINNING_HIS_WAY_1260"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+<h3>WINNING HIS WAY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>When Darry entered the store the proprietor looked at him with interest.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Keeler was a very strait-laced individual, and wont to raise his
+hands in horror at the mention of fighting, or anything, in fact, that
+partook of violence. He always gave it as his opinion that football was
+a brutal game, equal to the bull rights of the Spaniards, and could
+hardly be induced to even watch a baseball match, for fear one of the
+players be injured.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, Mr. Keeler was human, and from the door of his shop he had
+seen the little affair on the road, and recognized the combatants as
+Peake's new boy and the village bully.</p>
+
+<p>He could hardly believe his eyes when he saw that Darry had come off
+victor, and that the idle men who gaped at the encounter were giving Jim
+the laugh as he crossly slouched away.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps after all there might be something in such<a class="pagenum" name="page_47" id="page_47" title="47"></a> a fight as this,
+where a much-needed lesson was taught a young scoundrel.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Keeler had his eyes opened for once; but at the same time he thought
+it his duty as a man of peace to speak to the new boy.</p>
+
+<p>"What was the trouble about, my lad?" he asked, as Darry handed him a
+list of the articles Mrs. Peake wished him to bring back.</p>
+
+<p>"There was no trouble on my side. I only wanted to be left alone, sir,"
+replied our hero, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I see, and Jim wouldn't have it? Like as not he told you to get off
+the earth&mdash;it would be just like his impudence."</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite so bad as that, sir, but he did say I couldn't stay with Mrs.
+Peake, and must move on. I'm quite satisfied where I am, and I mean to
+stay&mdash;that is as long as she wants me to."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right. I suppose there may be times when a boy is compelled to
+stand up for his rights, although I've generally preached the other way.
+But if you had to fight I'm glad you succeeded in convincing Jim that
+you could hold your own."</p>
+
+<p>"That was easy enough, sir. He is a clumsy fighter."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you do not love to engage in such affairs, Darry?" continued the
+grocer, alive to what he considered his duty.<a class="pagenum" name="page_48" id="page_48" title="48"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I've been set upon a few times when I had to defend myself, but I never
+look for trouble. I'd even avoid it if I could; but you know, Mr.
+Keeler, sometimes a boy has to either run away or fight; and somehow I
+don't care to run away."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Keeler nodded his head.</p>
+
+<p>He was getting a new insight into boy character that day, that might
+revolutionize a few of his pet theories.</p>
+
+<p>"You say you have decided to stay with the Peakes?" he continued.</p>
+
+<p>"If Mrs. Peake wants me to. It isn't quite decided yet; but I think I
+shall like to have a home there. You see, sir, outside of the cabin of
+the old <i>Falcon</i> I've never known a home in all my life."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Keeler felt a new interest in this strange lad, who had been a
+wanderer the brief span of his days, and yet strange to say seemed to
+possess the instincts of a manly young chap.</p>
+
+<p>He wondered very much where the boy could have picked up his ways; but
+then Mr. Keeler had never met Captain Harley, or he might not have
+indulged in so much vague speculation.</p>
+
+<p>"If you can get on with Mrs. Peake you deserve considerable praise, lad.
+Not but what she is a good enough woman, and with a kindly heart; but
+ever since little Joe went out on the ebb tide and never<a class="pagenum" name="page_49" id="page_49" title="49"></a> came back
+again she seems to have become what I might say, soured on humanity.
+Abner is meek enough to stand it, but she has had quarrels with many
+people in the village. Still, who knows but what you may be the very one
+to do her good. You are about the size of her Joe, and with his clothes
+on, I declare now, you do look a little like him. He was a clever boy,
+and I just reckon her heart was all wrapped up in him. At any rate, I
+wish you success there, Darry. And if I can do you a good turn at any
+time just ask me."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sir," replied the boy, with a lump in his throat; for he was
+unused to kindness save from Captain Harley, and had had more hard
+knocks in the past than good wishes.</p>
+
+<p>The benevolent grocer continued to chat with him until the purchases
+were all tied up in a bundle, and after payment had been made Darry
+placed the rather bulky package on his shoulder and trotted off.</p>
+
+<p>On the way home he was not spoken to by anyone.</p>
+
+<p>He saw several boys pointing in his direction, and there was a look of
+awe on their faces as they watched him walk by; but no one ventured to
+address a word to the newcomer who was said to have roundly trounced big
+Jim.</p>
+
+<p>A tall man also looked sharply at him, and as he wore a great nickel
+star on the breast of his coat<a class="pagenum" name="page_50" id="page_50" title="50"></a> Darry understood that this must be Hank
+Squires, the constable of the village.</p>
+
+<p>No doubt news of the encounter had drifted to his ears, and since the
+boy who usually made life miserable for him had come out "second best"
+Hank did not think it policy to take any official notice of the
+misdemeanor.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he arrived at home, Darry busied himself in undoing his
+package, and placing the various articles where Mrs. Peake told him they
+belonged.</p>
+
+<p>His manner was so obliging and his answers to her questions so ready,
+that despite her feeling of resentment at Abner, thinking anyone could
+ever take the place of Joe in her heart, the woman found herself
+insensibly drawn to the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps, after all, the mere fact that he had never known a mother's
+love, nor had a home of any kind, appealed more to her sympathies than
+anything else.</p>
+
+<p>She watched him take off his coat and carefully fold it before setting
+to work.</p>
+
+<p>That too, was like Joe, always trying to save his mother needless worry
+and work.</p>
+
+<p>After a while, as he happened to come close to her in doing something to
+save her steps, she uttered a little exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you fall down with the bundle, Darry?" she asked, leaning forward.<a class="pagenum" name="page_51" id="page_51" title="51"></a></p>
+
+<p>He turned a little red, conscious that in some way she must have
+discovered signs of his recent adventure on the road.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, it was not heavy at all, ma'am," he replied, and then noting
+that her eyes were fastened on his cheek he put up his hand, in this way
+discovering for the first time, a little soreness there.</p>
+
+<p>When he withdrew his fingers he saw a spot of blood.</p>
+
+<p>"How did that happen then, Darry?" she asked, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>"I think he must have hit me there, but I didn't know it until now," he
+replied, relieved to feel that he could tell her the whole truth.</p>
+
+<p>"Someone struck you&mdash;have you been fighting then?" she asked, a little
+coldly; for woman-like, Mrs. Peake did not approve of strenuous
+encounters.</p>
+
+<p>"He said that I would have to leave you, and get out. I couldn't do
+anything else but defend myself when he came at me. I'm sorry, for I
+never tried to get in a fight in my life, and I never ran away from one
+either."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was it, Darry?" she asked again, looking uneasy.</p>
+
+<p>"Jim Dilks," he answered promptly, unconsciously squaring his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! that terrible boy again! What a shame he<a class="pagenum" name="page_52" id="page_52" title="52"></a> can't pick out some one
+of his own size to beat! Did he hurt you very much, my poor boy?"</p>
+
+<p>Then she was surprised to see Darry smile broadly.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know he had even struck me until just now. You see Captain
+Harley allowed me to box with the sailors, and I learned how to defend
+myself. Jim says he is going to get even with me later on," he said
+modestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to tell me you whipped that big loafer, that
+good-for-nothing bully who has run the place for years?" exclaimed the
+woman, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't just say that, ma'am, and Jim wouldn't admit it either; but
+I did knock him down twice, and the second time he said he wouldn't
+fight any more because, you see, his right hand was sprained. So he went
+off and left me alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Splendid! He deserved a lesson, the brute! Many's the time he has
+jeered at me when he passed; and everyone has been afraid to put a hand
+on him because his father is a bad man. And you did that? Well, the boys
+of Ashley ought to vote you thanks. And you fought because he wanted you
+to leave <i>this</i> house? You thought it was a home worth fighting for?
+Then it shall be yours as long as you want to stay here, Darry."</p>
+
+<p>Before he suspected how greatly her feelings had<a class="pagenum" name="page_53" id="page_53" title="53"></a> been aroused, Mrs.
+Peake threw her arms about his neck and gave him a resounding
+kiss&mdash;perhaps in her heart she was in this way demonstrating her undying
+affection for the boy who had vanished from that home one year ago, and
+never came back.</p>
+
+<p>After that Darry worked with a light heart, such as he had never before
+known in all his life.</p>
+
+<p>During the afternoon Abner's wife took pains to open a box that
+contained all the treasured possessions of the young trapper and
+naturalist whose greatest delight had been to spend his time in the
+swamps watching the animals at their play; and in the proper season
+setting his traps to secure the pelts of muskrats, 'coons and skunks,
+which, properly cured, would bring high prices at such centres where
+furs are collected, and secure many little luxuries for his mother
+during the winter season.</p>
+
+<p>Darry handled these with a bit of reverence, for he knew what a wrench
+it must be to the devoted heart of the mother to see a stranger touching
+the things she had hoarded up as treasures, and over which she must have
+had many a secret cry.</p>
+
+<p>Together with the traps and other things there was an old shotgun still
+in good condition, and Darry had visions of coming days in the marsh and
+swamp, where fat ducks and squirrels might fall to his aim,<a class="pagenum" name="page_54" id="page_54" title="54"></a> and provide
+good dinners for this little family into whose humble home he had now
+been fully taken.</p>
+
+<p>His heart was filled with gratitude, for he knew that his lines had
+fallen in pleasant places, since he was no longer a waif in the world.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_55" id="page_55" title="55"></a>
+<a name="THE_MIDNIGHT_ALARM_1485" id="THE_MIDNIGHT_ALARM_1485"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+<h3>THE MIDNIGHT ALARM</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Darry found himself greatly interested in the little diary left behind
+by the boy naturalist, and which, besides containing an account of his
+catches in the way of fur-bearing animals, also explained his methods of
+setting snares and traps, how he cured the skins when taken, and where
+he received the highest prices for the same.</p>
+
+<p>All of this information was eagerly devoured by his successor, who felt
+that it was certainly up to him to do his share toward supporting the
+little family of the life saver who had been so kind to him.</p>
+
+<p>He wandered out late one afternoon to look around and see what prospect
+there might be for game; since the fall season was now on, and the boom
+of guns beginning to be heard on the bay, where the ducks were
+commencing to congregate.</p>
+
+<p>As he drew near the cabin just at dusk he was surprised to discover a
+figure making off in a suspicious way, as though not desirous of being
+seen.</p>
+
+<p>He recognized the lurker as Jim Dilks, and the<a class="pagenum" name="page_56" id="page_56" title="56"></a> fact gave him
+considerable uneasiness, for he had not forgotten how the other vowed to
+get even for his discomfiture, and Jim's methods of wiping out a score
+were sometimes little short of shocking, if Darry could believe half he
+had heard.</p>
+
+<p>Had the fellow been prowling around in hopes of meeting him again, and
+trying conclusions a second time?</p>
+
+<p>Darry could not believe it, for such a thing would not be in line with
+the reputation of the village bully.</p>
+
+<p>He would be more apt to try and obtain a mean revenge by doing some
+injury to the kind woman who had given refuge to this shipwrecked lad.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently Mrs. Peake should know what he had seen, and so as soon as he
+entered the kitchen, he spoke of it.</p>
+
+<p>"Jim Dilks hanging about here," she echoed, in rising anger; "I'd just
+like to know what that scamp wants, that's all. No good follows his
+visits, as every one about this section knows to their sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid I'm the cause of it all. Unfortunately my being here is apt
+to bring trouble down upon you. Perhaps it might be as well if I moved
+on, as he said," remarked the boy, dejectedly.</p>
+
+<p>The woman looked at him quickly, almost sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you want to go?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"No, oh, never; but it would save you trouble, and<a class="pagenum" name="page_57" id="page_57" title="57"></a> I have no right to
+bring that on you," he cried, hastily, and with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I say you shan't go away, not for a dozen Jim Dilks. You belong
+here now. I've done what I said I never would do, given away my Joey's
+things, and you're my boy, I say. I won't let you go away! This is your
+home as long as you want to stay. Let me catch that Jim Dilks trying to
+chase you off, that's all."</p>
+
+<p>Darry could not trust his voice to say one word, only caught up her
+work-stained hand and pressed it to his lips, then fled from the house.</p>
+
+<p>And yet as Darry stood out under the old oak that shielded the cottage
+from the burning sun in summer, and the biting winds of the "northers"
+in winter, looking up at the first bright evening star that peeped into
+view, he felt a happiness deep down in his boyish heart that could not
+be excelled by a prince of the royal blood coming into his palace home.</p>
+
+<p>He was merry all evening, and the twins romped as they had not done for
+many a day, in fact, ever since their brother had left them.</p>
+
+<p>The mother looked on in silent approval, thinking that once more home
+seemed to have a brightness about it that had been long lacking.</p>
+
+<p>When all had retired save Darry he sat by the fire thinking.<a class="pagenum" name="page_58" id="page_58" title="58"></a></p>
+
+<p>Somehow he could not forget that skulking figure he had seen leaving the
+vicinity of the cabin at dusk, and he would have given much to have
+known just what mission brought the vindictive Jim out there.</p>
+
+<p>The bully's home was in the village, and he had no business so far away,
+unless bent on an errand that would not bear the light of day.</p>
+
+<p>A sense of responsibility came upon the boy as he sat there.</p>
+
+<p>What if this young wretch should be cruel enough to poison the chickens,
+or the three pigs that were expected to help carry the family over the
+winter?</p>
+
+<p>The thought gave him a bad feeling, and almost unconsciously he reached
+out his hand and picked up the gun that Joe had purchased with money
+earned through the sale of roots dug in the woods or furs secured
+through clever deadfalls.</p>
+
+<p>There were a few shells in the box, and among others, several containing
+very small shot, that might sting pretty lively, but could not do much
+damage to a half-grown boy as tough as Jim Dilks.</p>
+
+<p>And it was with that same individual in his mind that Darry pushed two
+of these small bird shells into the barrels of the gun.</p>
+
+<p>He did not know that he would care to send even this charge directly at
+a human being; but in case it<a class="pagenum" name="page_59" id="page_59" title="59"></a> became necessary he wanted to make
+certain he would do little harm.</p>
+
+<p>After that he seemed to feel easier in his mind, for he lay down and was
+soon fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Something awoke him about midnight, and thinking he had heard a sound he
+sat up to listen; then he heard it again, and felt sure it must be a
+cough, as of some one partly choking.</p>
+
+<p>He was worried and left his lowly bed to go to the door connecting the
+rooms and listen, but nothing came from beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Could the sound come from outside?</p>
+
+<p>He slipped on some of his clothes, and stepping over quietly opened the
+outer door, looking into the night.</p>
+
+<p>The new moon had long since vanished behind the horizon, and yet he
+could see some sort of flickering light, coming from that region back of
+the house.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time he believed he caught the muttering of voices, or it
+might be a low chuckle, followed by a plain sneeze.</p>
+
+<p>Smoke came to his nostrils, and that meant fire!</p>
+
+<p>Darry had a sudden vision of Jim Dilks getting even, and it took the
+form of a burning corn-crib or chicken house.</p>
+
+<p>Filled with indignation, he turned back into the house, and snatched up
+the old shotgun; gone now<a class="pagenum" name="page_60" id="page_60" title="60"></a> was his hesitation with regard to using the
+gun to pepper the rascally gang that took orders from the even more
+rascally Jim.</p>
+
+<p>Without saying a word Darry shot out of the door and turned the corner,
+when his worst fears were realized, for he saw flames rising up
+alongside the pigsty, which adjoined the building in which the fowls
+were kept.</p>
+
+<p>His first act was to fire the right barrel of his gun in the air, and at
+the same time give vent to a shout.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately several shadowy figures, which in spite of their bent
+attitudes he knew to be boys, started to scamper away, in sudden alarm
+lest they be recognized, and made to pay the penalty in the squire's
+court.</p>
+
+<p>As near as Darry could tell there were three of them, and as they ran he
+believed he could recognize Jim Dilks in the centre of the group.</p>
+
+<p>The temptation was too great to be resisted, and filled with indignation
+because of the cowardly trick of which they had been guilty, Darry took
+a snap shot at the running bunch.</p>
+
+<p>It was music to his ears to catch the howls that immediately arose; but
+he knew no serious damage had resulted because they ran faster than ever
+after that, quickly vanishing from view in the shadows.</p>
+
+<p>There was work to be done if he would save the<a class="pagenum" name="page_61" id="page_61" title="61"></a> humble quarters of the
+family porkers from destruction, and the hennery as well.</p>
+
+<p>He knew where the rain barrel stood that held the wash water, and
+snatching up a bucket he hastily dipped it in, after which he rushed
+over to the fire and dashed the contents upon the blaze.</p>
+
+<p>Back and forth he galloped, using considerable discretion as to where he
+put the water so as to head off the creeping fire.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake now came running with another bucket, and proved herself a
+woman in a thousand by assisting the new addition to the family put out
+the last of the conflagration.</p>
+
+<p>When there was not a spark remaining, and beyond the grunting of the
+pigs and the cackling of the fowls, everything had fallen back into its
+usual condition, one or two neighbors arrived on the scene, asking
+questions, and busying themselves generally, though had it depended on
+their efforts the frail buildings must have gone up in smoke before now.</p>
+
+<p>Of course many questions were fired at Darry, and he felt that it was
+necessary he should tell what he had seen, though cautious about saying
+he had fully recognized any one of the three skulkers, no matter what
+strong suspicions he may have entertained.</p>
+
+<p>He believed he had a means of identifying one or<a class="pagenum" name="page_62" id="page_62" title="62"></a> more of them,
+nevertheless, when the proper time came.</p>
+
+<p>More neighbors arrived, attracted by the shots and the confusion, for
+nothing could quiet the excited chickens; and for an hour there was more
+or less discussion on the part of these good people.</p>
+
+<p>Finally the excitement died out, the last neighbor went home, and the
+Peake cabin was left to those who belonged there. There was no further
+alarm during the balance of that eventful night.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_63" id="page_63" title="63"></a>
+<a name="ACROSS_THE_BAY_1691" id="ACROSS_THE_BAY_1691"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+<h3>ACROSS THE BAY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Darry welcomed the coming of dawn.</p>
+
+<p>He was glad to see that the sky was clear, for he anticipated a long row
+across the broad bay that day, bearing the mail for those at the
+life-saving station, as well as several things he had been commissioned
+to fetch over by Abner.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had they finished breakfast than there arrived a visitor.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake saw him coming along the road, for she could look out of the
+window of the kitchen, where they ate, and have a view of the open
+stretch.</p>
+
+<p>"Here comes old Hank Squires. I reckon he's heard something about what
+happened here last night. It's about time he took notice of some of the
+mean pranks those village boys play on those who live outside. Tell him
+all he wants to hear, Darry; but unless you can swear to it perhaps
+you'd better not say that you think it was Jim Dilks and his crowd. If
+you feel sure, go ahead," she remarked,<a class="pagenum" name="page_64" id="page_64" title="64"></a> for with all her temper Mrs.
+Peake was a woman with a due sense of caution.</p>
+
+<p>The constable knocked, and in response to her call to "come in," he
+entered.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard ye had a little shindig up to here last night, Mrs. Peake, an'
+I jest called 'round to see what it is all 'bout," said Hank, seating
+himself. "I see thar was a fire here all right, an' it kim near burning
+yer buildings down in the bargain. Some says as how it was sot by a
+passel o' boys. How 'bout that, ma'am?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't see anyone," answered the woman. "When I got out Darry here
+had the fire pretty well under control, and I only helped him finish.
+You can ask him about it, Mr. Squires."</p>
+
+<p>Darry had already learned through the grocer that previous to her
+marriage to Abner the good woman had been for some years a teacher in
+the schools, which fact accounted for her superior language and
+knowledge of things that were far above the intelligence of most of her
+neighbors.</p>
+
+<p>The constable looked keenly at our hero.</p>
+
+<p>"I b'lieve this is the boy wot was saved from the wreck o' that
+brigantine. So he's gwine to be your boy now, Mrs. Peake? Well, I
+understand he's got the makin' o' a man in him, so Mr. Keeler sez to me
+last night, and I hope you'll never have no reason to<a class="pagenum" name="page_65" id="page_65" title="65"></a> be sorry. I want
+to know, Darry, what about this here fire?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be only too glad to tell you all I know, sir," replied the boy
+promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"When did it happen?" began the constable, with the air of a famous
+lawyer, with a bewildered witness on the rack.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it was somewhere near midnight. I have no watch, and Mrs. Peake
+took the little clock in her room with her."</p>
+
+<p>"That was near the time. It was half-past one when I went back to my bed
+with my two little girls," remarked the owner of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"S'pose you tell me what happened, jest as it comes to you, lad."</p>
+
+<p>With this invitation Darry soon related the whole matter, even to his
+firing after the vanishing culprits.</p>
+
+<p>This latter event appeared to interest the constable more than anything
+else.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think you hit any o' 'em?" he asked, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"They didn't stop to tell me, but I heard a lot of howling, and they ran
+faster than ever," replied Darry, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds as if you did some damage. Mrs. Peake, I must look into
+this outrage closer, and if I can only git my hands on any dead-sure
+evidence<a class="pagenum" name="page_66" id="page_66" title="66"></a> somebody's boys is a gwine to pay for the fiddlin'. I'm tired
+o' sech goings-on. They sure are a disgrace to our village. But you know
+how it is&mdash;my hands are tied acause theys politics back o' it all. If I
+arrested Jim Dilks now on the strength o' a suspicion I'd get tied up in
+litigation and lose my job in the bargain. I hears as how theys gwine to
+be a meetin' called at the house o' the dominie to discuss this
+question, an' see what kin be did to change things."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sure I'm glad to know it, and if they want another to join in tell
+them to count on Nancy Peake. The women must take this thing in hand,
+since the men are too much afraid of that ruffian, big Jim Dilks, to do
+anything. Be sure and let me know when that meeting is coming off, Mr.
+Squires," said Abner's better half; and when he saw the fire in her eyes
+and the determination shining there Constable Squires realized that the
+day of salvation for Ashley village was not so very far away.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you wouldn't like to swear to its being any particular pusson?" he
+went on, turning again to Darry.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not see a face, and without that my evidence would hardly
+convict. No, sir, I would not swear that one of the three was Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"That's bad. I stand ready to do my duty and<a class="pagenum" name="page_67" id="page_67" title="67"></a> arrest the boy if so be
+any one makes a complaint; but without that it wouldn't pay and only
+makes useless trouble all 'round. But I'm goin' to keep my eyes open
+from now on, and when I git a sure case on Jim he comes in."</p>
+
+<p>That was all Mr. Squires would say, and he soon departed; but not before
+he had called Darry outside for a few words in parting.</p>
+
+<p>"Looks like you was marked to be the central figger o' the comin' storm,
+lad. Keep your eye open for squalls. If things git too black around jest
+slip over to the dominie's leetle house and hev a talk with him. I knows
+more about what's gwine to happen than I let on; but somebody's due to
+hev a surprise that hain't a donation party either. You seem to have the
+right stuff in you, lad. I heard from Mr. Keeler how you took that bully
+Jim into camp mighty neat. He'll never be satisfied till he's paid you
+back. A word to the wise is sufficient. Goodbye, Darry."</p>
+
+<p>After all the constable did not seem to be a bad sort of fellow.</p>
+
+<p>During the morning Darry accomplished many things for Abner's wife, and
+she showed in her manner how pleased she was to have him there.</p>
+
+<p>When noon had come and gone he prepared for his<a class="pagenum" name="page_68" id="page_68" title="68"></a> row across the bay, for
+she insisted upon his making an early start.</p>
+
+<p>"Clouds are banking up in the southeast, and we look for trouble
+whenever that comes about. Still, you will have plenty of time to row
+over. Stay with Abner to-night and return in the morning if it is safe
+on the bay. Perhaps you may have a chance to see how the life savers
+work," said Mrs. Peake.</p>
+
+<p>It was almost two when he pushed off from the float and started on his
+long row directly across the bay.</p>
+
+<p>Steadily he kept pushing across the wide stretch of shallow water.</p>
+
+<p>As Abner had said, a new pair of oars seemed to be badly needed in
+connection with the old boat; but a willing heart and sturdy arms sent
+the craft along until finally Darry reached his goal.</p>
+
+<p>The storm was drawing near, for by now the heavens were clouded over,
+and the haze seemed to thicken. Perhaps had he lingered another hour
+Darry might have stood a chance of losing his way, and being drawn out
+of the inlet by the powerful ebb tide&mdash;just as the unfortunate Joe had
+been.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was waiting at the landing for him.</p>
+
+<p>"Glad to see yuh, lad. How's everything to home?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Darry understood this to mean with regard<a class="pagenum" name="page_69" id="page_69" title="69"></a> to himself and his
+relations with the good woman of the house.</p>
+
+<p>Truth to tell Abner had worried more than a little since parting from
+the boy, for his wife had shown more than unusual ill temper lately, and
+he feared that he had possibly done an unwise thing in leaving Darry
+there to be a constant reminder of the son she had lost.</p>
+
+<p>But the happy look on the boy's countenance eased his mind even before
+the boy spoke a single word.</p>
+
+<p>"He kin do it, if any boy kin," was what the life saver was saying under
+his breath.</p>
+
+<p>"All well, and your wife sent this over to you, sir. Here's the mail,
+too. The postmaster didn't want to give it to me, but Mr. Keeler told
+him it was all right, and that I belonged with the crew over here."</p>
+
+<p>Unconsciously his tones were full of pride as he made this assertion,
+and the grocer had evidently done more to please the lad in making that
+assertion than he would ever know.</p>
+
+<p>But Abner seemed to be staring down at something.</p>
+
+<p>"Seems like as if yuh bed ben a leetle mite keerless, son, with them
+trousers. Don't strike me thet burn was on 'em yesterday," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"It wasn't, Mr. Peake. I got that last night," he said, quickly.<a class="pagenum" name="page_70" id="page_70" title="70"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Doin' what?" went on Abner, who seemed to guess that there was a story
+back of it all that he ought to hear.</p>
+
+<p>"Putting out the pigsty, that was on fire, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"What's that? Who sot it afire, I'd like to know? Them pigs never has
+smoked, leastways not yit. Jest tell me the hull bloomin' thing, lad."</p>
+
+<p>To begin at the start Darry had to take up the subject of his encounter
+on the road, and from that he went on until the whole story had been
+told, including the visit of Hank Squires.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_71" id="page_71" title="71"></a>
+<a name="THE_SIGNAL_ROCKET_1889" id="THE_SIGNAL_ROCKET_1889"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+<h3>THE SIGNAL ROCKET</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Abner Peake made no comment until the end had been reached.</p>
+
+<p>Then he smote one hand into the palm of the other, and relieved his
+feelings in the expressive way one would expect a coast "cracker" to do.</p>
+
+<p>"This sorter thing has got to stop! It's sure the limit wen them
+varmints set about burnin' a honest man's buildin's up! I'll take the
+law into my own hands onless somethin' is did soon. P'raps that parson
+kin manage to rouse up the village, and upset old Dilks. Ef so be it
+falls through I'm gwine to take a hand, no matter what happens."</p>
+
+<p>He immediately told the whole story to his companions at the station,
+and they, of course, sympathized with him to a man.</p>
+
+<p>"That Dilks gang has got to be run out of Ashley, root and branch, daddy
+and sons, for they're all alike," declared the keeper, Mr. Frazer, who
+was a man of considerable intelligence&mdash;indeed, no one could hold the
+position he did unless fairly educated<a class="pagenum" name="page_72" id="page_72" title="72"></a> and able to manage the various
+concerns connected with the station. "It's a burning shame that the
+families of men who are away from home in the service of the Government
+can't be left unmolested. I'm going to take the matter up with the
+authorities the next time the boat comes to this station."</p>
+
+<p>The life savers asked Darry many questions, but he was careful not to
+fully commit himself with regard to identifying the three culprits.</p>
+
+<p>"Course he couldn't say, boys. Don't forget Darry's new in this section,
+and most o' the boys is strangers to him. But he's put his trade-mark on
+one as won't forget it in a hurry. And for me I'd be willing to wager my
+week's pay that young Jim Dilks was leadin' them raiders in their
+rascally work," declared one of the crew, a stalwart young fellow named
+Sandy Monks.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the storm began to break, and it became necessary for the
+keeper to make good use of his glass in the endeavor to place any vessel
+chancing to be within range, so that in case of trouble later in the
+night they would have some idea as to the character of the imperiled
+craft.</p>
+
+<p>Darry watched everything that was done with eager eyes.</p>
+
+<p>After an early supper, in which he participated with the men of the
+station, he saw the guard that<a class="pagenum" name="page_73" id="page_73" title="73"></a> had the first patrol don their storm
+clothes, and prepare to pass out to tramp the beach, exchanging checks
+when they met other members of the next patrol to prove that through the
+livelong night they had been alive to their duty.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was on the second watch. He had consented to let the boy go out
+with him, and share his lonely tramp, for he seemed to realize that just
+then it was the most ardent wish in the heart of our hero to become a
+life saver like himself.</p>
+
+<p>The rain came down in sheets, and the thunder rattled, while lightning
+played in strange fashion all around; but this storm was not in the same
+class with the dreadful West India hurricane that had sent the poor
+<i>Falcon</i> on to the cruel reefs, to wind up her voyaging forever.</p>
+
+<p>Darry might have liked to sit up and listen to the men tell about former
+experiences; but the keeper chased them to their beds, knowing that it
+was necessary to secure some sleep, since they must remain up the latter
+half of the night.</p>
+
+<p>A hand touching his face aroused Darry.</p>
+
+<p>"Time to git up, lad, if so be yuh wants to go along," came a voice
+which he recognized as belonging to Abner, though he had been dreaming
+of the captain.</p>
+
+<p>He was quickly dressed and out of doors.<a class="pagenum" name="page_74" id="page_74" title="74"></a></p>
+
+<p>It seemed to be still raining, and the wind howled worse than ever,
+though but little thunder accompanied the vivid flashes of lightning.</p>
+
+<p>Having been giving some spare waterproof garments in the shape of
+oilskins, and a sou'wester, Darry felt himself prepared to face any
+conditions that might arise during his long walk with his friend.</p>
+
+<p>Taking lantern and coster lights for signalling, Abner set out, another
+patrol going in the opposite direction.</p>
+
+<p>Those who had been out for hours had returned to the station in an
+almost exhausted condition, and at the time Abner and Darry left they
+were warming up with a cup of coffee, strong spirits being absolutely
+forbidden while on duty.</p>
+
+<p>Darry asked questions when the wind allowed of his speaking, which was
+not all the time, to be sure.</p>
+
+<p>He wanted to know how the patrol learned when a ship was in distress,
+and Abner answered that sometimes they saw lights on the reefs; again
+the lightning betrayed the perilous condition of the recked vessel; but
+usually they learned of the need of assistance through rockets sent up
+by those on board, and which were answered by the coast guard.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Harley had not been given a chance to send such an appeal for
+help, since he had been swept overboard just after the brigantine
+struck; besides,<a class="pagenum" name="page_75" id="page_75" title="75"></a> the vessel was a complete wreck at the time, and
+without a single stick in place could never have utilized the breeches
+buoy even had a line been shot out across her bows by means of the Lyle
+gun.</p>
+
+<p>In two hours they had gone to the end of their route, and exchanged
+checks with the other patrol coming from the south. Then the return
+journey was begun.</p>
+
+<p>Almost an hour had elapsed since turning back, and they were possibly
+more than half way to the station, when suddenly Darry, who chanced to
+be looking out to sea, discovered an ascending trail of fire that seemed
+to mount to the very clouds, when it broke, to show a flash of brilliant
+light.</p>
+
+<p>"See!" he had exclaimed, dragging at the sleeve of his companion's coat,
+for Abner was plodding along steadily, as if his mind was made up to the
+effect that there was going to be no call for help on this night.</p>
+
+<p>"A rocket! a signal!" cried the old life saver, at once alive to the
+occasion.</p>
+
+<p>His first act was to unwrap one of the coster lights, and set it on
+fire.</p>
+
+<p>This was intended to inform those on board the ship that their call for
+assistance had been seen, and that the lifeboat would soon be started if
+conditions allowed of its getting through the surf; for there<a class="pagenum" name="page_76" id="page_76" title="76"></a> are
+occasionally times when the sea runs so high that it proves beyond human
+endeavor to launch the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus done his duty, so far as he could, Abner set out on a run
+for the station, knowing that unless the full crew was on hand all
+efforts to send out the boat would be useless.</p>
+
+<p>Darry kept at his heels, though he could have outrun the older man had
+he so desired, being sturdy and young.</p>
+
+<p>Stumbling along, sometimes falling flat as they met with obstacles in
+the darkness, they finally came within sight of the lights of the
+station.</p>
+
+<p>Here they found all excitement, for the signal rockets had of course
+been seen by the lookout, and all was in readiness to run the boat out
+of its shed.</p>
+
+<p>Darry found that he could certainly make himself useful in giving a
+helping hand, and with a will the boat was hurried down to the edge of
+the water that rolled up on the beach.</p>
+
+<p>All they waited for now was the coming of one man, whose beat happened
+to be a little longer than any other, but who should have shown up ere
+now.</p>
+
+<p>As the minutes passed the anxiety of the helmsman grew apace, for those
+on the stranded vessel were sending more rockets up, as though they
+believed their peril to be very great.<a class="pagenum" name="page_77" id="page_77" title="77"></a></p>
+
+<p>The men stood at their places, ready to push at the word, and then leap
+aboard.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was with them, eager and alert; indeed, he had done such good
+service up to now that the stout Mr. Frazer cast an eye toward him more
+than once, as though tempted to ask him to take the place of the missing
+man, who must have had an accident on the way, perhaps spraining an
+ankle over some unseen obstacle that came in his way as he ran headlong.</p>
+
+<p>Darry saw him talking with Abner, who looked his way, and shook his head
+as if hardly willing to give his consent.</p>
+
+<p>Just as his hopes ran high, and the words seemed trembling on the lips
+of the helmsman a shout was heard and the missing man came limping down
+to take his place without a complaint, though as it afterwards turned
+out he had a bad sprain.</p>
+
+<p>Then the wild word was given, the men heaved, the surf boat ran into the
+water, with the men jumping aboard, oars flashed out on either side, and
+were dipped deep, after which the boat plunged into the next wave, rode
+on its crest like a duck, made a forward move, and then darkness shut it
+from the gaze of the lad left behind.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_78" id="page_78" title="78"></a>
+<a name="JIM_THE_BULLY_2076" id="JIM_THE_BULLY_2076"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+<h3>JIM THE BULLY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had
+been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.</p>
+
+<p>One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a
+beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.</p>
+
+<p>What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense
+as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare
+upon the clouds overhead was essential.</p>
+
+<p>By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken
+chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.</p>
+
+<p>They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious
+looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the
+boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the
+vessel in danger.</p>
+
+<p>Finally a loud shout was heard:</p>
+
+<p>"There they come!"<a class="pagenum" name="page_79" id="page_79" title="79"></a></p>
+
+<p>Upon the top of an incoming billow the lifeboat was seen perched, with
+the men laboring at the oars to keep it steady, and the steersman
+standing at his post, every muscle strained to hold the craft from
+broaching to.</p>
+
+<p>It was a wild sight, and every nerve in Darry's body seemed to thrill as
+he kept his eyes glued upon that careening boat.</p>
+
+<p>On it came, sweeping in with the wash of the agitated sea, until finally
+it was carried far up the beach, where men, rushing in waist deep,
+seized hold and prevented the undertow from dragging it out again.</p>
+
+<p>Then the crew jumped out to lend their aid.</p>
+
+<p>Darry saw that quite a number of strangers were aboard, who had
+undoubtedly been taken from the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>They were passengers, the captain and crew refusing to abandon their
+craft.</p>
+
+<p>The steamer being head on, was not in as bad a condition as might
+otherwise have been the case; and as the storm promised to be
+short-lived, the commander had decided to try and await the coming of
+tugs from the city to drag his vessel off.</p>
+
+<p>The telephone to the mainland was immediately put to good use, and a
+message sent to a salvage company that would bring a couple of strong
+sea-going tugs to the scene inside of ten hours.<a class="pagenum" name="page_80" id="page_80" title="80"></a></p>
+
+<p>Abner had labored with the rest.</p>
+
+<p>He was more or less tired when Darry found him, after the boat had been
+drawn up on the beach, but not housed, since it might be needed again;
+but this sort of thing was an old story in his life, and in comparison
+with some of his labors the adventure of the night had been rather tame.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning Darry started across the bay again, homeward bound.</p>
+
+<p>He was sorry to leave the beach, so much was his heart wrapped up in the
+work of the life savers.</p>
+
+<p>The day was bright and fine after the short storm which had seemed to
+clear the air wonderfully.</p>
+
+<p>He could see a few boats moving about, some of them oyster sloops or
+dredgers, other pleasure craft belonging to the rich sportsmen who had
+already commenced to drift down in pursuit of their regular fall
+shooting.</p>
+
+<p>Occasionally the distant dull boom of a gun told that a few ducks were
+paying toll on their passage south.</p>
+
+<p>Darry looked longingly at a splendid motor-boat that went swiftly past
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The young fellow on board seemed to be having a most delightful time,
+and it was only natural for any boy to envy him.</p>
+
+<p>It was noon when our hero arrived home. Mrs.<a class="pagenum" name="page_81" id="page_81" title="81"></a> Peake was interested in
+all he had to tell about the trip of the life savers.</p>
+
+<p>"We get used to hearing these things," she said, "but all the same it
+keeps the wives of the life savers feeling anxious. Some night it
+happens one of the crew of the lifeboat goes out and does not return. At
+any time it may be my turn. I know three widows now."</p>
+
+<p>"I think they ought to pick out the unmarried men," remarked Darry, who
+had himself been considering this very subject.</p>
+
+<p>"They do, I believe, as far as they can; but we must have bread, and the
+number of available surfmen is small. But those who win their living
+from the sea learn to expect these things sooner or later. It is only a
+question of time."</p>
+
+<p>After a bit of lunch Darry was sent to the village on an errand.</p>
+
+<p>This was how he happened to see Jim Dilks again.</p>
+
+<p>The meeting occurred just before Darry reached the grocer's, and as Jim
+was totally unaware of his coming he had no chance to assume airs.</p>
+
+<p>Darry looked at him eagerly, as though expecting to make a discovery;
+and this anticipation met with no disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>There could be no doubt about Jim limping, and<a class="pagenum" name="page_82" id="page_82" title="82"></a> once he instinctively
+put his hand back of him as if to rub a spot that pained more or less.</p>
+
+<p>Darry understood what it meant, and that he had not sent that shower of
+fine bird shot after the trio of desperate young scamps in vain.</p>
+
+<p>If Hank Squires wanted positive evidence as to who had been connected
+with the firing of Mrs. Peake's out-buildings he could find it upon an
+examination of the person of Jim Dilks.</p>
+
+<p>When the good-for-nothing caught sight of Darry it was surprising how he
+stiffened up and walked as upright as a drum-major.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had lost all respect for the prowess of the young ruffian, after
+that one trial of strength, when he had found Jim so lacking in
+everything that goes to make up a fighter. He had the feeling that he
+could snap his fingers in the other's face.</p>
+
+<p>Being a boy he could not help from addressing the ex-bully, and rubbing
+it in a little, for Jim was scowling at him ferociously.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello, Jim, how's the sprain&mdash;or was it rheumatism you had in your
+wrist? Sorry to see it's gone down now into one of your legs, and makes
+you limp. I tell you what's good for that sort of thing. First, be sure
+to take out any foreign substance, such as gravel, <i>lead</i> or anything
+like that; then wash it well and rub on some sort of ointment. Follow
+the<a class="pagenum" name="page_83" id="page_83" title="83"></a> directions and it will work fine," he said, as soberly as though he
+meant every word.</p>
+
+<p>If anything, Jim scowled worse than before, since his guilty soul knew
+that this boy suspected his connection with the lawless act of the
+recent night.</p>
+
+<p>"Saw yer comin' acrost the bay this mornin'; say, was yer over on ther
+beach with the life savers? Did a boat go ter pieces on the reefs?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>Darry saw that the other was swallowing his resentment in order to pick
+up information, and he remembered what dark stories he had heard in
+connection with the men who formed the companions of Jim's father&mdash;that
+they were termed wreckers, and some said they had reached a point of
+desperation where they did not hesitate to lure a vessel upon the reefs
+in order to profit from the goods that would float ashore after she went
+to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>Possibly the older Dilks and his cronies may have been abroad on the
+preceding night, hovering around in hopes of a windfall; and Jim was
+eager to learn whether such a chance had come.</p>
+
+<p>"Not last night, I'm glad to say. There was a steamer aground, but only
+the passengers would come ashore, the captain and crew remaining on
+board waiting for the tugs to arrive," replied Darry.</p>
+
+<p>Jim's face fell several degrees.</p>
+
+<p>He would have been satisfied to hear that a dozen<a class="pagenum" name="page_84" id="page_84" title="84"></a> poor sailors had been
+lost if it meant a big haul for the wreckers of the coast.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, be yer goin' to stay 'round this district," asked the bully,
+changing the subject suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mrs. Peake wants me to remain with her, and so does Abner. I'm
+thinking about it. When I make my mind up I'll let you know, Jim. If
+it's stay, why we can have it all over again. I want to warn you, Jim.
+You're going to get yourself into trouble if you keep on the way you're
+bent now. There's a law that sends a man to the penitentiary for setting
+fire to a neighbor's house," he said, as sternly as he could.</p>
+
+<p>"Never set fire ter a house," declared Jim, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it doesn't matter whether it's a house or a barn or a hencoop. If
+Hank Squires could only find some positive evidence against you he says
+he'd lock you up right now; and Jim, I know how he could get all the
+evidence he needs."</p>
+
+<p>"'Taint so," flashed out the bully, but looking alarmed all the same;
+while his hand half instinctively sought his rear.</p>
+
+<p>"I think that an examination of those ragged trousers you wear would
+show where a few fine bird-shot peppered you as you ran. Perhaps both
+the other fellows got a touch of the same medicine, too, so you'd have
+company, Jim, when you went up."<a class="pagenum" name="page_85" id="page_85" title="85"></a></p>
+
+<p>"It's a lie. I never sot that pigpen on fire!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! you know it was a pigpen, then, do you? I spoke of a chicken coop
+only."</p>
+
+<p>"Heerd 'em torkin' about it. Thet ole busybody, Miss Pepper, she war in
+ther store wen I was gittin' somethin' fur mam, and she sed as how she'd
+run this village if she war a man, an' the feller as set fire ter a
+honest woman's pigpen 'd git his'n right peart. Like fun she wud,"
+returned Jim, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"She's got her eye on you, Jim. She believes you led that gang. Going,
+eh, good-bye."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_86" id="page_86" title="86"></a>
+<a name="A_GLORIOUS_PROSPECT_2289" id="A_GLORIOUS_PROSPECT_2289"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+<h3>A GLORIOUS PROSPECT</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Jim had heard enough. He was beginning to be a bit afraid lest this
+sturdy new boy who had mastered him so easily in their late encounter,
+take a notion to investigate his condition physically; and there were
+several little punctures that just then Jim did not care to have seen.</p>
+
+<p>Darry watched the bully saunter away, and it made him smile to see what
+an effort the other kept up his careless demeanor, when every step must
+have caused him more or less pain.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps Jim, in spite of his bombastic manner, might have received a
+lesson, and would be a little more careful after this how he acted.</p>
+
+<p>So he walked to the store, completed his purchases, and was waiting for
+them to be tied up when who should enter but the young fellow he had
+seen in the beautiful cedar motor-boat out on the bay.</p>
+
+<p>He was dressed like a sportsman, and there was a frank, genial air about
+him that quite attracted Darry.<a class="pagenum" name="page_87" id="page_87" title="87"></a></p>
+
+<p>Apparently he had dropped in to get his mail, for he walked over to the
+little cubby hole where a clerk sat.</p>
+
+<p>As his eyes in roving around chanced to fall on Darry, and the latter
+saw him give a positive start, and he seemed to be staring at him as
+though more than casually interested.</p>
+
+<p>Then he spoke to the clerk, who looked out toward Darry and apparently
+went on to explain that he was a stranger in the community, having been
+on a brigantine recently wrecked on the deadly reefs off the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The young man sauntered around until Darry left.</p>
+
+<p>Just as our hero put the last of the small shanties that formed the
+outskirts of Ashley behind him he caught the sound of hurrying steps.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking of Jim and his ugly promise of future trouble he half turned,
+but to his surprise and pleasure he saw that it was the owner of the
+launch, and that apparently the youth was hurrying to overtake him.</p>
+
+<p>What his curiosity was founded on Darry could not say; but presumed the
+other had liked his looks and wanted to strike up an acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>It would not be the first time such a thing had happened to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, or rather good afternoon," said<a class="pagenum" name="page_88" id="page_88" title="88"></a> the stranger. "I believe
+they told me your name was Darry, and that you are stopping with one of
+the life savers. My name is Paul Singleton, and I'm down here, partly
+for my health, and also to enjoy the shooting. It turns out to be pretty
+lonely work, and I'm looking for a congenial companion to keep me
+company and help with the decoys later. I'm willing to pay anything
+reasonable, and I carry enough grub for half a dozen. My boat is small,
+but affords ample sleeping accommodations for two. How would you like to
+try it," and the youth smiled broadly.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was thrilled at the prospect, although he could not see his way
+clear to accept it just then.</p>
+
+<p>First of all he would not think of doing so without consulting Abner,
+who had been so kind, and who expected him to remain with the little
+family; then, it was nice to believe that Mrs. Peake would feel sorry to
+lose him; and last of all he knew little or nothing about the bay or the
+ways of guides, and the duties connected with the profession.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like it first-rate, but just now I don't see how I could accept,"
+he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"If it's a question of wages&mdash;" began the young man, who was watching
+the various expressions flit over Darry's face with an eager eye.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. I was only thinking of my duty to Abner Peake and his wife,
+who have been so good to<a class="pagenum" name="page_89" id="page_89" title="89"></a> me. Perhaps later on I might accept, providing
+you have not already filled the place."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you know best, but somehow I've taken a notion I'd like to
+have you along with me, Darry. For a week or two I mean to just knock
+around here, sometimes ashore and again afloat. Perhaps when the
+shooting begins in earnest you may be able to give me a different
+answer."</p>
+
+<p>"At any rate by that time I shall know more about the bay and the habits
+of the ducks that drop in here. I'm a stranger, you see, Mr. Singleton,
+and though I've done some hunting in India and other places where our
+ship lay at anchor for weeks, I know little about this sport. I can cook
+as well as the next fellow, and of course know something about boats,
+though more used to sails than gasoline."</p>
+
+<p>"You're too modest, Darry. Some chaps would have jumped at the chance to
+have a fine time. But I like you all the better for it. I see you are in
+a hurry, so I won't detain you any longer. It's understood then that if
+you can get off later you'll come to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll only be too glad to do so, Mr. Singleton," was Darry's answer.</p>
+
+<p>The young fellow thrust out his hand, while his gaze still-remained
+riveted on Darry's face.</p>
+
+<p>As the boy walked rapidly away, feeling a sense of overpowering delight
+at the prospect ahead if all<a class="pagenum" name="page_90" id="page_90" title="90"></a> things went well, something caused him to
+glance back, and he saw Paul Singleton shaking his head while sauntering
+toward the village, as if something puzzled him greatly.</p>
+
+<p>Darry could not understand what ailed the other, or how anything about
+his appearance should attract so fine a young gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>He told Mrs. Peake about it, and while she looked displeased at first,
+Darry was so apparently loth to leave her that the better element in the
+woman's nature soon pushed to the front.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you can go, after a little. There's nothing to prevent. It
+will be a fine thing for you, and may lead to something better. We have
+put through one winter without a man in the house, and can again. Time
+was when all my children were little, and even then Abner used to be
+away most of the time. Don't worry about us, Darry. When the time comes,
+I say, go," was what she remarked.</p>
+
+<p>How the skies were brightening for him!</p>
+
+<p>And only a few days back he had faced such a gloomy prospect that it
+appalled him!</p>
+
+<p>Now he whistled as he worked, rubbing up the various traps taken from
+Joe's box, and preparing to sally out for his first experience in trying
+to catch the muskrats that haunted the borders of the watercourses in
+the marshes near by.<a class="pagenum" name="page_91" id="page_91" title="91"></a></p>
+
+<p>Carrying that invaluable little notebook along for reference in case he
+should become puzzled about anything, and with a few traps slung over
+his shoulder Darry followed the paths along the edge of the marsh until
+he reached one that seemed to enter the waste land.</p>
+
+<p>Joe had designated this as his favorite tramp, since it paralleled the
+creek, and the burrows of the little fur-bearing animals could be easily
+located.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Darry was busily engaged in examining the bank, and it was not
+long before he had found what he sought.</p>
+
+<p>This was a hole just below the water line.</p>
+
+<p>There were also the tracks of the occupants close by, showing just how
+they issued from their snug home to forage for food.</p>
+
+<p>He carefully set his trap under a few inches of water, so that the first
+rat coming forth and starting to climb the bank would set his hind feet
+in it.</p>
+
+<p>The chain he fastened to a stake out in the creek.</p>
+
+<p>This was done in order that the little rodent would be quickly drowned.</p>
+
+<p>Trappers invariably follow this rule when after water animals, and it is
+not always through a spirit of mercy toward the victim that actuates
+their motive, but the fact that they would otherwise lose<a class="pagenum" name="page_92" id="page_92" title="92"></a> many a catch,
+since the captive in despair over its inability to escape would gnaw its
+foot off.</p>
+
+<p>Having finished with the trap, Darry walked further into the marsh. It
+was a lonely place, seldom visited save by a few hunters in the season,
+who looked for mallard ducks there; or it might be some boy trapper,
+endeavoring to make a few dollars by catching some of the shy denizens
+wearing marketable fur coats.</p>
+
+<p>Here a brace of snipe went spinning away, and a little further a blue
+crane got up and flapped off, his long legs sticking out like fishing
+poles.</p>
+
+<p>In an hour or so the boy had placed all his traps. He had followed Joe's
+directions to the letter, and the morning would show as to whether he
+was to make a success of the venture.</p>
+
+<p>One thing was positive, and it was this, that even should he find
+nothing in the traps he did not mean to give up; if he had made a
+mistake, then it must be rectified, even if he had to secure some old
+boat in order to carry out his operations without leaving a scent behind
+to alarm the game.</p>
+
+<p>It was late in the afternoon when he reached home.</p>
+
+<p>The twins ran to meet him as though already they looked upon him in the
+light of a member of the little family.<a class="pagenum" name="page_93" id="page_93" title="93"></a></p>
+
+<p>Darry threw first one and then the other up into the air, while they
+shrieked with laughter, and he could see that Mrs. Peake was looking on
+approvingly, as if her desolated mother heart was warming toward this
+lad who had never known what it was to have any one love him.</p>
+
+<p>He had been thinking much that afternoon of Paul Singleton, even
+repeating the name of the young man over and over, as though striving to
+remember whether he could have ever heard it before, which did not seem
+likely.</p>
+
+<p>And it was not so much anticipation of the good times coming that
+engaged his thought as that queer look on the face of Paul while they
+had been talking.</p>
+
+<p>What could it mean?</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_94" id="page_94" title="94"></a>
+<a name="THE_STOLEN_TRAPS_2496" id="THE_STOLEN_TRAPS_2496"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+<h3>THE STOLEN TRAPS</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>In the morning Darry occupied himself repairing the damage done by the
+fire.</p>
+
+<p>After he had done all the chores, even to assisting Mrs. Peake wash the
+breakfast dishes, and there seemed nothing else to be undertaken, he
+took Joe's shotgun on his shoulder and walked toward the marsh.</p>
+
+<p>The woman, seeing how much he looked like her lost boy with the gun and
+the clothes, had a good cry when left to herself; but Darry did not know
+this.</p>
+
+<p>As he approached his first trap he found himself fairly tingling with
+eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>This was not because of the value involved in the skin of a muskrat,
+though it seemed as though each year the price was soaring as furs
+became more scarce; but he wanted to feel that he had learned his lesson
+well, and followed out the instructions given in Joe's little handbook.<a class="pagenum" name="page_95" id="page_95" title="95"></a></p>
+
+<p>The trap was gone!</p>
+
+<p>He saw this with the first glance he cast over the low bank.</p>
+
+<p>Did it have a victim in its jaws or had some marauder stolen it?</p>
+
+<p>With a stick he groped in the deeper water, and catching something in
+the crotch he presently drew ashore the trap.</p>
+
+<p>He had caught his first prize.</p>
+
+<p>Of course he understood that when compared with the mink and the fox, a
+muskrat is an ignorant little beast at best, and easily captured; but
+for a beginning it was worth feeling proud over.</p>
+
+<p>Setting the trap again in the hope that there might be others in the
+burrow, one of which would set his foot in trouble on the succeeding
+night, Darry went on.</p>
+
+<p>He found only one more victim to the half dozen traps.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps he had been too careless with the others and left plain traces
+of his presence that had warned the cunning rodents.</p>
+
+<p>Having placed all his traps in the water again, he started back home,
+swinging the two "muskies" in one hand, while carrying his gun in the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>After leaving the marsh he chanced to look back<a class="pagenum" name="page_96" id="page_96" title="96"></a> and was surprised to
+see a boy come out and start on a run toward the village.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had very little acquaintance with the village lads, and could not
+make up his mind whether he had ever seen this fellow before or not; but
+once or twice he thought he detected evidence of a limp in his gait when
+he fell into a walk, and this brought to mind Jim and his two cronies.</p>
+
+<p>It was not Jim, but at the same time there was no reason why it should
+not be one of his bodyguard, "the fellows who sneezed when Jim took
+snuff," as Mrs. Peake had said in speaking of the lot.</p>
+
+<p>Suppose this did happen to be Sim Clark or Bowser, what had he been
+doing in the marsh?</p>
+
+<p>Could it be possible that the fellow had been spying on him, and was now
+hastening to report to his chief?</p>
+
+<p>They might think to annoy him by stealing the traps he had placed, or at
+least robbing them of any game.</p>
+
+<p>Darry shut his teeth hard at the idea.</p>
+
+<p>He made up his mind that he would go out earlier on the following day,
+even if, in order to do so, he had to get up long before daylight to
+accomplish his various chores.</p>
+
+<p>No doubt he made rather a sorry mess of the job when he came to removing
+those first pelts&mdash;at least<a class="pagenum" name="page_97" id="page_97" title="97"></a> it took him half a dozen times as long as a
+more experienced trapper would have needed in order to accomplish the
+task.</p>
+
+<p>Still, when he finally had them fastened to a couple of boards left by
+Joe, he felt that he had reason to be satisfied with his first attempt.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake declared they seemed to look all right, and as each
+represented a cash money value of some forty or fifty cents, Darry
+realized that there was a little gold mine awaiting him in that swamp,
+providing those miserable followers of Jim allowed him to work it.</p>
+
+<p>Several times he awoke during the night and started up, thinking he
+heard suspicious sounds again, but they proved false alarms.</p>
+
+<p>He was glad to see the first peep of day, and quickly tumbled out to set
+about his various duties of starting the fire, bringing in water and
+wood, and later on chopping a supply of fuel sufficient to last through
+the day.</p>
+
+<p>When Mrs. Peake gave him permission to go Darry hurried off.</p>
+
+<p>Again he carried the gun, thinking he might find a chance to bag a fine
+fat duck or two, which Mrs. Peake declared she would be glad to have for
+dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at the scene of his first triumph of the<a class="pagenum" name="page_98" id="page_98" title="98"></a> previous day, he
+discovered once more that the trap was gone from the bank.</p>
+
+<p>Again he fished for it with the crotched stick, but despite his efforts
+there was no trap forthcoming.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, filled with a sudden suspicion, he crawled down to examine the
+stake in the water to which the chain had been secured.</p>
+
+<p>The stake was there all right but no trap rewarded his search.</p>
+
+<p>With his heart beating doubly fast, Darry sped along the path to where
+he had located his second trap, only to find it also missing.</p>
+
+<p>Now he knew that it could be no accident, but a base plot to upset all
+his calculations and deprive him of the fruits of his industry.</p>
+
+<p>The thing that angered him most of all was the fact that he must face
+Mrs. Peake and tell her he had lost the treasures she valued so highly.</p>
+
+<p>He shut his teeth together firmly.</p>
+
+<p>"They won't keep them, not if I know it," he muttered. "I'll find out
+where they hide them. I'll get 'em again, sure as I live!"</p>
+
+<p>The thieves had apparently done their evil work well. Not a single trap
+did he find in the various places where he had left them.</p>
+
+<p>But one thing he saw that gave him a savage satisfaction, and this was
+the fact that there were footprints<a class="pagenum" name="page_99" id="page_99" title="99"></a> around the last one, in which the
+muddy water had not yet had time to become clear.</p>
+
+<p>Darry believed from this that those who had rifled his belongings could
+not have left the scene more than a few minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps if he were smart he could overtake them and demand restitution.</p>
+
+<p>It stood to reason that the rascals could not have returned along the
+same path, for he would have met them.</p>
+
+<p>He bent down to examine the ground and could easily see where the marks
+of several wet and heavy shoes continued along the trial that followed
+the creek.</p>
+
+<p>Darry immediately started off on a run.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly five minutes later, as he turned a bend, he had a glimpse of a
+figure just leaving the path and entering the woods bordering the swamp.</p>
+
+<p>So far as he knew he had not been noticed; but to make sure he crept
+along under the shelter of neighboring bushes until he reached the place
+where the moving figure had caught his eye.</p>
+
+<p>Voices now came to his ear, and it was easy enough to follow the three
+slouching figures that kept pushing deeper into the swamp.</p>
+
+<p>He even saw his precious traps on their backs, together<a class="pagenum" name="page_100" id="page_100" title="100"></a> with several
+muskrats which Jim himself carried.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps their first idea was to throw the traps into the oozy water of
+the swamp, so that they could never be found again; but then those steel
+contraptions represented a cash value of a dollar or so, and money
+appealed strongly to these fellows; so they hung on, with the idea of
+placing them in a hollow tree, where, later, they could be found and
+sold.</p>
+
+<p>Darry knew that he was going to recover his own, and he now watched the
+movements of the three with more or less curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>All the while he kept drawing nearer, fearful lest they discover him
+before he could get close enough to hold them up; for should they run in
+different directions he could not expect to accomplish his end.</p>
+
+<p>Then he saw what brought them to this place.</p>
+
+<p>A rude shack made of stray boards, and branches from trees loomed up.</p>
+
+<p>It was evidently a secret hide-out of the gang, where they came when
+matters got too warm either at home or among the neighbors whose hen
+roosts they had been pillaging.</p>
+
+<p>When Darry saw Jim throw his bunch of game on the ground, he knew his
+chase was at an end, and that presently, when he felt good and ready, he
+could turn the tables on his enemies.<a class="pagenum" name="page_101" id="page_101" title="101"></a></p>
+
+<p>Lying there watching them start a fire and prepare to cook something
+they had brought along, he even chuckled to imagine how surprised the
+trio of young rascals would be when he popped up like a
+jack-in-the-box.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_102" id="page_102" title="102"></a>
+<a name="JOES_SHOTGUN_SECURES_A_SUPPER_2697" id="JOES_SHOTGUN_SECURES_A_SUPPER_2697"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+<h3>JOE'S SHOTGUN SECURES A SUPPER</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>One of the fellows with Jim, and whom he addressed as Sim, gathered the
+six stolen traps together and held them up laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>"A bully find, fellers; but if I had me way I'd let 'em lie and snooped
+the musky out every day. Why it'd be like takin' candy from the baby,
+that's what. But Jim there wanted to kerry off the hull bunch," he said,
+swinging the traps idly to and fro.</p>
+
+<p>"I wanted ter let him know I allers kep' me word. When he finds 'em gone
+I bet yer he knows who's had a hand in it; but he caint prove nothin'. I
+kin snap me fingers in his face, an' tell him ter chase hisself. Here,
+Bowser, git that fire goin' in a hurry. I'm pretty near starved. The ole
+man chased me outen the house last night, an' ther ole woman won't give
+me a bite. Reckon I'll hev ter hustle fur meself arter this. Dad's as
+mad as hops 'cause he aint hed a chanct ter pick up any stuff on the
+beach fur three moons. If it keeps on, him and his gang 'll hev ter do
+sumpin different ter make biz good."<a class="pagenum" name="page_103" id="page_103" title="103"></a></p>
+
+<p>Darry did not care to linger any longer.</p>
+
+<p>He wanted those traps and the animals that had been taken from them, and
+he meant to have them.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, hello, boys!"</p>
+
+<p>The three young rascals sprang erect when they heard these words, and
+their amazement can be imagined at discovering the object of their
+recent raid standing there not twenty feet away, holding Joe Peake's old
+shotgun carelessly in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>In that moment the real nature of each of them showed itself&mdash;Sim Clark
+darted into cover and ran away at the top of his speed like the coward
+he was, Bowser fell on his knees and wrung his hands, being weak when it
+came to a showdown; but Jim Dilks, ruffian as he was, scorned to do
+either, and stood his ground, like a wolf brought to bay and showing its
+fangs.</p>
+
+<p>"I see you have been so kind as to gather a few traps of mine together.
+And as I live if you haven't relieved me of the trouble of fishing for
+several rats. Very kind of you, Jim. Now, don't say a word, and just
+keep where you are, or by accident something might happen. Guess you
+know what shot feels like when it hits. Once ought to be enough, and
+this time you're so close it might be serious. Now, listen to me, once
+and for all, Jim Dilks, and you Bowser, I'm going right back and set
+these traps where I<a class="pagenum" name="page_104" id="page_104" title="104"></a> think I'll find more game. You touch a finger to
+one of them at your peril. I'll let Hank Squires know all about this
+shack here, and what you've been up to. The first trap that is missing
+means the whole three of you behind the bars. That's all."</p>
+
+<p>Jim never opened his mouth. He was awed for the time being, and watched
+Darry pick up the traps, together with the three muskrats, swing the lot
+over his shoulder and walk away.</p>
+
+<p>The boy did not know but what they might attempt to jump upon him yet
+and kept on the alert; but when he presently looked back upon hearing a
+shout, he found that Jim was only relieving his wounded feelings by
+kicking the kneeling Bowser vigorously.</p>
+
+<p>Darry did just as he had said he would.</p>
+
+<p>He went a little further into the marsh, thinking that since so many
+feet had been trampling around the bank of the creek the game might have
+become shy; but he set the six traps, and even marked the tree nearest
+each, so that the location could be easily found by himself or others,
+inclined that way.</p>
+
+<p>Such bold tactics would do more to keep Jim and his set from disturbing
+the traps than the utmost secrecy.</p>
+
+<p>When Darry went back home, he thought it best not to say anything about
+his adventure to Mrs.<a class="pagenum" name="page_105" id="page_105" title="105"></a> Peake; but having occasion to go to the village
+later in the day he sought out the constable, whom he found cleaning up
+his garden patch and burning the refuse.</p>
+
+<p>Old Hank amused him. The fellow was always indulging in mysterious hints
+as to what he was going to do some day soon, and doubtless his
+intentions were all right, but, as Miss Pepper had truly said, he lacked
+the backbone to carry them out.</p>
+
+<p>Old Jim Dilks and his crew of trouble breeders had dominated the
+vicinity so long now that it was hard to break away from their sway.</p>
+
+<p>The officer of the law was in his shirt sleeves, so that his fine nickel
+badge could not shine upon his manly breast; but as he saw Darry
+approach, and scented coming business, he drew his tall figure up as if
+in that way he could at least represent the majesty of the law.</p>
+
+<p>Hank had an idea that he possessed an eye that was a terror to
+evil-doers, when to tell the truth his gaze was as mild and peaceful as
+that of a babe.</p>
+
+<p>"Glad to see you, Darry. Hope there ain't been any more doings up at
+your place? I'm laying for the slippery rascals, and hope to have them
+dead to rights soon; but you know men in my profession have to go slow.
+A mistake is a serious thing in the<a class="pagenum" name="page_106" id="page_106" title="106"></a> eye of the law," he said, offering
+his hand in a friendly fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"There's nothing wrong up at the house, sir; but I wanted to tell you
+something I think you ought to know, in case the time comes when you
+might want to find Jim Dilks and his gang and they were not at home,"
+began Darry.</p>
+
+<p>The constable quailed a trifle, then grew stern.</p>
+
+<p>"Big Jim or little Jim, which?" he said, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"The boy who has tried to make things so warm for me. He and his crowd
+have a shack in the swamp, where they camp out from time to time. That's
+where you'll find them when wanted."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure that's interesting news, lad. Can you tell me just where to look?"</p>
+
+<p>He heaved a sigh of relief&mdash;then there was not any need of immediate
+haste, and Hank was a true Southern "cracker," always ready to postpone
+action.</p>
+
+<p>"Leave the path along the creek just where it makes that sharp bend. A
+fallen tree marks the spot. Head due south until you sight a big live
+oak, the only one I noticed. The shack lies under its spreading
+branches, Mr. Squires. I thought you ought to know. Besides, I told Jim
+and his crowd I meant to inform you."</p>
+
+<p>"What! you saw Jim there, and his crowd with<a class="pagenum" name="page_107" id="page_107" title="107"></a> him? I wonder they let you
+get out of the swamp without a beating," exclaimed the constable,
+surprised, and looking at this newcomer as though he could hardly
+believe his senses.</p>
+
+<p>"They knew better. The fact is, sir, I had a shotgun with me. Perhaps
+they may have had a recent experience with such a little tool. But no
+matter, they let me gather up my traps and the three muskrats taken from
+them, and never offered to put out a hand to stop me."</p>
+
+<p>"Traps&mdash;muskrats&mdash;look here, now I begin to see light, and can give a
+guess how it came you were there in that swamp. You followed the rascals
+there."</p>
+
+<p>"To tell the truth, I did, for I was determined to get back what they
+had taken."</p>
+
+<p>"Bully for you, lad. If you had dropped in on us some time back we might
+have had a different class of boys around here by now. You're a
+reformer, that's what you are. First you knocks that tyrant Jim down;
+then you pepper him with shot after he has fired the pigpen of your new
+home, and now you brave him in his own dooryard. That's reforming all
+right, and I hope you keep at it until you've reformed the ugly beggar
+into the penitentiary. I begin to pluck up hope that soon public spirit
+will be so aroused that we can do something<a class="pagenum" name="page_108" id="page_108" title="108"></a> right. Would you mind
+shaking hands with me again, Darry. It does me good, sure it does."</p>
+
+<p>Of course Darry complied, though he had his doubts as to whether Mr.
+Squires would ever have the nerve to connect himself with any movement
+looking to the purging of Ashley village of its rough element.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, if anything were ever done he believed such women as Miss
+Pepper would be the ones to run the evil-doers out of town, and put up
+the bars.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had taken the three animals home, pleased to know that after all
+half his traps had found victims on this second day.</p>
+
+<p>He judged from this that he was doing very well, and with a little more
+experience could consider himself a full-fledged trapper.</p>
+
+<p>Later in the afternoon he thought of the ducks, and passing out upon the
+marsh walked until he discovered several feeding among the wild rice,
+when he started to creep up on them with infinite cunning.</p>
+
+<p>Reaching at last a bunch of grass as near as he could hope to go he
+waited until two were close together, when he fired his right barrel.</p>
+
+<p>As the remaining mallard started to rise in a clumsy fashion Darry gave
+him the benefit of the other barrel.</p>
+
+<p>When Mrs. Peake saw what fine birds he had secured<a class="pagenum" name="page_109" id="page_109" title="109"></a> she was loud in her
+praise, for their coming meant at least one good meal without cost, and
+every cent counted in this little family.</p>
+
+<p>Again Darry busied himself with his pelts.</p>
+
+<p>He was pleased to find how much easier the job seemed after his
+experience of the preceding day; and when the skins had been stretched
+upon the boards they had a cleaner look that satisfied the eye.</p>
+
+<p>After that he plucked the three ducks for the good woman, saving her a
+task she never fancied, and winning her thanks.</p>
+
+<p>Then he looked after the gun, believing that it is wise to always keep
+such a weapon in the best of order, since it serves its owner faithfully
+when called upon.</p>
+
+<p>"I had some visitors while you were away," announced Mrs. Peake, when
+after supper they were seated by the table.</p>
+
+<p>Darry looked up from his work of whittling more stretching boards,
+interested at once.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_110" id="page_110" title="110"></a>
+<a name="THE_LONELY_VIGIL_OF_THE_COAST_PATROL_2903" id="THE_LONELY_VIGIL_OF_THE_COAST_PATROL_2903"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+<h3>THE LONELY VIGIL OF THE COAST PATROL</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake looked amused.</p>
+
+<p>"A young man called on me," she said.</p>
+
+<p>Dairy's face lighted up.</p>
+
+<p>"It must have been Mr. Singleton!" he exclaimed, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>She nodded in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he come to see me?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I rather think he wanted to have a little talk with me. You see he
+guessed from what you told him that it all was because of me you
+wouldn't go with him, and he just dropped in, he said, to have a
+neighborly chat, and let me know how much he was interested in a boy by
+the name of Darry."</p>
+
+<p>"That was fine of him. What did you think, wasn't he all I said?"</p>
+
+<p>"As nice a young gentleman as I ever met. He asked a lot of questions
+about you."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. He had a right to. When a gentleman asks a strange fellow to
+go off with him on a cruise it's only business for him to learn all he
+can<a class="pagenum" name="page_111" id="page_111" title="111"></a> about whether the other is honest and all that. You told him I
+never touched liquor, I hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"He never asked about such things. In fact, it was all in connection
+with your past he seemed interested."</p>
+
+<p>"My past&mdash;how could he be interested in that? He never saw me before."
+Yet, strange to say, the fact seemed to thrill Darry through and
+through; for he was still hugging that hope to his heart, and wondering
+if some day he might not be lucky enough to learn who and what he was.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, all I can say is that he kept asking me all about you came here,
+why you were Darry, and what your other name might be; when he learned
+that you never knew who your parents were he seemed to be strangely
+agitated. He didn't take me into his confidence; but I'm morally
+convinced that Mr. Singleton believes he is on the track of some sort of
+discovery. I heard him ask Miss Pepper, who was hurrying over, seeing I
+had a visitor, if there was a telegraph office in Ashley; and when he
+left he was saying to himself: 'I must let her know&mdash;this may be
+important.' It would be a fine thing for you, my boy, if circumstances
+brought you face to face with some rich relative so soon after you
+landed on the soil of America."</p>
+
+<p>Darry drew a long breath, and shook his head.<a class="pagenum" name="page_112" id="page_112" title="112"></a></p>
+
+<p>"It would be great, as you say, whether my father or mother were rich or
+poor, it wouldn't matter a bit to me; but I'm afraid you're getting too
+far along. Perhaps what you heard him say may refer to another affair
+entirely. No matter, I like Mr. Singleton, and have from the start. If
+we go off together I know I'd enjoy it first-rate in that dandy little
+motor-boat of his. I haven't said I would for sure. I mean to wait a
+while and see how things come out here ashore."</p>
+
+<p>She knew he was thinking of Jim Dilks and his scheming for
+mischief&mdash;that he believed the fact of her giving him shelter and a home
+had drawn upon her head the vindictive fury of the lawless rascal, who,
+finding the little home undefended if Darry went away, might think it
+safe to continue his persecution.</p>
+
+<p>When Darry strode forth into the marsh the next day he again carried the
+gun.</p>
+
+<p>He found his traps all safe. Undoubtedly his defiance had had its effect
+upon the mind of Jim; and however much he may have felt like repeating
+the thievish act which Darry's prompt arrival on the scene had nipped in
+the bud, he dared not attempt it.</p>
+
+<p>He was beginning to be afraid of this young chap who kept a chip on his
+shoulder, and dared him to knock it off.<a class="pagenum" name="page_113" id="page_113" title="113"></a></p>
+
+<p>This time four victims attested to the skill with which the new trapper
+attended to his business.</p>
+
+<p>Already was the list reaching respectable proportions.</p>
+
+<p>He expected to cross over that afternoon to see Abner, and carry the
+mail again; and it would be with satisfaction that he could inform his
+good friend how the traps Joe had left behind were still fulfilling
+their destiny at the same old stand.</p>
+
+<p>The sky was clouded over when he started out on his long trip.</p>
+
+<p>He had during his leisure minutes fashioned a sort of sail that could be
+used with the wind astern; and as this happened to be the case now Darry
+got it in position for service.</p>
+
+<p>With the sail, he just rushed along over the bay; and all the while sat
+there taking his ease instead of dragging at the oars.</p>
+
+<p>Having spent some years on the waters there was little in connection
+with boats, big or little, that the lad did not know.</p>
+
+<p>He had found some good wood which Abner had expected to use for the
+purpose at some future date, and one oar was already pretty well
+advanced.</p>
+
+<p>By the time he crossed again he believed he would have them both
+completed; and at that they would be nothing of which anyone need feel
+ashamed.<a class="pagenum" name="page_114" id="page_114" title="114"></a></p>
+
+<p>The favoring wind kept up until he drew in to the little landing where,
+as before, Abner stood waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>That was a great night for Darry. First there came the supper with those
+jolly fellows, whose laughter and jokes he enjoyed so much; after that a
+nice quiet chat with Abner, who asked for all the news, and was deeply
+interested in his success in catching the sly denizens of the marsh;
+although he frequently sighed while Darry was speaking, and the boy
+could easily comprehend that at such times the poor man was picturing in
+his mind how Joe used to go through with the same experiences.</p>
+
+<p>When Darry thought it only right to tell how the three cronies had
+stolen his possessions, and how he had recovered them, Abner slapped his
+hand down on his knee, and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon Mr. Fraser was right t'other day when he sez as how the sun o'
+the Dilks tribe began to set when yuh kim ashore from that wreck.
+Somehow yuh seem to be hittin' 'em hard, son. I aint much o' a prophet,
+sence I caint even tell wot the weather's gwine to be tomorry; but I
+seem to just know from the way things is a heapin' up that they's gwine
+to be a big heave soon, an' that means the Dilks has got to move
+on&mdash;Ashley don't want ther kind no more."<a class="pagenum" name="page_115" id="page_115" title="115"></a></p>
+
+<p>Darry insisted on accompanying Abner when it came his turn to go out on
+his long patrol; this time it was in the earlier part of the night, so
+neither man nor boy thought of going to bed.</p>
+
+<p>The night was not wholly dark, for there was a moon behind the clouds;
+but beyond a certain limited distance of the sea lay in gloom, only the
+steady wash of the incoming waves telling of the vast reach of water
+lying along toward the east.</p>
+
+<p>They talked of many things as they plodded along the sandy beach.</p>
+
+<p>Darry spoke for the first time of Paul Singleton, and his desire that he
+accompany him later on in his cruising up and down the series of
+connected bays that stretched for some hundreds of miles back of the
+sandbars.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was silent at first, and the boy realized that he felt grieved to
+know there might come a break in the pleasant relations that had been
+established at home.</p>
+
+<p>"Course it's only right yuh should accept, lad," he said presently,
+"It's give me much comfort to know yuh was gittin' on so well with the
+ole woman, for I've felt bad on 'count o' her many times sense <i>he</i> war
+taken. But it's a chance thet may never kim again, an' we cudn't 'spect
+to tie yuh down. Anyhow, your comin' hez been a good thing fur<a class="pagenum" name="page_116" id="page_116" title="116"></a> Nancy,
+an' I reckons she'll begin to perk up from now on. 'Sides, who knows wot
+may kim outen this? Jest as she sez thet younker aint interested in yuh
+jest acause he wants a feller in the boat along with him&mdash;I tell yuh he
+thinks he knows who yuh belong to, and that's a fack, son."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I hope so; but I don't dare dream of it. But I'm glad you think
+well of his offer. I can earn some money that will help out at home,
+besides having a good time," said Darry, eagerly; though truth to tell,
+it was the faint hope lodged in his heart that he might learn something
+concerning his past that chief of all influenced him in his desire to go
+with the owner of the motor-boat.</p>
+
+<p>"Glad to hear yuh say that word '<i>home</i>,' boy. I hopes it is a home to
+yuh, an' allers will be. I've ben thinkin' that your comin' war the
+greatest favor Heaven ever sent to me an' mine. If it gives Nancy new
+life that means a lot to me."</p>
+
+<p>Darry knew not what to say to this, but he found the rough hand of
+Abner, and with a hearty squeeze expressed his feelings far better than
+any words could ever have done.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_117" id="page_117" title="117"></a>
+<a name="THE_POWER_OF_MUSIC_3087" id="THE_POWER_OF_MUSIC_3087"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+<h3>THE POWER OF MUSIC</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>It seemed as though luck favored Darry on this trip, for the wind veered
+around during the night, and blew out of the southeast when he was ready
+to start on his return voyage to the mainland.</p>
+
+<p>Thus he was able to use his little sail to advantage both ways.</p>
+
+<p>It was coming so hard off the ocean, however, that at the advice of
+Abner he took a reef in the canvas before leaving&mdash;the life saver had
+become so attached to his new boy by this time that he could not bear to
+see him taking any unnecessary chances on that sheet of treacherous
+water that had already deprived him of one son.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was glad he had taken his friend's advice before half way across.
+Where the wind had a full sweep of the bay the waves were quite heavy,
+and it required all his skill as a sailor to keep his cranky little
+craft head on.</p>
+
+<p>As it was, he reached his haven with a rush, and his tactics in making a
+landing aroused the admiration<a class="pagenum" name="page_118" id="page_118" title="118"></a> of several old fisherman who were
+lounging at the dock.</p>
+
+<p>He had only time to accomplish several little messages at the store and
+get on the road for home when it began to drizzle.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was sorry for this, for he had laid out to visit his traps again
+during the afternoon, not wishing to leave any game that may have been
+taken, too long in the water.</p>
+
+<p>When later on at lunch he mentioned this to Mrs. Peake she said he would
+find an old oilskin jacket of Abner's behind the closet door in the
+hall, which Joe had been wont to don under similar circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>So after all, he went forth, defying the elements, as a true sailor lad
+always does; and was rewarded for his labor by taking three more
+trophies from the firm-jawed traps.</p>
+
+<p>Really it was beginning to look like business, with so many on the
+stretching boards; and Mrs. Peake smiled to see how careful the boy was
+in everything he undertook.</p>
+
+<p>It spoke well for his future, if he carried the same principle into his
+whole life.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Darry knew full well that the skins he was taking thus early
+in the fall were not as good in quality, and would not be apt to bring
+as<a class="pagenum" name="page_119" id="page_119" title="119"></a> high prices in the fur marts as those to be captured when real cold
+weather had set in; but there are times when one has to make hay while
+the sun shines; and he could not be sure that he would have the
+opportunity to do these things later.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, the supply of rats seemed unlimited, so rapidly do they breed
+all over the Eastern coast, from Maine to the Florida line.</p>
+
+<p>The rain continued all that night and the better part of the following
+day.</p>
+
+<p>It was one of those easterly storms that generally last out portions of
+three days, and are followed by a lengthy spell of good weather, with
+touches of frost in the early mornings.</p>
+
+<p>Darry made his regular pilgrimage to the marsh in spite of the rain, and
+this time found only two prizes to reward his diligence.</p>
+
+<p>From this he determined that it was time to make a change of base, and
+set his traps in other places where the game might not be so wary.</p>
+
+<p>At any rate he was having no further trouble with the Dilks crowd, and
+in that he found more or less satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Unconscious of the fact that he was being watched from time to time by
+one of the cronies of which Jim boasted, Darry went about his business,<a class="pagenum" name="page_120" id="page_120" title="120"></a>
+satisfied to do his daily duties, and each night count some progress
+made.</p>
+
+<p>Twice had he crossed the bay to the strip of sandy beach where the tides
+of the mighty Atlantic pounded unceasingly, day and night.</p>
+
+<p>His coming was always eagerly anticipated by the whole crew of the
+life-saving station, and for a good reason.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that on his visit just after the easterly storm had blown
+out, while they were all gathered around just before dark, chatting and
+joking, Darry cocked up his ear at the tweeking sound of a fiddle, which
+one of the men had drawn out of its case, and was endeavoring to play.</p>
+
+<p>Altogether he made a most doleful series of sounds, which upon analysis
+might prove to be an attempt to play "Annie Laurie," though one would
+need all his wits about him to settle whether this were the tune, or
+"Home, Sweet Home."</p>
+
+<p>The men looked daggers at the player, for the screeching sounds were
+certainly anything but pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>Darry sauntered over. He had played since a little lad, some Italian
+having first taught him; and on the brigantine Captain Harley had a
+violin of more than ordinary make, with which he had coaxed the cabin
+boy to make melody by the hour.<a class="pagenum" name="page_121" id="page_121" title="121"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Sounds like a pretty good instrument?" suggested Darry to the would-be
+performer.</p>
+
+<p>"They tell me that, boy; but you see I ain't much of a judge. P'raps in
+time I may get on to the racket, that is if the boys don't fire me and
+the fiddle out before-hand," replied the surfman, grinning, for his
+clumsy hands were really never intended by Nature to handle a violin
+bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you mind letting me try it? I used to play a little."</p>
+
+<p>At the first sound of that bow crossing the strings, after Darry had
+properly tuned the instrument every man sat up and took notice; and as
+the boy bent down and lovingly drew the sweetest chords from the violin
+that they had ever heard, they actually held their breath.</p>
+
+<p>After that he was kept busy; indeed they would hardly let him have any
+rest, and that was why those rough men looked forward eagerly to the
+expected coming of Abner Peake's new boy.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed as though he must know everything there was, and the music
+would turn from riotous ragtime to the most tender chords, capable of
+drawing tears from those eyes so unused to weeping.</p>
+
+<p>It was a rare treat to Darry, too, for he dearly loved music, and the
+absence of his fiddle had made a gap in his life.<a class="pagenum" name="page_122" id="page_122" title="122"></a></p>
+
+<p>The month was now passing, and closer drew the stormy period when, with
+the advent of grim November, the duties of the beach patrol naturally
+grow more and more laborious, since there are greater possibilities of
+wrecks, with the strong winds and the fogs that bewilder mariners, and
+allow them to run upon the reefs when they believe they are scores of
+miles away from the danger zone.</p>
+
+<p>The boom of guns could now be heard all day, and frequently Darry saw
+Northern sportsmen in the village; though as a rule they kept on board
+their yachts or else stayed at the various private clubs up or down the
+sound.</p>
+
+<p>Jim Dilks and his gang still lay low. They awaited a favorable
+opportunity to carry out some evil scheme, whereby the boy they had come
+to fear, as well as hate, might be injured.</p>
+
+<p>Well, they knew that he made daily trips into the marsh, and it would
+seem that they might find the chance they craved at such times; but
+there was one thing to deter them, and this was the fact that Darry
+never went to examine his traps without carrying that steady-shooting
+old shotgun.</p>
+
+<p>The burnt child dreads the fire, and Jim had hardly ceased to rub his
+injured parts, so that the possibility of getting a second dose was not
+at all alluring in his eyes.<a class="pagenum" name="page_123" id="page_123" title="123"></a></p>
+
+<p>He was a good waiter, and he felt that sooner or later fortune would
+turn the trick for him, and the chance arise whereby he might pay back
+the debt he owed the "interloper," as he chose to deem Darry.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_124" id="page_124" title="124"></a>
+<a name="DARRY_MEETS_WITH_A_REBUFF_3252" id="DARRY_MEETS_WITH_A_REBUFF_3252"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+<h3>DARRY MEETS WITH A REBUFF</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>During these weeks Darry had accomplished many little jobs around his
+new home, things that had been wanting looking after for a long time;
+for Abner's visits were so few and far between that he had little time
+to mend broken doors, or put up shelves where they would save the
+"missus" steps.</p>
+
+<p>If he went off with Paul Singleton later he would have no chance to look
+after these things, and so he made good use of his opportunities.</p>
+
+<p>He had not seen the young gentleman once since, and upon making
+inquiries of the storekeeper, learned that he had gone to a very
+exclusive club to spend some little time.</p>
+
+<p>Darry wondered whether he had been utterly forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the youth had regretted asking him to keep him company; it may
+have been done on the spur of the moment, simply because he chanced to
+resemble someone he knew.<a class="pagenum" name="page_125" id="page_125" title="125"></a></p>
+
+<p>Once in the comfortable club, with experienced guides to attend him, and
+the very best points for shooting reserved, doubtless Paul Singleton had
+forgotten that there was such a boy as Darry in existence.</p>
+
+<p>So he tried to forget about it, and make up his mind that he could find
+plenty of congenial work looking after his traps and assisting Abner's
+wife during the winter, with occasional trips across the sound, and
+possibly a chance to pull an oar in the surfboat, should luck favor him.</p>
+
+<p>All this while he had taken toll of the feathered frequenters of the
+marsh, and many a plump fowl graced the table of the Peake family,
+thanks to the faithful old gun, and the steady nerves back of it.</p>
+
+<p>Darry soon learned where there were squirrels to be found, and twice he
+had brought in a mess of the gray nutcrackers, though not so fond of
+hunting them as other game.</p>
+
+<p>And one day he had delighted the good housewife with four nice quail, or
+as they were known in this section, "pa'tridge," which he had dropped
+out of a bevy that got up before him in the brush close to the woods
+where he looked for squirrel.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that something had been troubling Mrs. Peake, but it was a long
+time before he could tempt her to speak of it.<a class="pagenum" name="page_126" id="page_126" title="126"></a></p>
+
+<p>It concerned money matters, of course, as is nearly always the case when
+trouble visits the poor.</p>
+
+<p>Abner had been incautious enough to put a little mortgage upon his
+humble home in order to help a relative who was in deep distress because
+of several sudden deaths in her family.</p>
+
+<p>He should not have done it, to be sure, but Abner had a big heart, as
+Darry well knew, and simply could not resist the pleading of his cousin.</p>
+
+<p>No doubt she meant well, but circumstances had arisen that prevented her
+from repaying the debt, and for the want of just one hundred dollars the
+Peakes were in danger of being dispossessed.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the mortgage was in the hands of a money shark, for even
+little villages boast their loan offices, where some usurer expects to
+get ten per cent. on his money, and will not hesitate to foreclose if it
+is not forthcoming.</p>
+
+<p>Abner's friends were all as poor as he was, and besides, he was so
+bashful about such things that he could never muster enough courage to
+mention his financial troubles to anybody.</p>
+
+<p>When by degrees Darry managed to draw this story from Mrs. Peake he
+thought it all over while off on one of his swamp trips, and reached a
+conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>That very day he stepped into the store of a man<a class="pagenum" name="page_127" id="page_127" title="127"></a> who as he chanced to
+know purchased the few furs that were taken in a season around that
+section.</p>
+
+<p>He learned that pelts were bringing unusually good prices, and the party
+quoted as high as eighty cents for fall muskrat skins, properly treated.</p>
+
+<p>When he got home, Darry counted his catch and found that he had some
+twenty-six in stock; with these he went back to the dealer, and struck a
+bargain whereby he came away with fourteen dollars in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Then he made for the office of the lawyer who held the mortgage,
+thinking he could pay up the arrears of interest, and bring happiness to
+the face of his kind benefactress.</p>
+
+<p>Just there he struck a snag.</p>
+
+<p>The loan shark refused to accept the money.</p>
+
+<p>He claimed that since they had defaulted on the interest the entire
+amount was due, and that he meant to have it, or foreclose.</p>
+
+<p>Darry knew little of law, but he saw that Darius Quarles meant business,
+and suspected that for some reason he meant to hold to his advantage and
+give Abner Peake more or less trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Quarles, if you would only accept this interest now, I think I can
+promise that the whole sum will be paid by spring," Darry said, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>This was, of course, just what the lawyer did not<a class="pagenum" name="page_128" id="page_128" title="128"></a> want. He pretended to
+look skeptical, and shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are the boy Peake has adopted. Where did you get this
+money, may I ask? Did Nancy send you here with it?" he went on; and from
+the look in his cold, blue eyes, it was apparent that he would have
+enjoyed having the woman on her knees before him.</p>
+
+<p>Darius Quarles was a very small-minded man evidently; even a boy like
+Darry could understand that.</p>
+
+<p>"No, she does not know I have come here," replied our hero.</p>
+
+<p>"Then where did you get the money? Boys as a rule don't sport such sums
+as fourteen dollars in a bunch. I haven't heard of any bank being
+robbed, or a sportsman being held up; but you understand, it looks
+suspicious, boy."</p>
+
+<p>Darry flushed with mortification at the insult; but because of Mrs.
+Peake he managed to bite his lips and refrain from telling the
+curmudgeon just what he thought of him.</p>
+
+<p>"I received that fourteen dollars not ten minutes ago from a merchant in
+this village. He will vouch for it if you ask him," he said, quietly,
+though his eyes flashed fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Just mention his name, if you please. I might<a class="pagenum" name="page_129" id="page_129" title="129"></a> take a notion to drop in
+and see if he corroborates your assertion. As I am a magistrate as well
+as a lawyer, it is my bounden duty to make sure there is nothing crooked
+in such transactions as come under my observation. Who is the man?"</p>
+
+<p>He tried to look stern, but the attempt was a failure. Nature had made
+Mr. Quarles only to appear small and mean.</p>
+
+<p>"It was Mr. Ketcham, the hardware man," the boy answered.</p>
+
+<p>"And what would he be paying you this munificent sum for? So far as I
+know you have never worked for Ketcham, boy. Now, be careful not to
+commit yourself. What was this money given to you for doing?"</p>
+
+<p>Darry smiled as he drew out a paper.</p>
+
+<p>How fortunate that the hardware merchant who sold traps and purchased
+such furs as were taken in that region had insisted upon giving him a
+little bill of sale, in order to bind the transaction, and prove
+conclusively what the reigning price happened to be at the time.</p>
+
+<p>"Please glance at that, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Darius Quarles did so, and a shade of disappointment crossed his face.</p>
+
+<p>"I see you have taken up the same foolish pursuit that young Joe Peake
+followed&mdash;wasting your time<a class="pagenum" name="page_130" id="page_130" title="130"></a> loafing in the marsh when you had better be
+going to school and perhaps learning to become a useful man, a lawyer
+like myself for instance."</p>
+
+<p>Darry shrugged his shoulders, and his action brought a frown to the face
+of the narrow-minded man who sat there before him; perhaps he jumped to
+the conclusion that this frank-faced lad did not entertain such an
+exalted notion of his greatness as he would have liked to impress upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"At least that proves I did not steal the money, Mr. Quarles?" asked
+Darry.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so, though it is an open question as to whether you have any
+right to take these little inoffensive animals, and sell their coats to
+Ketcham. I think he might be in a better business; but then he always
+was a cruel boy."</p>
+
+<p>As Darry remembered the hardware man he believed him to be a jolly,
+red-faced man, and with a kindly eye, quite the opposite from the fishy
+orb of Mr. Quarles; but then there are some things that had better
+remain unsaid, and he did not try to voice his opinion.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will not do Mrs. Peake this little favor, sir?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Business is business with me, young man. Sometimes it is one person's
+day, and then the tables turn, and it is another's. This happens to be
+my time.<a class="pagenum" name="page_131" id="page_131" title="131"></a> According to the strict construction of the law, and the
+wording of the mortgage, the failure to pay the interest on time, with
+three days' grace, constitutes a lien on the property. I have a use for
+that cottage&mdash;in fact, a relative of mine fancies it. Here, I will give
+Nancy a chance to redeem her home. Wait a minute or two."</p>
+
+<p>He wrote rapidly on a sheet of paper, signed the same, and held it out.</p>
+
+<p>"Seven days I agree to wait, and if the principal and delayed interest
+are not handed over to me by next Tuesday, just one week from to-day, on
+Wednesday they will have to vacate. That will do, boy. Tell Nancy I only
+do that because of our old friendship. Had it been anyone else they
+would have cleared out before this. You can go now."</p>
+
+<p>Darry had to bite his lips harder than ever to keep from telling the
+skinflint just what he thought of him.</p>
+
+<p>Thrusting the paper in his pocket he stalked from the den of the human
+spider, his mind in a whirl; but grimly determined to try and find some
+means for saving the humble home of Abner Peake from the hand of the
+spoiler.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_132" id="page_132" title="132"></a>
+<a name="ABNER_TELLS_A_LITTLE_HISTORY_3463" id="ABNER_TELLS_A_LITTLE_HISTORY_3463"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+<h3>ABNER TELLS A LITTLE HISTORY</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>As he walked home that evening Darry was figuring. Fourteen dollars was
+not going far when the sum required, according to the figures Mr.
+Quarles had written out, reached the grand total of a hundred and eleven
+dollars and thirty-seven cents.</p>
+
+<p>He had had much more than that on board the poor old <i>Falcon</i> when she
+went to pieces, the amount of his savings for several years; but there
+was no use of his thinking about that.</p>
+
+<p>To whom could he look for assistance?</p>
+
+<p>He had not a friend, save new ones in the village; and even Mr. Keeler
+would be apt to decline to lend him money. Times were hard, collections
+very slow&mdash;he had heard this said many times of late&mdash;and to small
+merchants the sum of a hundred dollars means much.</p>
+
+<p>Darry thought it best not to say anything just then to Mrs. Peake,
+though a little later he must tell her about his visit to the money
+lender, and deliver the message Mr. Quarles had sent to her.<a class="pagenum" name="page_133" id="page_133" title="133"></a></p>
+
+<p>He was due to cross the sound on the morrow, and perhaps it would be
+best to tell Abner first; he might have been making some arrangement to
+get someone else to assume the mortgage, and pay the lawyer off.</p>
+
+<p>So Darry tried to assume a cheerfulness he was far from feeling.</p>
+
+<p>Long he lay awake that night, thinking and trying to lay out some plan
+of action that might promise results.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning Darry visited his traps.</p>
+
+<p>Only one victim rewarded his labor, and this added to his gloom.</p>
+
+<p>He finished all his various chores, and they were many, for he had taken
+numerous duties upon his shoulders in order to spare Abner's wife.</p>
+
+<p>As before, it was nearly the middle of the afternoon before he could get
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Keeler loaded him down with packages intended for the
+station-keeper; indeed Darry had to make two trips between the store and
+his boat before he had all his cargo aboard.</p>
+
+<p>The weather was what a sailor would call "dirty"; that is, it gave
+promise of turning into more or less of a storm, and wise mariners would
+be keeping a weather eye out for a safe and snug harbor.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had no fear. He believed he knew that<a class="pagenum" name="page_134" id="page_134" title="134"></a> bay like a book now, and
+since he had tinkered with the boat and placed it in fair condition he
+thought it could stand any sea that might meet him in his passage to and
+fro between the mainland and the stretch of sand acting as a buffer to
+the ocean tides.</p>
+
+<p>It was a dead calm when he started, and he was compelled to use the
+oars; but by the time he reached the middle a breeze sprang up, and
+quick to take advantage of his opportunity he spread his bit of a sail,
+and went flying along like a frightened gull.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was always glad to see him, and taking advantage of the first
+chance to get the life saver alone, Darry told of his recent experience
+with the loan shark.</p>
+
+<p>The other looked very downcast; indeed, Darry could not remember having
+ever seen him appear so disheartened.</p>
+
+<p>"It means trouble for the poor ole woman, Darry. If I kin only muster up
+enough courage to ask some o' the folks to help me out p'raps we kin
+pull through; but the best o' friends pull back wen money is spoken of.
+They all got ther own burdens to kerry. I know I war a fool to ever do
+it; but Jenny got on my nerves yuh see, an' promised to give it back.
+An' thet shark, Quarles, it does him a lot o' good to know he kin push
+me down a peg," he said, with a heavy sigh.<a class="pagenum" name="page_135" id="page_135" title="135"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I seemed to get the notion that he didn't love you very much, Mr.
+Peake," remarked Darry.</p>
+
+<p>"I thort he'd forgot all about it, but now I know he ain't, the skunk!
+He holds it agin me, and hes all these years. I reckon he jest hugged
+hisself wen I kim to him an' asked that loan. It war jest like playin'
+into his hands. Yuh see, lad, him an' me was rivals onct on a time."</p>
+
+<p>Darry pricked up his ears.</p>
+
+<p>Here was a touch of romance, something one would hardly expect to find
+in connection with so ordinary looking a man as Abner Peake.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean that he wanted Nancy&mdash;that is Mrs. Peake, to marry him?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Thet's jest it, son. I reckon he'd a got her, too, fur I didn't hold a
+candle to Darius wen it kim to looks or larnin', but yuh see thet's whar
+chanct stepped in an' guv me a shove."</p>
+
+<p>"Something happened then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nancy fell overboard off a boat we was all on. Darius, he didn't know
+how to swim and all he could do was to yell and wave his arms."</p>
+
+<p>"And you went overboard after her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon I did. They sed as how I was in the water nigh about as quick
+as Nancy herself. She was a carryin' on high, like she was chokin', when
+I got to her, but I had her out in a jiffy. Arter thet<a class="pagenum" name="page_136" id="page_136" title="136"></a> she kinder took
+to me, an' Darius he got the mitten."</p>
+
+<p>"Now I understand why he feels that way toward you," said Darry, wisely.</p>
+
+<p>"They was some things I never did understand 'bout that thing. Nancy,
+she was allers the best gal swimmer in the village, but she did act like
+she was drownin' that day. Some sed as how they thort she tumbled over
+apurpose jest to hev some fun, an' see which o' her beaux'd drap in
+arter her the quickest," and the surfman smiled at the thought.</p>
+
+<p>"And you won out. I guess Mr. Quarles has never forgiven you for that.
+But what can be done to beat him at his game now? Isn't there any way?"</p>
+
+<p>"We got a week to try, an' as I git off before the end o' the time I'll
+see if anything kin be did. P'rhaps Keeler might help me out, though I
+did hear him say he was mighty hard up jest now. It was nice in yuh
+tryin' to do wot yuh did, boy. I knowed I wasn't makin' no mistake when
+I sized yuh up as the right sorter lad to take leetle Joey's place."</p>
+
+<p>The life saver put an arm affectionately across the shoulders of his
+companion, and Darry never felt prouder in his life than when he
+realized that he had "made good" with this simple surfman who had been
+so kind to him at their first meeting.</p>
+
+<p>"I only wish I had been able to do what I wanted to. It it had been any
+other man but Mr. Quarles I<a class="pagenum" name="page_137" id="page_137" title="137"></a> think he would have fixed it up, and I
+meant to put aside what I earned this winter, either from trapping or
+working for Mr. Singleton, to wipe out all that debt. I will yet, if I
+have the chance, and you can get somebody to take over the mortgage," he
+said, stoutly.</p>
+
+<p>"Give me time to think, lad. Wen yuh kim acrost another time p'raps I'll
+have some plan made up. I'd do nigh anything to save pore Nancy bein'
+put outen our leetle home. 'Taint much to look at, but she sets a heap
+by it, I reckon. And as soon as I git a chanct I mean to drop outen this
+business an' try to make a livin' another way, so I kin be home more.
+Fishin' it might be, er somethin' thet way."</p>
+
+<p>That night Darry played for the men, but they could not help noticing
+that much of his music was along the sad order.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning the sky was still overcast, and the sound lay in a bank
+of half darkness that looked like fog, though the whistling wind seemed
+to forbid such a thing.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was a little dubious about letting the boy depart, but Darry
+laughed at the idea of any harm befalling him.</p>
+
+<p>He had several things he wished to attend to, and besides, Mrs. Peake
+would need him through the day in many ways.<a class="pagenum" name="page_138" id="page_138" title="138"></a></p>
+
+<p>He entered his boat and took up the oars for a hard row, for the wind
+was of too deceptive a character to allow him to make use of his sail.</p>
+
+<p>The men of the station had come down to see him off, for by this time
+Darry had won his way into the hearts of every rough fellow, and they
+looked upon him as a sort of general ward of the crew, pulled out of the
+sea at their door and destined for great things.</p>
+
+<p>Not one of them but who believed a bright future awaited Peake's new
+boy, and many were the predictions made among them, some even venturing
+the assertion that he would be president yet.</p>
+
+<p>So they waved their sou'westers and shouted a merry good-bye to him as
+he rowed into the gray blanket of mist that shrouded the sound.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_139" id="page_139" title="139"></a>
+<a name="THE_IMPRISONED_LAUNCH_3642" id="THE_IMPRISONED_LAUNCH_3642"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+<h3>THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.</p>
+
+<p>He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all
+kinds of bad weather.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own
+against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again
+he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice
+can bring.</p>
+
+<p>By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.</p>
+
+<p>He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all
+his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was
+impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.</p>
+
+<p>The situation would have alarmed many a lad less accustomed to depending
+on himself in emergencies.</p>
+
+<p>Darry felt no fear.</p>
+
+<p>He noted the direction of the waves, and unless the wind shifted
+suddenly, which it was not apt to do, he felt positive he could bring up
+somewhere along the shore near the village.<a class="pagenum" name="page_140" id="page_140" title="140"></a></p>
+
+<p>To his surprise he heard the sullen boom of a gun close by and wondered
+what any sportsman could be doing out there in that dense atmosphere,
+where it was impossible to see more than fifty feet away.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly ducks could not be coming to stool under such conditions.</p>
+
+<p>What could he be firing at then?</p>
+
+<p>There it was again, one shot following another in rapid order, until he
+had counted six.</p>
+
+<p>That would indicate the possession of one of those new style repeating
+shotguns, capable of holding half a dozen shells, and worked with a pump
+action.</p>
+
+<p>All of a sudden it struck Darry that possibly someone was in trouble and
+was taking this means of summoning assistance; though the chances were
+very slight that any bayman would be anywhere near with that gray
+blanket covering things&mdash;they knew enough to stick to the shore at such
+a time.</p>
+
+<p>Our hero changed his course a little thinking it could do no harm to
+look into matters and see what the bombarding meant.</p>
+
+<p>Should it prove that some green sportsman from one of the clubs was lost
+in the mist perhaps he would be glad of help, and might even promise to
+pay liberally to be taken ashore in tow.</p>
+
+<p>Just then Darry's mind was filled with an eager<a class="pagenum" name="page_141" id="page_141" title="141"></a> desire to make money,
+for he knew of a good use to which he could put it.</p>
+
+<p>Again as he approached, the rattle of a fusilade came to his ears,
+followed by a series of shouts in a strained voice.</p>
+
+<p>He was close on the spot apparently.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello!" he shouted in return.</p>
+
+<p>An answering whoop came back.</p>
+
+<p>"This way, please! I'm in a peck of trouble here!" he heard someone say.</p>
+
+<p>Twisting his head around as he bobbed up and down on the rollers, our
+hero caught just a glimpse of some object that seemed stationary, with
+the waves breaking over it.</p>
+
+<p>It was even worse than being lost upon the sound then&mdash;the unknown had
+driven his boat upon some half hidden rocks, and caught as in a vise she
+was in danger of being wrecked unless some other craft came upon the
+spot and pulled her off.</p>
+
+<p>That accounted for the shots and shouts, her owner realizing his extreme
+peril, for he was two miles from land and the storm increasing
+constantly.</p>
+
+<p>Darry pushed on and soon another surprise awaited him.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello! is that you, Darry?" asked a voice, and now he recognized it, so
+that even before he turned<a class="pagenum" name="page_142" id="page_142" title="142"></a> around again he knew he was once more in the
+company of Paul Singleton.</p>
+
+<p>"How are you, sir?" he cried. "Looks like you had run aground in the
+middle of the bay. If you will give me a rope I'll try and drag you off
+the way you went on. That is the only thing to be done."</p>
+
+<p>"I like the way you go about business," answered the young man. "I begin
+to have hopes that my poor little <i>Griffin</i> may come out of this
+adventure with a whole skin. It began to look as though I might have to
+swim for it. Here you are with the painter, which I have fastened to the
+stern. All depends on how good a haul you can give, Darry."</p>
+
+<p>"What happened to your engine, sir?" asked the boy, surprised that it
+was not working in the effort to help the boat off.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll start it up again, but it did no good before, only churned the
+water. It seems I am wedged between two rocks so fast that even the lift
+of the waves has no effect upon the boat. They break all over us, and
+I'm wet to the skin and shivering in the bargain. You're as welcome as
+the flowers in May, Darry."</p>
+
+<p>The engine was speedily started up and the little propeller thrashed the
+water at a great rate, but though the cedar craft trembled violently
+there was no change in her position.<a class="pagenum" name="page_143" id="page_143" title="143"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Keep that up and stay in the stern, so as to lighten the bow all you
+can. I think that is where she is caught fast. If you have anything
+heavy up forward and can manage to shift it aft so much the better,"
+called Darry, as he kept off by an expert use of the oars; indeed, Paul
+never could understand how he managed to do this and secure the rope to
+a thwart at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>"There are a few things up there I can move&mdash;the water can and a lot of
+stuff in tins. Will you be able to hold out a few minutes longer?" asked
+Paul.</p>
+
+<p>"Easy enough. Take your own time, sir. When you're ready tell me, and
+I'll give a series of sharp jerks. I hope we can make her move some."</p>
+
+<p>Presently the owner of the motor-boat declared he had moved everything
+possible, and that the bow seemed to be a little more free than before,
+as though almost ready to rise with each flowing wave that swept past
+with a rush.</p>
+
+<p>Darry set to work and began to use every atom of strength in his sturdy
+muscles; at the same time he engineered matters in such a clever fashion
+that every time he pulled his oars through the water it was with a rapid
+movement in the nature of a shock, so that the little hawser tightening,
+gave a drag at the imprisoned craft.<a class="pagenum" name="page_144" id="page_144" title="144"></a></p>
+
+<p>"She's moving!" yelled Paul Singleton, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>Darry kept right along, pulling with even more vim than before.</p>
+
+<p>"Bully boy! she's coming! I can feel her move each time. If only an
+inch, it is something. We're going to get her off! It's a cinch, I tell
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Plainly Paul Singleton was considerably excited over the changed
+prospect that confronted him, and his cries gave the lad heart to exert
+himself to the utmost.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he found that he was towing the launch behind him.</p>
+
+<p>She had left her berth in between the two rocks and floated on the
+waves.</p>
+
+<p>The owner gave a last whoop of delight.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew if anyone could accomplish it, you would. I think you must be my
+good genius, Darry. To think of our meeting again here in the middle of
+the bay and just when I was on my way to your home to see if I could
+induce you to keep your half-given promise. It's great! Tell me about
+destiny after this."</p>
+
+<p>That was the way Paul was calling out, as he busied himself in righting
+things aboard the jaunty little cedar craft.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style='width:350px'>
+<a name="illus-003" id="illus-003"></a>
+<img src="images/img-144.jpg" alt="SHE HAD left HER BERTH IN BETWEEN THE TWO ROCKS AND FLOATED ON THE WAVES." title="" width="350" /><br />
+<span class="caption">SHE HAD left HER BERTH IN BETWEEN THE TWO ROCKS AND FLOATED ON THE WAVES.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><a class="pagenum" name="page_145" id="page_145" title="145"></a>"Now, what's to hinder you coming aboard and towing the rowboat astern?
+The engine is all right and capable of twelve miles an hour, so we can
+go with this blow easily enough," he suggested.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was quite willing, for his arms felt a bit weary after his
+exerions, and the launch did look comfortable, even though fairly
+drenched just then, as a result of the waves breaking over the stern
+while she was held a prisoner in the jaws of rock.</p>
+
+<p>The transfer was made without any particular trouble, and once Darry had
+secured his boat to the brass cleat in the stern of the launch he set to
+work throwing some of the surplus water overboard.</p>
+
+<p>"Working your passage, eh?" laughed Paul, who seemed to be in unusually
+high spirits, such was the re-action that had come over him.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile they drew in toward the land.</p>
+
+<p>What with the rain that was falling both of them were wet through; but
+this was such a chronic condition for a sailor lad to be in that Darry,
+for one, paid little attention to it.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_146" id="page_146" title="146"></a>
+<a name="THE_PART_OF_AN_ELDER_BROTHER_3840" id="THE_PART_OF_AN_ELDER_BROTHER_3840"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+<h3>THE PART OF AN ELDER BROTHER</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Come," said Paul, after the boat had been tied up where the waves could
+not reach them and things had begun to assume a more comfortable aspect;
+"Here's a fine little cabin and an oil stove on which to make a hot pot
+of coffee, besides assisting to dry us out. I insist on you staying to
+keep me company for a while. We are both cold and wet. Say you will,
+Darry!"</p>
+
+<p>Darry did not need much urging. He was wet and chilled, and it did look
+cozy after Paul had started the stove going.</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," continued Paul, misconstruing his silence; "I am under heavy
+obligations to you for coming to my assistance when you did. You saved
+my life and you are a regular life saver like Mr. Peake. There must be
+some way in which I can partly cancel that debt. You are allowed salvage
+by law when you save a vessel, Darry, did you know it? But for your
+coming my poor little <i>Griffin</i> must have gone to pieces, not to mention
+what would have<a class="pagenum" name="page_147" id="page_147" title="147"></a> become of her owner. Now, how can I settle for this
+indebtedness."</p>
+
+<p>He was laughing as he spoke, but Darry considered the moment had come
+for him to put in a plea for his friends.</p>
+
+<p>So he swallowed what seemed to be a lump in his throat, for after all it
+was no easy thing to ask such a favor from one who was hardly more than
+a stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Singleton, I was just wishing I could meet you somewhere soon," he
+began.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is queer, since I was thinking about you too, and hoping you
+would not go back on me, for somehow, I seem to have set my mind on
+having you with me. And besides, there was another reason why I wanted
+to keep track of you, which I may tell you some day soon, Darry. But why
+were you wanting to see me?"</p>
+
+<p>"To ask a great favor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not to let you off from your promise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I'll be only too glad of a chance to be with you. It would be
+glorious to spend some time aboard this fine little boat. What I wanted
+to say&mdash;that is, the favor I wanted to ask was not for myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, that's rather strange, Darry. Not for yourself&mdash;a favor for
+another? Let's hear what<a class="pagenum" name="page_148" id="page_148" title="148"></a> it's about. You've certainly excited my
+curiosity, and don't hesitate a bit about it. I shall be only too
+willing to do anything that lies in my power, if it pleases you."</p>
+
+<p>The words were most kind, and the smile that accompanied them even more
+so.</p>
+
+<p>Darry flushed with a sense of coming victory, for something told him he
+was in line to win out, and that the money-shark would be cheated of his
+prey.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to borrow a hundred dollars, sir," he said, slowly.</p>
+
+<p>Paul laughed as if amused.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately taking out his pocket-book he withdrew from it a bank bill of
+a large denomination and handed it to his companion, who received it in
+an embarrassed way.</p>
+
+<p>"There you are, Darry, and there is no loan about it. I owe you many
+times that much for your assistance. Now, don't say anything about it,
+for I am not used to being crossed. It's a mere bagatelle to me, as you
+must know. Some time if you feel like it you may tell me the
+circumstances that have arisen; but not until you're good and ready. I'm
+only too delighted to be of a little help."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to tell you all about it right here. It's only fair you
+should know where your money is going, sir. As soon as I get my breath
+you shall<a class="pagenum" name="page_149" id="page_149" title="149"></a> hear," went on Darry, fingering the hundred dollar bill as
+though he could hardly believe his senses.</p>
+
+<p>Never did a bill of like denomination seem to carry more happiness in
+its touch; he could easily picture the light that would dawn upon the
+worried features of Mrs. Peake when he handed her that mortgage,
+canceled, and Abner, too, how he would be likely to throw up his hat in
+the air and shout like a boy.</p>
+
+<p>Paul Singleton had been observing him curiously, but with kindling eyes,
+as if he saw more and more in this boy to admire; he could give
+something of a guess as to what was coming, and hence was not much
+surprised a little later when he heard the story of Darius Quarles and
+his long-slumbering revenge.</p>
+
+<p>He laughed heartily at the quaint way in which Abner had hinted about
+Nancy tumbling overboard on purpose, in order to discover which of her
+lovers was the better man.</p>
+
+<p>"I've met the lady, and to tell the truth I really believe she would
+have been equal to such a prank some years back. There's a lurking
+spirit of mischief in her eyes to this day, though I know she has met
+with a great grief lately, for I heard all about poor little Joe," Paul
+said, after Darry had finished.</p>
+
+<p>"You can never understand how glad I am to be able to bring a little joy
+to this poor couple. They<a class="pagenum" name="page_150" id="page_150" title="150"></a> have not known much happiness, sir. Even now,
+Abner is compelled to be away from home all the time in order to earn
+bread for his family."</p>
+
+<p>Paul Singleton seemed to consider.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll talk that over later on, Darry, when we have plenty of time," he
+answered. "Perhaps I may be able to suggest a remedy. I have shares in
+several properties down this way, and possibly Abner can be given a
+steady job as keeper at the club, or put in charge of a farm I own not
+far away from here. Depend upon it, some means can be found to help your
+benefactor out. I'd rather talk about you, just now, and what you have
+seen in your adventurous past. In fact, I'd like to know everything that
+ever happened to you, if you don't mind," he continued.</p>
+
+<p>Again Darry had that queer sensation pass over him, and he could not but
+remember what Abner had said about the possibility of his finding out
+something connected with his childhood, and that this young gentleman
+would be the means of supplying the missing link.</p>
+
+<p>So as they sat there and sipped the delicious coffee and dried out in
+comfort, he answered all the questions Paul could think of asking.</p>
+
+<p>They covered his entire past, from his earliest recollection, and
+especially about the old man who<a class="pagenum" name="page_151" id="page_151" title="151"></a> had finally deserted him in Naples,
+for he naturally occupied a prominent place in the recital.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had called him uncle, but thought the man could not have held that
+relationship toward him. He never knew what had become of the old man,
+but suspected that he must have met with some fatal accident in the
+Italian city.</p>
+
+<p>Then he narrated how he had supported himself by playing the violin, and
+at the same time learned to speak Italian as well as a native.</p>
+
+<p>Finally came the scene in the caf&eacute;, when Captain Harley rescued him from
+the cruelty of a bully, and after that there was very little to tell up
+to the time the brigantine was lost and his best friend vanished from
+the scene, never to appear again on earth.</p>
+
+<p>Paul Singleton harked back to his earliest recollections, and with the
+skill of a lawyer asked questions that put Darry's memory to a strain;
+he examined the singular mark upon the boy's arm with deepest interest
+and seemed impressed.</p>
+
+<p>"That will undoubtedly prove one thing or the other, as soon as I can
+see her," Darry heard him say, as if to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently Paul Singleton knew nothing of the mark and was depending upon
+some other party to settle the identification.</p>
+
+<p>It was noon before either of them realized it.<a class="pagenum" name="page_152" id="page_152" title="152"></a></p>
+
+<p>Darry declared he must hurry off so as to catch the lawyer at his office
+and settle matters before going home.</p>
+
+<p>"Hark, Darry," said Paul, holding his hand as they parted; "promise me
+that if there is anything else I can do to please you I'm to know it
+right away. Confide in me, my boy. It makes me happy to share, even to a
+limited extent, in your little affairs. And you know we are going to be
+great chums all winter, you and I. Look on me then as a sort of elder
+brother or a cousin, if you please."</p>
+
+<p>And Darry thought as he looked into the clear laughing eyes of Paul
+Singleton that nothing would give him greater happiness on earth than if
+he could claim relationship to this fine manly fellow.</p>
+
+<p>He seemed to be walking on air as he left the cove and headed into the
+village.</p>
+
+<p>Upon calling at the office of Darius Quarles he was disappointed to
+learn that the lawyer had gone off in his closed buggy early that
+morning, and would not be back all day&mdash;he had to foreclose a mortgage
+the clerk remarked, and never allowed that duty to be performed by a
+subordinate, for it gave him too much satisfaction to attend to it
+personally.</p>
+
+<p>Even his employees had a secret contempt for his mean ways, it seemed.</p>
+
+<p>"He expects to be home to supper, and if your<a class="pagenum" name="page_153" id="page_153" title="153"></a> business is pressing you
+might call at his house, which is just out of the village on the road to
+Harden," the young clerk said in concluding.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, I believe I shall call, as I wish to see him very much,"
+replied Darry, and left the place.</p>
+
+<p>He made his way along the rather lonely road that led to the humble home
+of the Peakes, bowing his head to the storm, and yet with a song of
+thanksgiving swelling in his heart, for he knew he was carrying with him
+the means of lifting the load that had for some time oppressed his kind
+benefactors.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly something struck him a stunning blow and looking up as he
+staggered he heard a chorus of shrill laughs, and realized that a rope
+had been thrown around him in such a way that his arms were pinioned
+down at his sides.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment several impish figures sprang out of the dense brush
+and fell upon him with vicious blows, as though bent upon knocking him
+down.</p>
+
+<p>Though they had their faces concealed after a ridiculous fashion he
+recognized the malicious laugh of one as belonging to Jim Dilks.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_154" id="page_154" title="154"></a>
+<a name="BAD_LUCK_AND_GOOD_4052" id="BAD_LUCK_AND_GOOD_4052"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+<h3>BAD LUCK AND GOOD</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Of course Darry knew what this attack meant.</p>
+
+<p>His enemy had been brooding over matters for a long time, and despairing
+of accomplishing his end while Darry was armed with a gun, during his
+daily visits to the big marsh, he had finally decided to lie in wait and
+have it out on the road from the village.</p>
+
+<p>Jim wisely backed himself up with a couple of allies in thus undertaking
+to give his enemy that long-delayed whipping.</p>
+
+<p>He had tried it once by himself and apparently had no relish to repeat
+the experiment.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it would have been the part of wisdom on the part of the young
+life saver to have taken to his heels and beat a masterly retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Great generals have done this same thing and considered it no dishonor
+to save their army for another day.</p>
+
+<p>To a high-spirited lad, however, it is the last thought, and many a
+fellow will stand the chances of a beating rather than to turn his back
+on the foe.<a class="pagenum" name="page_155" id="page_155" title="155"></a></p>
+
+<p>Of course there was no time to consider the matter.</p>
+
+<p>The three disguised boys attacked him on all sides, and almost before
+Darry knew what he was doing blows were being exchanged with a vim.</p>
+
+<p>He fought gallantly and well, sending in just as many hard hits as his
+knowledge of the game permitted.</p>
+
+<p>Whenever he saw an opening he was quick to take advantage of the same,
+and as a consequence first one of Jim's supporters and then the other
+temporarily bit the dust, with a galaxy of stars floating before their
+mental vision.</p>
+
+<p>They were very much surprised.</p>
+
+<p>True, they may have heard something about the fighting abilities of this
+wonderful new boy; but Jim had kept declaring that only for his lame
+hand he would surely have easily come out victor on that memorable day
+of the first meeting, and they were forced to believe him.</p>
+
+<p>Artful Jim was wise enough to do a great deal of jumping about, but
+seemed quite willing his allies should meet with the brunt of the battle
+while he saved himself for the finishing touches.</p>
+
+<p>When Darry had tired himself out against Sim Clark and Bowser then his
+time would have arrived.</p>
+
+<p>Darry anticipated being whipped in the encounter.<a class="pagenum" name="page_156" id="page_156" title="156"></a></p>
+
+<p>It was not to be expected that one boy could hold his own against three
+such tough customers as those opposed to him, since they would wear him
+out.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, he declined to run at the beginning, and after a little it
+was entirely out of the question for him to do so, since he lacked the
+wind to conduct a flight.</p>
+
+<p>So there was really nothing to do but stand and take what was coming to
+him, at the same time give as good as he knew how.</p>
+
+<p>They would never be able at any rate to say they had won an easy
+victory.</p>
+
+<p>By this time they were beautifully daubed with mud, as each appeared to
+be the under dog while the minutes crept along.</p>
+
+<p>Darry's only hope lay in the possibility of some one passing that way,
+and as the day was so stormy, and few people ever took this road, his
+chances were indeed slender.</p>
+
+<p>Now the whole bunch seemed to be upon the ground alongside the road,
+struggling like a pack of Kilkenny cats, the three aggressors having
+their hands on Darry at one time in the endeavor to subdue him.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Jim gave a hoarse cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Haul off dere, fellers; somebody's comin'!" was what he ejaculated.<a class="pagenum" name="page_157" id="page_157" title="157"></a></p>
+
+<p>Immediately the other two sprang to their feet like a couple of deer,
+afraid lest they be caught at their game; perhaps a vision of old Hank
+Squires flashed before them, with the penitentiary in the background.</p>
+
+<p>Darry, out of breath, but game to the last, made an ineffectual attempt
+to hold one of his tormentors, catching the flying end of his jacket;
+but such was the moment of Sim's upward movement, and the flimsy
+character of his wearing apparel, that the entire section came away,
+remaining in the grip of the enemy as he went tearing after his mates.</p>
+
+<p>The three of them plunged into the bushes alongside the road, and were
+lost to sight, leaving Darry half sitting up on the road, plastered with
+mud, and ruefully surveying the strip of cloth in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>After all it proved to be a false alarm, for no one came in sight.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was not foolish enough to invite a further attack by remaining on
+the ground after the enemy had temporarily withdrawn, so he gathered
+himself together and continued along the road, feeling of his limbs to
+ascertain just how seriously he had been bruised, and trying to scrape
+some of the mud from his clothes.</p>
+
+<p>He felt ashamed to let Mrs. Peake see him in this<a class="pagenum" name="page_158" id="page_158" title="158"></a> condition, for the
+clothes had been Joe's, and naturally she would feel badly to discover
+how they were now treated to a coating of mud.</p>
+
+<p>But then the fact of his having such a joyful surprise for her would
+discount any bad effect of his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking thus, Darry put his hand eagerly into the inside pocket where
+he had so carefully stowed the little leather pocket-book in which the
+hundred dollar bill given him by Paul, as well as the amount which his
+muskrat pelts had fetched at the hardware store, had been lodged.</p>
+
+<p>The pocket-book was gone!</p>
+
+<p>Poor Darry shivered as if someone had struck him a blow.</p>
+
+<p>Could he have lost it while upon the shore with Paul Singleton and had
+the angry sound claimed it as passage money for having allowed a victim
+to escape?</p>
+
+<p>No, he recollected very distinctly feeling it there as he started from
+the office of the lawyer, after learning that Mr. Quarles was away.</p>
+
+<p>Then it must have fallen out during his struggles on the road, for
+several times he had been on his back, with those "wildcats" clawing at
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Despite the chances of meeting them again, and having the struggle
+renewed, he deliberately turned<a class="pagenum" name="page_159" id="page_159" title="159"></a> back and quickly ran to the spot where
+there were plain evidences to be seen of the free-for-all fight.</p>
+
+<p>How eagerly he searched every foot of that territory, his heart,
+figuratively speaking, in his throat with anxiety. But as the minutes
+passed and he realized the hopeless character of his hunt it seemed to
+drop like lead into his shoes, the change was so great.</p>
+
+<p>Then there remained only one solution of the mystery&mdash;one of those young
+rascals must have inserted a hand in his coat while they were struggling
+there on the road and stolen the pocket-book with its contents.</p>
+
+<p>His heart seemed almost broken, and he even contemplated rushing after
+them to renew the battle and tear the prize from their possession; but a
+little thought caused him to understand how foolish such a move would
+be, for he had no idea as to what quarter they could he heading for when
+they left him, unless it might be that shack in the swamp, and it would
+be rash indeed for him to go there alone.</p>
+
+<p>He tried to pluck up courage enough to go home, basing all his hopes on
+Paul, who had seemed so very kind, and ready to help him out.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Mrs. Peake was astonished at his appearance, but the rising
+anger vanished when she learned who had been the cause of his
+misfortunes&mdash;at least it was turned in the direction of Jim Dilks,<a class="pagenum" name="page_160" id="page_160" title="160"></a> and
+she vowed that before another day had passed she would swear out a
+warrant for his arrest, and go personally to see that Hank Squires did
+his duty.</p>
+
+<p>Depressed in spirits Darry crept away to change his clothes for some
+others she brought him, also once belonging to Joe.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake advised that the muddy garments be hung up until they dried,
+when by a vigorous brushing they might be restored to something like
+their former condition of cleanliness.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, Darry first of all picked up the trousers and placed them
+on a line in a corner of the room, where they could drip without soiling
+the floor, he having spread a newspaper beneath.</p>
+
+<p>Then he proceeded to attend to the coat in the same way.</p>
+
+<p>While engaged in this he felt something bulky in one of the pockets and
+smiled faintly as he remembered thrusting that portion of Sim's torn
+coat there.</p>
+
+<p>This he had done under the impression that Hank might consider it
+conclusive evidence, calculated to convict the young ruffian beyond a
+possibility of doubt.</p>
+
+<p>It might just as well hang alongside the other garments, though Darry
+did not intend removing the incriminating mud stains from the fragment.<a class="pagenum" name="page_161" id="page_161" title="161"></a></p>
+
+<p>As he drew the offending piece of cloth out he was thrilled to feel
+something in the folds, and with trembling fingers he opened it out.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed that with the portion of the coat that had come away in his
+hands was one of the pockets, and out of this receptacle Darry quickly
+drew something at which he stared as though he fancied he were dreaming.</p>
+
+<p><i>His pocket-book!</i></p>
+
+<p>Sim had undoubtedly snatched the same from his person as they wrestled
+upon the ground, and having no other place in which to hide it at the
+moment, had thrust it in the very outside pocket of his coat that a
+minute later remained in the grip of the boy he had robbed.</p>
+
+<p>Darry stared at it until he realized the amazing fortune that had so
+kindly returned him his property, and then rolling over on the floor he
+shook with wild laughter, so that Mrs. Peake came to the door in alarm
+to see if he were ill.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_162" id="page_162" title="162"></a>
+<a name="SATISFYING_THE_MORTGAGE_4265" id="SATISFYING_THE_MORTGAGE_4265"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+<h3>SATISFYING THE MORTGAGE</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>While Darry was gurgling with laughter, still clutching the fragment of
+coat and the precious pocket-book, he felt a hand seize his arm.</p>
+
+<p>Looking up he saw the puzzled and anxious face of Abner's wife.</p>
+
+<p>"What ails you, boy? Did they injure you more than you told me?" she
+asked, as if fearful that he were going out of his mind.</p>
+
+<p>To the further astonishment of the good woman the boy climbed to his
+feet, suddenly threw his arms around her neck and gave her a vigorous
+hug.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right, mother, after all; they didn't get it!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"What's all right? I don't understand at all," she replied, looking at
+the dirty strip of cloth he was holding, and the pocket-book as well.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, what do you think, while we were struggling there on the road,
+with me underneath part of the time, that sneak thief, Sim Clark,
+managed to steal my pocket-book out of my inner pocket. That<a class="pagenum" name="page_163" id="page_163" title="163"></a> was what
+made me seem so blue, for I had something in it I meant to show you. But
+when he tried to run away I held on and part of his coat ripped away. I
+stuck it in my pocket, thinking Hank would like to see it as evidence,
+and when I took it out here, don't you see I found what I had lost in
+Sim's pocket! Did you ever hear of such luck in your born days."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake herself laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"You do seem to be a fortunate boy. And they would have robbed you of
+what little you have. I'm glad you got it back, and I'm determined to
+see Hank Squires to-morrow about this thing. It has gone far enough."</p>
+
+<p>"But I've got something else to tell you. Come and sit down where we can
+talk," he continued, feeling happier than ever before in all his life,
+for he knew he was in a condition to chase away the clouds that had been
+bringing anxiety to her mind for months.</p>
+
+<p>So he told first of all about his visit to the hardware man, and how he
+obtained fourteen dollars for his muskrat skins.</p>
+
+<p>After that came the call upon the lawyer and what followed in connection
+with his offer to pay the interest due, and how Mr. Quarles had
+absolutely refused to accommodate him.<a class="pagenum" name="page_164" id="page_164" title="164"></a></p>
+
+<p>Nancy sighed as she heard what the cold, grasping man of law had said
+about settling old scores.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps she was sorry now she had given him such cause for hatred; but
+better the life she had led than one as the wife of a cruel money shark
+of his breed.</p>
+
+<p>From this Darry soon branched out and spoke of his trip to the shore,
+and how on his return a kindly fate had allowed him to be of material
+assistance to the very young man with whom he expected to spend the
+winter on his launch.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake began to listen more eagerly now, for she surmised that
+something of a pleasant nature was coming.</p>
+
+<p>When Darry finally placed the money in her hand, she looked at it in
+bewilderment, never having touched so much at one time in all her life;
+then she turned her tear-stained eyes upon him, and drawing him into her
+motherly arms kissed him again and again.</p>
+
+<p>And Darry never felt so well repaid for any action of his life as that.</p>
+
+<p>There was sunshine in the Peake house the balance of that day, even
+though the weather without was dark and overcast, for light hearts carry
+an atmosphere of their own that does not depend upon outside
+influences.<a class="pagenum" name="page_165" id="page_165" title="165"></a></p>
+
+<p>The woman would not hear of Darry's going to see the lawyer that night.</p>
+
+<p>Something might happen to him again, with those malicious boys still at
+large, and it would be wiser she thought, to wait until morning, when
+the two of them could take the money to Darius Quarles and satisfy the
+mortgage.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, Nancy thought she would like to see what the money-lender
+looked like when finding his plans frustrated so neatly.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank goodness that relative of his will have to wait some time before
+this house falls into his clutches," she remarked, for the fourth time,
+since it was impossible, just then, to talk about anything else.</p>
+
+<p>So when another day dawned, while the weather was still heavy they
+walked to the village and astonished the lawyer by appearing in his
+office soon after his arrival.</p>
+
+<p>Supposing that Nancy had come to beg for more time, he set his face in
+its hardest lines, even though pretending to be sympathetic&mdash;times were
+out of joint, collections difficult to make, and he absolutely needed
+every cent he could scrape together in order to meet his
+obligations&mdash;that was the way he put it, when she announced she had come
+in relation to the mortgage.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I suppose you will be glad to receive this<a class="pagenum" name="page_166" id="page_166" title="166"></a> money, Darius, and
+return the mortgage canceled to me. And you can be sure that Abner will
+never trouble you in the same way again," she said, thrusting the full
+sum, with interest toward him.</p>
+
+<p>He slowly counted it, and found that every cent, as he had written it
+down for Darry, was there.</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem! this is an unexpected pleasure, Nancy. I congratulate you, indeed
+I do, on your success in finding someone to take over the mortgage," he
+stammered, as his face turned from red to white, and his little eyes
+glittered.</p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken. There will be no mortgage on my home after this. The
+money has been earned by this brave boy here, not borrowed," she said,
+coldly.</p>
+
+<p>This caused him to look at Darry, and his mouth told that he was
+gritting his teeth wrathfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! yes, indeed, truly a remarkable boy. What has he been doing
+now&mdash;taking the rats of the swamp by wholesale, I presume? Let me see,
+only yesterday he had sold twenty-six skins for fourteen dollars, and
+now a hundred dollar bill follows. It is amazing. Pardon me if I doubt
+my eyes. I suppose the bill is a good one?"</p>
+
+<p>"We will wait here until you go and find out. You might ask Mr. Paul
+Singleton, who has a little launch down at the docks, and is a member of
+the<a class="pagenum" name="page_167" id="page_167" title="167"></a> club above," replied Mrs. Peake, with stinging emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>"Did Mr. Singleton give him this money?" demanded the lawyer, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"He did, for saving his launch out in the bay yesterday. And what is
+more, Darry expects to cruise with him the balance of the winter. He has
+taken a great fancy for my boy. You can find him easily if you wish to
+ask him about this."</p>
+
+<p>It was wonderful how quickly the lawyer changed his manner.</p>
+
+<p>He knew who Paul Singleton was, and what wealth he represented in the
+exclusive sporting club near Ashley.</p>
+
+<p>"That alters the complexion of the whole thing. Now I congratulate Darry
+on his good fortune in making such a good, easy friend. Of course the
+bill must be all right if Paul Singleton gave it to him. I will
+immediately attend to the mortgage for you, and also see that it is
+satisfied on the books at the county office. Meanwhile I shall write you
+out a receipt in full, showing that it has been paid."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Peake said nothing more.</p>
+
+<p>She felt the utmost contempt for this man, and having been enabled to
+defeat his scheme for humiliating herself and husband, wished to remain
+in his company no longer than was absolutely necessary.<a class="pagenum" name="page_168" id="page_168" title="168"></a></p>
+
+<p>So she and Darry presently went forth, and how pure even the stormy
+atmosphere seemed after being for half an hour in that spider's web of a
+lawyer's den.</p>
+
+<p>On the strength of the improved prospects Mrs. Peake felt that she was
+privileged to spend a portion of the small sum of money she had been
+hoarding against paying the interest, though as it had not amounted to
+the full sum she had not dared approach Darius with an offer.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Keeler, being a good friend of the Peakes, and inclined to be
+hostile to the lawyer, she naturally confided her late troubles to his
+sympathetic ear, feeling that she could not keep silent.</p>
+
+<p>He shook the hand of the boy with sincerity, and declared that it was a
+great day for Abner and his brood when the surf man helped to pull the
+cabin boy of the <i>Falcon</i> out of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Being a modest lad, Darry escaped as soon as he could, and waited around
+until Mrs. Peake was ready to go home, when he showed up to carry her
+parcels.</p>
+
+<p>The family feasted that night most royally.</p>
+
+<p>Darry himself had purchased a steak in the store as his donation, and
+this was a luxury the little Peakes seldom knew.</p>
+
+<p>Ducks and fish were all very well, together with<a class="pagenum" name="page_169" id="page_169" title="169"></a> oysters, when they
+could get them; but after all there was a sameness in the diet that
+rather palled on the appetite, and that beefsteak with onions did smell
+mighty fine, as even the good cook admitted.</p>
+
+<p>The future looked very rosy to both Darry and Abner's wife.</p>
+
+<p>When the latter heard what Paul Singleton had said about getting some
+place for the life saver ashore, where he could be with his family right
+along, the poor woman broke down and sobbed; but it was joy that caused
+the tears to flow, and Darry felt his own eyes grow wet as he realized
+how she must have suffered while compelled to live in this mean way.</p>
+
+<p>Nancy having been a teacher had looked to better things, no doubt; but
+Abner thus far had lacked the ability to provide them for his family.
+Now, however, the current had changed.</p>
+
+<p>"And to think it all comes through you, boy. God sent you to us, I
+believe, just when things were at the worst. How different it looks now.
+I am the happiest woman in Ashley this night," she declared, and it
+seemed as though she could hardly take her beaming eyes off his face
+during that whole evening as they sat and built air castles for the
+future.</p>
+
+<p>It can be set down as certain that Darry found it hard to get to sleep
+after so much excitement. Long<a class="pagenum" name="page_170" id="page_170" title="170"></a> he lay there and went over all the
+recent experiences, to wonder again and again why Providence was so good
+to him, the waif who had until the last few years known only cuffs and
+trouble.</p>
+
+<p>The morning showed no improvement in the weather, for which Darry
+was sorry, because he wished to cross the sound in order to carry the
+glorious news to Abner and relieve his mind of the worry that must even
+now fill it.</p>
+
+<p>And as the prospect was that even worse weather might follow before it
+would improve he determined to go, though Mrs. Peake was rather loth to
+grant permission.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_171" id="page_171" title="171"></a>
+<a name="ABNER_HEARS_THE_NEWS_4491" id="ABNER_HEARS_THE_NEWS_4491"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+<h3>ABNER HEARS THE NEWS</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>When Darry reached the village and was making for the place where his
+boat was tied up, he remembered that Paul Singleton was close by with
+his motor-boat.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps he was aboard and would be interested in hearing what had
+happened to Darry since they parted.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly he walked that way and was accosted by a genial voice
+calling:</p>
+
+<p>"All hail, comrade, what news? Come aboard. Just thinking about you, and
+if you hadn't hove in sight soon I meant to don my raincoat and saunter
+up to find out what was in the wind. Here you are, just in time to join
+me at my lunch, such as it is&mdash;coffee, a canoeist stew and some fresh
+bread I bought from a good housewife in the village. Sit down right
+there; no excuse, you must know sooner or later what sort of a cook I
+am, for we expect to share many a meal in common."</p>
+
+<p>In such a hearty way did Paul Singleton greet<a class="pagenum" name="page_172" id="page_172" title="172"></a> him, and of course Darry
+had to obey orders, even though hardly hungry.</p>
+
+<p>He entertained Paul with an account of his recent adventures, and that
+young gentleman nearly doubled up with merriment when he heard how a
+malicious fate had succeeded in cheating Sim Clark out of the reward of
+his villainy.</p>
+
+<p>"And where are you off to now?" demanded Paul, when they had finished
+their "snack," as he termed it in Southern style, and Darry seemed to be
+getting ready to depart.</p>
+
+<p>"Across to the station. Mr. Keeler told me last evening there was some
+important mail to go over, and I think its going to storm worse before
+it finally clears up."</p>
+
+<p>"Looks pretty dusty out there even now, for your little tub. Say,
+suppose we take your boat in tow and go over in the launch? I was
+wondering what to do only a little while back. Besides, I've wanted to
+see the surfmen work their boat, and if it comes on to storm hard,
+perhaps there may be a necessity for them to launch. I'd be sorry to
+have a wreck occur; but if it does happen I'd like to be on hand. Say
+yes, now, Darry."</p>
+
+<p>Of course he did, for who could resist Paul Singleton; especially when
+the passage could be made so<a class="pagenum" name="page_173" id="page_173" title="173"></a> much more quickly in the staunch little
+motor-boat than with his own clumsy craft.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time they sallied out.</p>
+
+<p>The cedar craft was a model of the boat builder's art, and carried a
+twelve-horse power engine, so that even though the wind and tide chanced
+to be against them they made steady progress toward the shore seen so
+dimly far across the sound.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly every wave sent the spray flying high in the air as it struck the
+bow; but there was a hood to catch this, and besides both occupants of
+the motor-boat had donned oilskins before starting.</p>
+
+<p>It was a long trip, nevertheless, for the wind continued to increase in
+force as the afternoon waned, and Darry, with a sailor's gift of
+foretelling what the weather was to be, predicted that the succeeding
+night must witness a storm such as had not visited the coast since the
+night he was cast ashore.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was delighted to see his boy, and it was not long before the party
+found shelter in the warm station, for the air was growing bitter.</p>
+
+<p>"A bad night ahead!" said one of the surfmen, after greeting Darry, "and
+worse luck, poor Tom here has broken his leg. Mr. Frazer is somethin' of
+a surgeon, and has set it, but as soon as this storm is over he must be
+taken home. It leaves us short a man if so be we are called out, unless
+some feller<a class="pagenum" name="page_174" id="page_174" title="174"></a> happens to run across before night, which is kinder
+unlikely."</p>
+
+<p>"I'd be only too glad to pull an oar, if necessary, and you couldn't
+find any better man," said Darry, quickly, looking at Abner, who shook
+his head, dubiously.</p>
+
+<p>"They may hev to take yuh, lad; but I hopes as how we aint gwine to be
+called out. It's a cruel night to fight the sea, an' only them as has
+been thar knows wot it means. Now come an' set down here, both on yuh,
+an' tell me all the news from hum. I seen somethin' in your eye, lad,
+thet tells me yuh knows sure a heap wuth hearin'. I hopes it's good
+news," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed it is, the best ever," replied Darry, with bursting heart, and
+then as quickly as he could he told the whole story.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Abner sat there, blinking, and hardly able to comprehend the
+wonderful change that had so suddenly come over his fortunes.</p>
+
+<p>Unable to speak he could only stretch out his hand to Paul, and then
+turning to our hero looked at him with his very soul in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>After a little, when he became calmer, he asked many questions, and even
+had a quiet little laugh at the expense of Darius Quarles.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the second time yuh see he's ben knocked<a class="pagenum" name="page_175" id="page_175" title="175"></a> out a-tryin' to rob
+me. Nancy done it fust a-fallin' into the water, and this time Darry
+here cum to the front. Darius he must be concludin' he was borned under
+an unlucky star, 'specially wen he tackles Nancy Peake. I'd give
+somethin' to see the gal jest now," he added wistfully as he tried to
+picture what she must look like when really and truly happy.</p>
+
+<p>Long they talked, until an early supper was ready, and the men gathered
+about the table, while the wind shrieked and sighed about the corners of
+the station, telling of the severe labors the coming night would demand.</p>
+
+<p>After the meal was finished nothing would do but that Darry must give
+them some music ere the first detail went out on their arduous duties in
+facing the cold storm.</p>
+
+<p>Paul had known nothing of this accomplishment on the part of his new
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>He sat there as though enthralled while Darry drew such weird strains
+from the little polished instrument in his hands that this young man,
+who had doubtless listened to many masters of the violin believed he had
+never in all his life heard such wonderful music.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the strange surroundings had something to do with it, for
+there was a constant accompaniment of howling wind, with the surge of
+the wild<a class="pagenum" name="page_176" id="page_176" title="176"></a> surf beating time to the magic of the bow, and it seemed as
+though the player selected just such music as would be appropriate to
+such a setting.</p>
+
+<p>Finally the first detail had to make ready for their long tramp along
+the beach, and muffled in their oilskins they sallied forth.</p>
+
+<p>Later on Abner and his companions expected to start out, for Paul was
+determined to learn all he could about this hard life of those who
+patrolled the coasts while the storms raged, a helpful auxiliary to the
+lighthouse department.</p>
+
+<p>The men should have sought rest and sleep while they had the chance, but
+no one seemed desirous of lying down.</p>
+
+<p>Tom, the poor fellow with the broken leg, was bearing up bravely, and
+only bemoaned the fact that, if there should be any necessity for the
+launching of the surfboat he could not do his duty.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly everyone started up.</p>
+
+<p>Above the roar of the storm a sound had come that could not be anything
+other than the boom of a gun.</p>
+
+<p>There is nothing that startles more than this sound, heard upon the
+shore as the storm rages, for it invariably tells of peril hovering over
+some vessel that has been beaten from her track and is threatened<a class="pagenum" name="page_177" id="page_177" title="177"></a> with
+wreck, either upon the reefs or the treacherous sands.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly all was bustle and excitement.</p>
+
+<p>Every man donned his oilskins, and as they had made all preparations
+there was little time wasted in doing this.</p>
+
+<p>Paul rushed out with the rest, eager to be "in the swim," as he said.</p>
+
+<p>It was a scene never to be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>The waves were running high and breaking upon the beach with a
+thunderous roar, while the wind added to the clamor; so that save for
+the absence of thunder and lightning the picture seemed to be a
+duplicate of that other so strongly impressed upon Darry's mind.</p>
+
+<p>Down the beach they could catch glimpses of an illumination, and it
+seemed as though some of the coast patrol might be burning coster lights
+to signal the vessel on the reef.</p>
+
+<p>Presently they would come back, when the lifeboat would be launched.</p>
+
+<p>With material that was kept ready for just such an emergency a fire was
+immediately started.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Frazer was looking anxiously down the beach, and Darry heard him
+calling to Abner.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like the looks of things yonder. That fire is none of the work
+of our men. Jim Dilks and<a class="pagenum" name="page_178" id="page_178" title="178"></a> his wreckers must be over here looking for
+pickings. I pity any poor wretch who comes ashore and falls into their
+hands. That scoundrel wouldn't be above robbing a castaway, and even
+chocking out what little life remained in his body, if so be it looked
+like he might tell. Keep a lookout for the rascals, boys. And all give a
+hand here to get the boat out of the shed. We're going to have a hard
+night of it, I'm afraid."</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_179" id="page_179" title="179"></a>
+<a name="DARRY_IN_THE_LIFEBOAT_4686" id="DARRY_IN_THE_LIFEBOAT_4686"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+<h3>DARRY IN THE LIFEBOAT</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>The boat was soon rolled out and placed where it could be quickly
+launched at the word.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Frazer was not only the keeper of the station but the helmsman of
+the lifeboat, which latter was a most responsible position, since he
+must direct the movements of the men who pulled the oars, bring the boat
+under the vessel in peril, manage to rescue as many of those aboard as
+could be carried, and finally navigate the craft successfully to the
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>Darry looked upon him as a wonderful man, a hero, indeed, whose equal he
+had never known.</p>
+
+<p>There were signs of distress seaward. Through his night glasses Mr.
+Frazer reported seeing a steamer in trouble. She had evidently gone on
+the reef, having gotten out of her course in the wild storm, or else
+because the wreckers further down the coast had deceived her navigator
+by means of false beacons.</p>
+
+<p>No matter, she was fast upon the treacherous reef and would likely fill
+and be a wreck before<a class="pagenum" name="page_180" id="page_180" title="180"></a> morning, since her entire port side seemed
+exposed to the fury of the waves.</p>
+
+<p>It was a wonder how anything could remain on board and endure so
+terrific a pounding; if later on she were washed free the chances were
+there would be holes enough in her by that time to cause her to sink
+like a shot.</p>
+
+<p>The lifeboat could not get out to her any too soon.</p>
+
+<p>Those on board were burning lights, and sending up rocket after rocket
+to indicate that their need of assistance was great.</p>
+
+<p>Still nothing could be done until the men on the detail came in.</p>
+
+<p>Already it had been settled that unless assistance came speedily, in the
+shape of a recruit to take the place of Tom, Darry would have to go.</p>
+
+<p>The boy was in a fever of suspense, fearful that he might be cheated out
+of the experience, as on the previous occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Paul was quite useless because he knew so little about pulling an oar,
+while as a sailor, with some years experience on a vessel, Darry was at
+home on the water in any capacity.</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly admire your grit, Darry," said Paul, shuddering as he
+looked out at the heaving waves, the white tops of which loomed up in
+the gloom.<a class="pagenum" name="page_181" id="page_181" title="181"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I'm used to these things. Dozens of storms I've been through, under
+all sorts of conditions," answered the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"All the same it's a big risk. I hope nothing will go wrong. That's a
+mighty small boat to pit against the fury of the sea."</p>
+
+<p>"But as safe as they make them. It's impossible to sink it, and the
+ropes are there to keep us from being swept out, even if flooded. All
+around the outside you see ropes, and if a fellow goes over he holds on
+to one of those until another wave sweeps him back in his seat again,
+and there you are."</p>
+
+<p>Although Darry spoke so lightly it must not be assumed that he failed to
+realize the gravity attending the passage of the surboat out upon such a
+troubled sea; for accidents do happen to the crews of these life-saving
+craft, and many a daring soul has gone to his account while trying to
+rescue others.</p>
+
+<p>But just then the patrol came running up, almost out of breath.</p>
+
+<p>From one man Frazer learned that his surmise concerning the appearance
+of the lawless wreckers on the shore was well founded, and that they had
+been up to some mischief further south, where signs of lights had been
+noticed by this coastguard.</p>
+
+<p>The word was given to take their places, as the boat was about to be
+launched.<a class="pagenum" name="page_182" id="page_182" title="182"></a></p>
+
+<p>They had waited a brief time to allow the newly-arrived men a chance to
+recover their wind for they would need it presently, when once upon the
+heaving bosom of the deep.</p>
+
+<p>Paul squeezed the hand of his young friend.</p>
+
+<p>How he envied him this chance to prove his courage and to pull an oar in
+a life-saving trip.</p>
+
+<p>The rockets had ceased to ascend as though either the supply had given
+out, or else conditions had become so bad that there was no longer a
+chance to carry on this work.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the word:</p>
+
+<p>"Go!"</p>
+
+<p>There was a simultaneous movement on the part of the entire crew, and as
+the sturdy men put their shoulders to the task the surfboat shot forward
+just at the proper instant when a wave expended itself upon the sloping
+beach.</p>
+
+<p>Its prow entered the water, and those furthest ahead sprang into their
+places, whipping the long oars into the rowlocks for a struggle against
+the force of the next onrushing billow.</p>
+
+<p>Darry was one of these.</p>
+
+<p>He had not watched that other launching for nothing, and understood just
+what was required of him, as though through long practice.</p>
+
+<p>Now they were off!<a class="pagenum" name="page_183" id="page_183" title="183"></a></p>
+
+<p>The oars dipped deep, and hardy muscles strained back of them.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly but surely the boat gained against all the fury of the onrushing
+tide, and foot by foot they began to leave the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Paul was shouting, swinging his hat, as Darry could see while he tugged
+at his task.</p>
+
+<p>Once fully launched upon the swelling bosom of the sea, the progress of
+the surfboat was more rapid, though every yard had to be won by the most
+arduous of labor, the men straining like galley slaves under the lash;
+but in this case it was a sense of duty rather than the whip of the
+tyrant that urged them on.</p>
+
+<p>No man but the helmsman saw anything of the steamer that was fast upon
+the cruel jaws of the reef, for it was against orders for anyone to turn
+his head.</p>
+
+<p>Such an incautious movement might throw him out of balance in the swing
+of the stroke and bring about disaster, or at least temporarily
+disarrange their regular advance; they had to trust everything to the
+wisdom and experience of the man who hung on to the long steering oar,
+and blindly obey his shouted instructions.</p>
+
+<p>Many times had he gone forth upon just such a<a class="pagenum" name="page_184" id="page_184" title="184"></a> hazard, and thus far his
+sagacity had proven equal to the task.</p>
+
+<p>They began to hear human voices shrieking through the storm.</p>
+
+<p>That meant they were drawing close under the lee of the steamer, and
+that those on board must have sighted them, and were consequently filled
+with new hope.</p>
+
+<p>Above all else came the awful pounding of the sea upon the side of the
+doomed steamer.</p>
+
+<p>Darry knew the sound well, for many a night had he gone calmly to sleep
+while the chorus of the elements was beating close to his head.</p>
+
+<p>He had pulled well, and held his own with the brawny men of the crew,
+just as Mr. Frazer had known would be the case when he allowed him to
+take the place of Tom in the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Abner was next to him, and the surfman had watched the manly efforts of
+his adopted boy with secret delight.</p>
+
+<p>Few boys indeed of his size could have proven their worth to the crew of
+the lifeboat in time of need as Darry had done.</p>
+
+<p>He could indeed be reckoned one of the life savers from this hour on, if
+so be they came back again to the shore that had witnessed their
+departure.</p>
+
+<p>Now, as they swung around temporarily the rowers<a class="pagenum" name="page_185" id="page_185" title="185"></a> were afforded their
+first glimpse of the imperiled vessel.</p>
+
+<p>It was undoubtedly a steamer, one of the coasters that pass up and down
+the Atlantic seaboard, bound from New York to one of the various
+southern ports, or <i>vice versa</i>, and usually keeping far enough out to
+avoid the perils that hover about Kitty Hawk and Hatteras.</p>
+
+<p>She was in a bad position, having gone ashore, or been washed aground,
+so that her whole quarter was exposed to the sweep of the boiling sea.</p>
+
+<p>Through the flying spray they could see numerous figures along the lee
+rail of the vessel, hanging on desperately, while now and then the water
+would sweep over the deck, and at such times a chorus of screams told
+that there were other than men there, women half frightened out of their
+senses by the peril.</p>
+
+<p>The surfboat was, after some maneuvering, gotten in such a position
+under the lee of the steamer that a rope could be thrown aboard.</p>
+
+<p>Then a woman was lowered by means of this, and safely stowed away.</p>
+
+<p>As the rope had been fastened to the boat there was no longer necessity
+for the crew to strain at the oars, consequently they were at liberty to
+assist in caring for those sent down by the steamer's<a class="pagenum" name="page_186" id="page_186" title="186"></a> crew, working
+under the direction of a cool, level-headed captain.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had cast off his oilskins, as being in the way.</p>
+
+<p>A wetting was of small moment anyway to one so warm-blooded as he, and
+the cumbersome garments impeded his movements, since they were meant for
+a big man.</p>
+
+<p>The sleeve of his shirt had also become torn in some way and flapped
+loose until he tucked it up out of the way.</p>
+
+<p>All unconscious of the picturesque figure he made he continued to work
+with all his might, helping to receive the women and children as they
+were slipped over the side.</p>
+
+<p>Many an eye was attracted toward him as seen by the light of the
+lanterns that were held over the side of the steamer to aid the workers,
+and more than one wondered how it came that a mere lad was to be found
+keeping company with these hardy men of the coast, seasoned to storms,
+and able to defy the rigors of the cold.</p>
+
+<p>It was no easy task to take on a load of the passengers under such
+conditions.</p>
+
+<p>Only when the surfboat rose on a billow could they be lowered, for at
+other times the distance was<a class="pagenum" name="page_187" id="page_187" title="187"></a> so great that the deck of the steamer
+looked as far away as the roof of a tall building.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, thanks to the ability of the steamer captain, and the experience of
+the surfmen below, the shipping of the women and children was
+accomplished with but a single accident.</p>
+
+<p>One child dropped off the rope, having been insecurely fastened, and
+with the shrieks of the women fell into the sea, but hardly had she
+reached the water than with a splash Darry was over, and had seized upon
+the little one.</p>
+
+<p>His companions immediately reached out friendly hands, and both were
+drawn into the plunging boat, amid frantic cheers from all who had seen
+the daring rescue.</p>
+
+<p>One woman seized hold of the boy as he pushed his way through the crowd
+to his place at the oars, and looked wildly in his face.</p>
+
+<p>He supposed she must be the mother of the child he had saved, and not
+wishing for any scene just then, when he was needed at his place, as
+they were about to cast off, Darry gently broke her hold, leaving on her
+knees and staring after him.</p>
+
+<p>Although he little suspected the fact it was something else that had
+chained the attention of this woman passenger; and even as she knelt in
+the bottom of the boat, which was beginning its perilous<a class="pagenum" name="page_188" id="page_188" title="188"></a> passage toward
+the shore, her eyes continued to be riveted upon his face, and she was
+saying to herself over and over:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! who is he, that boy? I must see him again if we both live. Can it
+be possible he had any connection with Paul's telegram? I have come far,
+but I would go over the distance a thousand times if only a great joy
+awaited me. Yes, I must see him surely again!"</p>
+
+<p>From which it would appear that the friendly fortune that seemed to be
+attending the affairs of our young hero of late had again started work;
+and that even in gratifying his wild desire to serve as a life saver
+Darry had been advancing his own cause.</p>
+
+<p>Now the lifeboat was headed for the shore, and sweeping in on a giant
+roller.</p>
+
+<p>Great care had to be exercised lest the boat broach-to, and those in her
+be spilled out, when some must be drowned, for having taken so many
+aboard they lacked the buoyancy that had previously marked their
+progress.</p>
+
+<p>Standing in his place the steersman carefully noted every little point,
+and high above the rush of the storm his voice rang out as he ordered
+the crew to cease rowing, or to pull hard.</p>
+
+<p>It was well worth experiencing, and Darry was<a class="pagenum" name="page_189" id="page_189" title="189"></a> glad he had at last found
+a chance to go out with the crew.</p>
+
+<p>Abner knew that at least one more trip would have to be made, in order
+to take off the crew of the steamer, and he was determined that if there
+should have arrived any substitute on the beach while they were away
+Darry must not be called upon to undertake the second voyage.</p>
+
+<p>The strain was terrific for a mere stripling of his build, and only old
+seasoned veterans could stand under it.</p>
+
+<p>There was no need of questioning the willingness of the lad to volunteer
+again; and if it seemed absolutely necessary Abner would give his
+consent, but he hoped circumstances might change and another hand be
+provided.</p>
+
+<p>With the women and children they had several of the crew who had come
+along to relieve any oarsman who might give under the great strain; the
+more sent in this load the less remaining for the next, and among these
+Abner had picked upon a certain husky fellow who seemed able to do his
+part if called upon.</p>
+
+<p>Now the shore was close by.</p>
+
+<p>The fire burned brightly, fed by Paul, and the steersman could see
+several other men at the water's edge, proving that they had crossed the
+sound in<a class="pagenum" name="page_190" id="page_190" title="190"></a> some sort of staunch craft, or had come down from above,
+knowing the wreck was close to the life-saving station.</p>
+
+<p>At last the boat mounted the last billow on which she was to continue
+her voyage to the beach.</p>
+
+<p>The crew pulled heartily to keep her perched high on its foamy crest,
+and in this fashion they went rushing shoreward.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_191" id="page_191" title="191"></a>
+<a name="THE_AWAKENING_4996" id="THE_AWAKENING_4996"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2>
+<h3>THE AWAKENING</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>As the boat shot forward and her keel grated on the sand the crew were
+over the sides like a shot, seizing upon her in order to prevent the
+outgoing wave from carrying her along.</p>
+
+<p>Then one by one the women and children were carried to the shore, and
+hurried to the shelter of the station, where a warm fire and something
+to drink in the way of coffee and tea would put new life in the
+shuddering mass.</p>
+
+<p>The woman who had been so strangely agitated at sight of Darry seemed to
+be a lady of refinement, but she was almost perishing from the cold, and
+did not resist when they forced her to seek shelter.</p>
+
+<p>Once she turned around and looked back to where Darry was busy; but when
+inside the house she swooned from exhaustion, to come to later and find
+Paul Singleton bending anxiously over her, with words of affection on
+his lips.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Darry was ready to again take his place with the rest, but
+Abner had been busy, and<a class="pagenum" name="page_192" id="page_192" title="192"></a> spoke to Mr. Frazer, who in turn engaged a
+stalwart fisherman to fill the vacancy caused by Tom's absence.</p>
+
+<p>Although disappointed, Darry did not insist, for he knew the tax upon
+his young muscles had been severe, and if he failed it might throw the
+whole crew out of balance.</p>
+
+<p>So he saw them set out again, with his heart in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>When they had vanished from view he walked nervously up and down the
+beach for a short time; then noticing the presence of a moving light not
+more than half a mile down the shore he remembered what he had heard Mr.
+Frazer say about the wreckers being abroad, looking for anything of
+value they could lay hands on.</p>
+
+<p>Usually these men make their living by gathering up whatever may be cast
+on the beach after a vessel has gone to pieces, and thus far their
+calling is legitimate, but as a rule they are a bad class, and at times,
+when fortune frowns upon their efforts, many of their kind resort to
+desperate means for accumulating riches, even robbing the dead, and it
+was hinted in connection with Jim Dilks' crowd, going still further.</p>
+
+<p>When a vessel is in danger of going to pieces, the passengers usually
+load themselves with what valuables<a class="pagenum" name="page_193" id="page_193" title="193"></a> they may possess in the hope of
+saving these in case they reach the shore in safety; so that these
+ghouls frequently find a little fortune upon the persons of the drowned
+travelers.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had heard the crew of the lifeboat talking about these wreckers so
+frequently that he was more than curious with regard to them, and as he
+saw the lantern moving to and fro along the water's edge, now
+approaching and again retreating, he felt a sudden desire to look upon
+their methods of work. It was not a wise move on his part at all, for
+such men are as a rule desperate characters, and resent being spied
+upon, since such action savors too much of the law and justice in their
+eyes; but Darry was only a venturesome boy, who somehow never knew the
+meaning of the word fear, and a little saunter along the beach would
+pass away some of the time until the boat came in again.</p>
+
+<p>So he started off, telling no one of his intention, though one man
+noticed him walk away, which fact proved fortunate in the end.</p>
+
+<p>As he drew nearer the moving light he saw that, as he had suspected, it
+was a lantern held in the hand of a big man who was passing along as
+close to the edge of the water as he could, and surveying with the eye
+of a hawk each incoming billow, as though he expected to discover a
+floating form that<a class="pagenum" name="page_194" id="page_194" title="194"></a> must be snatched away ere it were carried out again.</p>
+
+<p>But it was no errand of mercy that caused this human vulture to keep up
+his unceasing vigil; for should the body of a luckless passenger come
+ashore his first act would be to rifle the pockets rather than attempt
+to restore life.</p>
+
+<p>Darry caught a glimpse of several other figures beyond, but their
+lanterns had evidently given out, so they were trusting to their eyes
+alone for seeing in the dark.</p>
+
+<p>He had never as yet met big Jim Dilks, but something told him that this
+man was now before him, and he wondered if the son might not also be one
+of the other prowlers beyond, since he evidently possessed the same kind
+of savage instincts that characterized his father.</p>
+
+<p>Darry had come as close as he deemed prudent when he saw the man start
+forward with a sudden swoop, and seizing some object from the inflowing
+wave drag it up on the shore.</p>
+
+<p>There was no outcry to call the attention of others, for evidently this
+was a game of "every man for himself," though possibly a division of
+spoils might be made later on.</p>
+
+<p>Horrified, Darry pressed closer, for he fancied he had seen a feeble
+movement on the part of the figure<a class="pagenum" name="page_195" id="page_195" title="195"></a> drawn from the waves&mdash;doubtless
+alone and unassisted the swimmer could never have crawled out on the
+beach, but now that he was beyond reach of the waves, would the man who
+had snatched him ashore do the slightest thing to keep the spark of life
+from going out entirely?</p>
+
+<p>He saw Jim Dilks bend eagerly down.</p>
+
+<p>Closer still Darry pressed, unconscious in his eagerness to see that he
+was placing his own life in danger.</p>
+
+<p>The man who would not hesitate to rob the dead might go even further in
+order to conceal his crime.</p>
+
+<p>He saw Jiw Dilks hurriedly search through the pockets of the figure,
+transfer a number of articles to his own person, and then with a growl
+lift the body in his arms, giving it a toss that once more sent it
+afloat.</p>
+
+<p>The terrible nature of this act brought out a half-stifled cry from the
+watching boy, and the wrecker, startled, wheeled to see him there.</p>
+
+<p>He darted upon him like a wolf, and ere Darry could lift a hand to save
+himself he was struck a severe blow on the head.</p>
+
+<p>After that he knew nothing more.</p>
+
+<p>When he opened his eyes later he found himself in the life-saving
+station, and for a minute or so wondered what had happened, for as he
+started to<a class="pagenum" name="page_196" id="page_196" title="196"></a> rise there was a severe pain in his head, and he sank back
+with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>Then it all seemed to pass before him.</p>
+
+<p>Again he could see the savage face of big Jim, as he turned like a
+sheep-killing dog caught in the act, and once more Darry shivered with
+the terrible thought that life had not wholly departed from the wretched
+passenger from the ill-fated steamer at the time the wrecker tossed him
+back into the merciless sea.</p>
+
+<p>Who had found him, and brought him here, when evidently the lawless man
+had intended that he should share the fate of the doomed passenger, and
+thus forever have his lips sealed?</p>
+
+<p>Someone must have heard him sigh, for there was a movement close by, and
+his eyes took in the eager face of Paul Singleton.</p>
+
+<p>"Bully for you, Darry! We were getting mighty anxious about you, but I
+can see you're all right now. It has been hard to keep Abner at his duty
+watching the shore. Every little while he appears at the door to ask if
+you have recovered your senses yet. Why, he couldn't be more fond of you
+if you were his own Joe," said Paul, running his hand tenderly over the
+boy's forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand how I got here," declared Darry; "the last thing I
+remember was being struck<a class="pagenum" name="page_197" id="page_197" title="197"></a> by the fist of that brute, big Jim Dilks. He
+had just robbed a passenger from the wreck. I saw him pull the body out
+of the water, clean out the pockets, and then throw the poor fellow back
+again. And, Mr. Singleton, it's a terrible thing to say, but I'm most
+sure there was life still in the body of the man he robbed when he
+tossed him back!"</p>
+
+<p>"The scoundrel, I wouldn't put it past him a particle. And that isn't
+the first time he and his gang have done the same thing either. But
+their time has come, Darry. Even now I chance to know that the
+government has sent agents down here to make arrests, urged on by the
+women of Ashley, and before another day rolls around all of those
+rascals will be in the toils. You may be called on to give evidence
+against Dilks. But please forget all about this gruesome matter just
+now, my dear boy. There is something else of a vastly different nature
+that awaits you&mdash;some delightful intelligence, in fact."</p>
+
+<p>Paul paused to let the half-dazed lad drink in the meaning of his words.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Mr. Singleton!" he began.</p>
+
+<p>"No, from this hour let it be Paul&mdash;Cousin Paul, in truth. You know, I
+said I wanted you to look upon me as an elder brother, but now it seems
+that we are actually related, and that I am your full-fledged cousin."<a class="pagenum" name="page_198" id="page_198" title="198"></a></p>
+
+<p>"My cousin! Oh! what can you mean?" gasped the bewildered Darry.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you without beating around the bush, then. You are no longer
+the poor homeless waif you used to believe yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"No, that is true, thanks to dear old Abner and Nancy," murmured Darry,
+loyal to his good friends in this hour.</p>
+
+<p>"But there is someone who has a better claim upon your affection than
+either Abner or Nancy, kind-hearted though they undoubtedly are. It is
+your own mother, Darry!" exclaimed the young man, leaning over closer as
+he said that word of magic.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother! My mother! How sweet that sounds! But tell me how can this be?
+Who am I, and where is she? How did you find it out, and, oh! Paul, are
+you <i>sure</i>, quite sure? A disappointment after this would be hard to
+bear."</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fears, Darry, there is no longer the slightest shadow of a
+doubt. The minute my aunt set her eyes on that crescent-shaped mark on
+your arm she knew beyond all question that Heaven had granted her
+prayers of years, and in this marvelous way restored her only child to
+her again. She saw you leap overboard to save that little child, and she
+recognized in your face the look she remembered so well as marking the
+countenance of her husband,<a class="pagenum" name="page_199" id="page_199" title="199"></a> now long since dead. She says you are his
+living picture as a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember some lady seizing hold of my arm after they dragged me
+aboard the lifeboat, but at the time I believed it must be the mother of
+the child, and I was anxious to get back to my place, for the boat might
+upset with one oar missing. And that was&mdash;my mother?"</p>
+
+<p>How softly, how tenderly, he spoke the word, as though it might be
+something he had only dared dream about, and had difficulty in realizing
+now that he could claim what nearly all other boys had, a parent.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that was my dear Aunt Elizabeth. I wired her away down in South
+America, where she was visiting cousins, and it has taken her quite a
+while to get here. She had to change steamers twice, and meant to come
+back here from New York by rail, when a strange freak of fortune sent
+that vessel upon the reef, and placed you in the lifeboat that went to
+the rescue. After this I shall stand in awe of the mysterious workings
+of Providence, since this beats anything I ever heard of. I could see
+something familiar in your looks, and after hearing your story sent for
+her on a chance. That was why I dared not tell you any more than I did.
+If I had only known about the history of that scar on your<a class="pagenum" name="page_200" id="page_200" title="200"></a> arm I would
+have been positive. She asked me immediately about it, and when I told
+her it was surely there she fainted again."</p>
+
+<p>"My mother! how strange it seems. Go on please, Paul," murmured the boy,
+reaching out and possessing himself of the other's hand, as though its
+touch gave him assurance that this was not one of his tantalizing
+dreams.</p>
+
+<p>"I went in search of you, and one of the men told me he had seen you
+walking down the beach, as though attracted by the light which he
+believed was a lantern carried by a wrecker, perhaps the feared Jim
+Dilks. I engaged him to accompany me, and securing a lantern we hurried
+along. And Darry, we found you just in time, for the sea was carrying
+you out. I believe that wretch must have cast you into the water just as
+he did the body of the passenger."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I owe my life to you&mdash;Cousin Paul?"</p>
+
+<p>"If so it only squares accounts, for I guess I'd have gone under out
+there on the sound only for your coming in time. But Darry, do you think
+you feel strong enough to see your mother? I forced her to lie down in
+the little room beyond, but she cannot sleep from the excitement."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, oh! yes. Please bring her. I shall be a long time understanding it
+all, and trying to realize<a class="pagenum" name="page_201" id="page_201" title="201"></a> that I am truly awake. To think that I
+really have a mother!"</p>
+
+<p>Darry drew a long breath, and followed Paul with eager eyes as he went
+through the doorway into the other room.</p>
+
+<p>It was dawn now.</p>
+
+<p>In more senses than one the day had come to Darry.</p>
+
+<p>He heard low voices, and then someone came through the door, someone
+whose eyes were fastened hungrily upon his face.</p>
+
+<p>Darry struggled to sit up, and was just in time to feel a pair of arms
+around his neck and have his poor aching head drawn lovingly upon the
+bosom of the mother whom he had not known since infancy.</p>
+
+<hr class="major" />
+<div style="margin: auto; text-align: center; padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em">
+<a class="pagenum" name="page_202" id="page_202" title="202"></a>
+<a name="CONCLUSION_5263" id="CONCLUSION_5263"></a>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2>
+<h3>CONCLUSION</h3>
+</div>
+
+<p>Later on, in fragments, Darry learned the whole story. It was all very
+wonderful, and yet simple enough.</p>
+
+<p>The old man whom he remembered so well, and who had told him to call him
+uncle, was in reality a brother of his mother.</p>
+
+<p>He had quarreled with his sister Elizabeth's husband, after abusing his
+kindness, and to cancel what he called a debt, had actually stolen the
+only child of the man he had wronged and hated.</p>
+
+<p>An old story, yet happening just as frequently in these modern days as
+in times of old, for men have the same passions, and there is nothing
+new under the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Everything that money could do was done to find the man and the little
+boy he had kidnapped, but he proved too cunning for them all, and
+although several times traces were found of his being at some foreign
+city, when a hunt was made he had again vanished.<a class="pagenum" name="page_203" id="page_203" title="203"></a></p>
+
+<p>So the years came and went, and the child's mother was left a widow.</p>
+
+<p>Hope never deserted her heart, though it must have grown fainter as time
+passed on, and all traces of the wicked child-stealer seemed swallowed
+up in mystery.</p>
+
+<p>Paul had known of her great trouble, and it was the remarkable
+resemblance of Darry to a picture he had seen of his uncle Rudolph as a
+boy that first startled him.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the story about the waif, and this gave him strong hopes that
+by the wonderful favor of Providence he had been enabled to come across
+the long-lost boy, his own cousin.</p>
+
+<p>Their happiness was subdued, for there had been lives lost in the storm,
+a number of passengers and crew having been swept from the deck of the
+steamer by the giant waves before the coming of the life savers.</p>
+
+<p>As the storm subsided by noon, our little party, increased by Abner's
+presence, was enabled to cross the still rough sound in the staunch
+motor-boat of Paul, and to Nancy's amazement appeared at her humble
+little home.</p>
+
+<p>She heard the story of Darry's great good fortune with mingled emotions,
+for while she could not but rejoice with him in that he had found a
+mother,<a class="pagenum" name="page_204" id="page_204" title="204"></a> still, in a way, it seemed to the poor woman as though she had
+been bereaved a second time, for she was beginning to love the boy who
+had come into her life to take the place of Joe.</p>
+
+<p>Still, the future appeared so rosy that even Nancy could not but feel
+the uplift, and her face beamed with the general joy as she bustled
+around and strove to prepare a supper for her guests.</p>
+
+<p>In the village they had heard news.</p>
+
+<p>Jim Dilks and several of his cronies were in the hands of the United
+States authorities, having been arrested on serious charges.</p>
+
+<p>Later on they were convicted of using false beacons in order to lure
+vessels on the reefs for wicked purposes, and of robbing the dead cast
+up on the shore.</p>
+
+<p>A more serious charge could not be proven, though few doubted their
+innocence.</p>
+
+<p>Darry, or as he was compelled to call himself now, Adrian Singleton,
+being summoned to give evidence, helped to send the big wrecker to his
+well-earned solitude by telling what he had seen on the night of the
+last storm, and as some jewelry was found in his possession, which was
+identified by the wife of a passenger who lost his life, and whose body
+was washed up on the beach later on, there was no difficulty in securing
+his conviction.<a class="pagenum" name="page_205" id="page_205" title="205"></a></p>
+
+<p>As for his profligate son, he was not long in following the elder Dilks
+to confinement, being caught in some crime that partook of the nature of
+robbery, and was sent to a reformatory, where it is to be hoped he may
+learn a lesson calculated to make him a better man when he comes forth.</p>
+
+<p>Since these happenings took place only a few years back, young Jim is
+still in confinement; his boon companions Sim Clark and Bowser vanished
+from Ashley and doubtless sought congenial surroundings in Wilmington,
+where they could pursue their destiny along evil lines until the long
+arm of the law reached out and brought them to book.</p>
+
+<p>True to his word, Paul saw to it that Abner Peake was placed in charge
+of the big farm he owned, not a great distance away from Ashley, and
+here the former life saver and his family have every comfort their
+simple hearts could wish for, so that they count it the luckiest day of
+their lives when the cabin boy of the lost brigantine, <i>Falcon</i>, was
+washed up on the beach out by the life-saving station.</p>
+
+<p>About once a year Abner visits his old chums out on the beach, spending
+a couple of days in their company and reviving old times, but on such
+occasions they often see him sitting by himself under the shelter of
+some old remnant of a former wreck, his calm blue eyes fixed in an
+absent-minded fashion<a class="pagenum" name="page_206" id="page_206" title="206"></a> upon the distant level horizon of Old Ocean, and
+at such times no one ventures to disturb him, for well they know that he
+is holding silent communion with the spirit of poor little Joe, who went
+out with the tide, and was seen no more.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhere upon that broad, lonely ocean his little form has found a
+resting place, and so long as he lives must Abner drop a tear in his
+memory whenever he sets eyes upon his watery shroud.</p>
+
+<p>But the Peakes are happy, and the twins are growing up to be buxom
+children.</p>
+
+<p>There is another little laughing Peake now, a boy at that, and at last
+accounts Darry&mdash;it is hard to call him by any other name&mdash;heard that he
+is destined to be christened Joseph Darry Peake.</p>
+
+<p>After all, Paul and Darry did have a chance to spend some part of the
+winter cruising together on the sound, although our hero later on
+decided that he must start in to make himself worthy of the position
+which was from this time to be his lot, and enrolled at an academy where
+his fond mother could be near him, and have a home in which he might
+find some of the happiness that fate had cheated him out of for so long.</p>
+
+<p>No one who knows the youth doubts that he has a promising future before
+him, and many prophesy<a class="pagenum" name="page_207" id="page_207" title="207"></a> that he will eventually make a more famous
+lawyer than his father was before him.</p>
+
+<p>Often Darry loves, when by himself, to look back to the days that are no
+more, and at such times he thinks with gratitude of the friends whom a
+kindly Providence raised up for him in his time of need.</p>
+
+<p>Among these he never fails to include Captain Harley, the skipper of the
+<i>Falcon</i>, whose widow Darry had communicated with while he was still
+under the roof of the life saver's home, and whom he later on met
+personally, as she came on to hear all he could tell about her lost
+husband.</p>
+
+<p>And the brave life savers on that desolate Carolina beach have not been
+forgotten by the grateful mother of the boy they had adopted, for during
+each winter there always comes a huge box filled with such warm clothing
+as men in their arduous and dangerous profession greatly need.</p>
+
+<p>At Christmas holidays Darry, Paul and Mrs. Singleton make it a point to
+spend a week at Ashley, during which time they live again the stirring
+scenes of the past, and find much cause for gratitude because of the
+wonderful favors that were showered upon them in that locality.</p>
+
+<p class='center' style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:3em;'>THE END</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Darry the Life Saver, by Frank V. Webster
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,5755 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Darry the Life Saver, by Frank V. Webster
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Darry the Life Saver
+       The Heroes of the Coast
+
+Author: Frank V. Webster
+
+Release Date: August 8, 2007 [EBook #22277]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DARRY THE LIFE SAVER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THEN A WOMAN WAS LOWERED BY MEANS OF THIS, AND SAFELY
+STOWED AWAY. Darry the Life Saver--Page 185]
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+DARRY THE LIFE SAVER
+Or
+The Heroes of the Coast
+
+By
+FRANK V. WEBSTER
+
+Author of "Only a Farm Boy," "Bob the Castaway,"
+"The Boys of Bellewood School," etc.
+
+ILLUSTRATED
+
+New York
+Cupples & Leon Company
+Publishers
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS
+
+By FRANK V. WEBSTER
+
+12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid
+
+ONLY A FARM BOY
+TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY
+THE BOY FROM THE RANCH
+THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER
+BOB, THE CASTAWAY
+THE YOUNG FIREMEN OF LAKEVILLE
+THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS
+THE BOY PILOT OF THE LAKES
+TWO BOY GOLD MINERS
+JACK, THE RUNAWAY
+COMRADES OF THE SADDLE
+THE BOYS OF BELLWOOD SCHOOL
+THE HIGH SCHOOL RIVALS
+AIRSHIP ANDY
+BOB CHESTER'S GRIT
+BEN HARDY'S FLYING MACHINE
+DICK, THE BANK BOY
+DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER
+
+Copyright, 1911, by
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY
+
+DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+CONTENTS
+
+   CHAPTER                                                PAGE
+
+         I. The Hurricane                                    1
+        II. Saved by the Life Chain                         10
+       III. Abner Peake's Offer                             19
+        IV. The Cabin by the Sea                            29
+         V. An Encounter on the Road                        39
+        VI. Winning His Way                                 46
+       VII. The Midnight Alarm                              55
+      VIII. Across the Bay                                  63
+        IX. The Signal Rocket                               71
+         X. Jim the Bully                                   78
+        XI. A Glorious Prospect                             86
+       XII. The Stolen Traps                                94
+      XIII. Joe's Shotgun Secures a Supper                 102
+       XIV. The Lonely Vigil of the Coast Patrol           110
+        XV. The Power of Music                             117
+       XVI. Darry Meets with a Rebuff                      124
+      XVII. Abner Tells a Little History                   132
+     XVIII. The Imprisoned Launch                          139
+       XIX. The Part of an Elder Brother                   146
+        XX. Bad Luck and Good                              154
+       XXI. Satisfying the Mortgage                        162
+      XXII. Abner Hears the News                           171
+     XXIII. Darry in the Lifeboat                          179
+      XXIV. The Awakening                                  191
+       XXV. Conclusion                                     202
+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE HURRICANE
+
+
+"Will we ever weather this terrible storm?"
+
+It was a half-grown lad who flung this despairing question out; the wind
+carried the sound of his voice off over the billows; but there came no
+answer.
+
+A brigantine, battered by the tropical hurricane sweeping up from the
+Caribbean Sea, was staggering along like a wounded beast. Her masts had
+long since gone by the board, and upon the stump of the mizzen-stick a
+bit of canvas like a goose-wing had been spread in the useless endeavor
+to maintain steerageway.
+
+All around, the sea rose and fell in mountainous waves, on which the
+poor wreck tossed about, as helpless as a cork.
+
+Though the lad, lashed to some of the rigging that still clung to the
+temporary jury mast, strained his eyes to the utmost, he could see
+nothing but the waste of waves, the uplifting tops of which curled over,
+and were snatched away in flying spud by the furious wind.
+
+Darry was the cabin boy of the _Falcon_, having sailed with Captain
+Harley now for several years. The old navigator had run across him in a
+foreign port, and under most peculiar conditions.
+
+Hearing a boyish voice that somehow struck his fancy, raised in angry
+protest, followed by the crack of a whip, and much loud laughing, the
+skipper of the brigantine had pushed into a cafe in Naples.
+
+Here he discovered a small, but sturdy lad, who had apparently been
+playing a violin for coppers, refusing to dance for a big brute of a
+sailor, an Italian, who had seized upon his beloved instrument.
+
+When the boy had made an effort to recover the violin the bully
+deliberately smashed it on the back of a chair.
+
+Then, laughing at the poor little chap's expressions of grief as he
+gathered up the pieces tenderly in his arms, the brutal sailor had
+seized upon a carter's whip, and cracking it loudly, declared that he
+would lay it over the boy's shoulders unless he mounted a table and
+danced to his whistling.
+
+It was then that the big mariner strode in and stood between the lad and
+his cowardly persecutors.
+
+When good-hearted Captain Harley heard the boy's pitiful story, and that
+he was a waif, having been abandoned some years before by an old man
+with whom he seemed to have been traveling, he offered to befriend him,
+and give him a chance to see something of the world as cabin boy on the
+good old brigantine, _Falcon_.
+
+This offer the little chap had eagerly accepted, for he believed he must
+be of American birth, and somehow longed to set foot on that land far
+across the sea.
+
+Some years had passed.
+
+Darry knew no other home save the friendly cabin of the brigantine, and
+since he had no knowledge as to what his name might be, by degrees he
+came to assume that of his benefactor.
+
+During these years the boy had seen much of the world, and learned many
+things under the guidance of the warm-hearted captain.
+
+Of course he spent many bitter hours in vain regrets over the fact that
+there was so little chance of his ever learning his identity--only a
+slender link seemed to connect him with that mysterious past that was
+hidden from his sight; and this was a curious little scar upon his right
+arm just below the elbow.
+
+It looked like a crescent moon, and had been there ever since he could
+remember.
+
+This fact caused Darry to believe it might be the result of some
+accident that must have occurred while he was yet a baby.
+
+If such were the case then some people, _somewhere_, would be apt to
+recognize this peculiar mark if they ever saw it again.
+
+Captain Harley had always encouraged him in the belief that some happy
+day he would surely know the truth.
+
+Just now, however, it really looked as though Darry need no longer allow
+himself to feel any anxiety on that score.
+
+The ocean depths would offer just as easy a resting place to a nameless
+waif as to a crowned monarch.
+
+When the great waves broke over the drifting vessel the rush of water
+must have swept him away, only that he had been wise enough to lash
+himself to the stump of the mizzen-mast.
+
+During a little lull in the tempest someone joined him, also using the
+whipping rope-ends to secure his hold.
+
+Darry saw by the aid of the darting lightning that it was his good
+friend, the captain; and with his thoughts still taken up with the peril
+of his situation he repeated the question that only the mocking winds
+had heard before:
+
+"Will we ever weather this storm, captain?"
+
+"I fear not, my lad," replied the master of the ship, sadly, "the poor
+old hulk is now only a plaything for the elements. It looks as though
+the _Falcon_ had reached the end of her voyaging at last. Twenty years
+have I commanded her. I have a feeling that if so be she goes down I
+will not survive her."
+
+The roar of the gale was such that it became necessary to shout at
+times, in order to make one's self heard above the elements.
+
+"Are we near the coast?" asked the boy, anxiously; for he knew that such
+a thing must double their danger.
+
+"I am afraid it is only too true, though the storm has been so prolonged
+that I have long ago lost my reckoning," replied the mariner.
+
+"But you told me these coasts are patrolled by brave life savers, who
+always stand ready to risk everything in case a vessel is driven on the
+reefs?" continued the boy, trying to see a gleam of hope through the
+gloom.
+
+"That is true, but alas! I am afraid even the bravest of men would find
+themselves helpless in such a terrific blow as this."
+
+"But, captain, surely you have not given up all hope?" anxiously
+demanded Darry, trying to face the terrible prospect with a brave heart.
+
+"I never do that, lad. But one of us may not live to reach the shore;
+and since it is so, I wanted to have a few last words with you, and then
+I must return to my duty, which is to try and steer this drifting hulk
+until the end comes."
+
+He reached out his hand.
+
+The boy eagerly clutched it, and there, as the lightning flashed, he
+looked into the kind face of his benefactor.
+
+Something seemed to tell him that it was the last time he would ever
+feel the pressure of that friendly hand, and this thought alarmed him as
+the storm had thus far been unable to do.
+
+"Listen, and take heed, my lad," said the skipper, earnestly, "it may be
+that Providence will shield you through this time of trouble, and that
+you shall reach the shore in safety after all. Should ill befall me I
+want you to write my old mother up in York State--you know where she
+lives. I have made all preparations, so that she will be provided for,
+and my sister also. Do you understand me?"
+
+"Oh! yes, sir! But I hope we may both pull through!" cried the boy,
+earnestly.
+
+"So do I, for life is sweet; but it may not be. Now, lad, about
+yourself, and I am done. Remember all that I have taught you. Then you
+will grow up to be a true man. And continue to search for some evidence
+of your people. That mark on your arm may be of great value to you some
+day. Hark! I fancied I caught the sound of the breakers just then! It is
+possible that the time has come for us to part. Good bye, my boy, and
+God bless you whatever betide!"
+
+Another fierce pressure of the hand, and Captain Harley was gone.
+
+Standing there, filled with horror and dismay, Darry caught a last
+glimpse of his guardian staggering across the wet deck, and then the
+gloom forever hid him from view.
+
+The days would come, and the days would go, but always must he remember
+that the last thought of the noble captain was for him.
+
+He strained his hearing to ascertain whether the captain's fears were
+well founded, and it was not long before he too could catch the awful
+pounding of the seas upon the half-submerged reefs.
+
+The helpless brigantine was drifting slowly, but surely to her fate; for
+there was hardly a place along the whole American coast more dangerous
+than this, which had in times past proved a graveyard for many noble
+ships.
+
+Among the tangled rigging was a broken spar, and to this Darry lashed
+himself, in the faint hope that if it were swept ashore he might still
+cling to life.
+
+He awaited the impending crash with his heart cold within his breast;
+for after all he was but a lad, and the strongest men might have viewed
+the catastrophe with a sickening sense of dread.
+
+Then came a fearful shock, as the brigantine was smashed down upon the
+jaws of the reef by a mighty force.
+
+After that the seas had her for a plaything, rushing completely over her
+as if in derision.
+
+Three times the boy was almost drowned by the flood that poured across
+that slanting deck, and he knew that if he remained there longer his
+time had surely come. It would be better to cut loose from the mast, and
+trust his fortunes upon the breast of the next giant wave that, if it
+were kind, would carry him well over the rocks, and head him for the
+distant beach.
+
+It was in sheer desperation that he seized upon his sailor's knife and
+severed the ropes that thus far had held so securely.
+
+Then he awaited the coming of the next comber with set teeth, and held
+his breath.
+
+A few seconds and it was upon him.
+
+This time the spar, as well as the clinging lad, went sweeping over the
+side of the vessel, and carried safely above the reef, started in
+toward the beach on a roller that seemed gigantic.
+
+The spray was in his eyes, so that he could hardly see at all, but at
+that moment Darry thought he glimpsed a light somewhere ahead; and what
+the captain had told him about the gallant life savers flashed into his
+mind.
+
+Somehow, it seemed to give the despairing boy renewed hope.
+
+Perhaps these brave men were watching for the coming of just such
+flotsam from the wreck, which they must have sighted when the lightning
+flashed; and would find some means for plucking him out of the raging
+sea.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+SAVED BY THE LIFE CHAIN
+
+
+The line of reefs stood as a barrier to the sea, and after the waves
+came in contact with the rocks they continued on their course with less
+violence than before.
+
+Still, it was terrible enough to any one exposed to their fury.
+
+Hope soars high in the breast of youth, however, and life is sweet, so
+that our hero continued to struggle against the forces to which he found
+himself exposed.
+
+Again had his eyes caught a glimpse of a burning light on the shore, and
+somehow it gave him renewed courage to hold on, for he seemed to
+understand that determined hearts were waiting there, eager to give him
+a helping hand.
+
+Then some object sped past him, and he caught the sight of flashing
+oars.
+
+It was the lifeboat!
+
+In spite of the great danger involved in the undertaking, the coast
+guards had succeeded in launching their boat, and were even now heading
+toward the wreck on the reef; though the chances of finding a single
+living soul aboard seemed small indeed, for the billows were breaking
+completely over her, and she must soon go to pieces.
+
+Darry tried to call out, but his mouth filled with salty water, and in
+despair he saw the boat pass him by.
+
+Even the lightning failed to illumine the scene just then, or some eager
+eye might have detected the floating spar and its human burden.
+
+No hope remained save that he might be tossed up on the beach somewhere
+near the friendly fire that was burning as a beacon.
+
+Once he fancied he heard men shouting during a lull in the roar of the
+elements; but the coming of another smothering billow shut out the
+friendly sounds.
+
+Closer he was flung, until he could again hear the shouts of men, but
+the baffling seas kept playing with him, sending him up on the breaking
+wave only to once more snatch him back, until the poor boy almost
+despaired of living through the dreadful ordeal.
+
+He tried his best to raise his voice, but the cry he gave utterance to
+was so feeble that even if heard it must have been taken for the note of
+some storm bird attracted by the light of the beacon fire.
+
+Just when he was giving way to despair, he saw the figures of men
+running along the beach close to the edge of the waves, and new hope
+awoke in his breast that his predicament had been seen.
+
+Now they were pushing into the sea, holding one another's hands, and
+forming a living chain, with a sturdy fellow at the end to snatch the
+victim of the wreck out of the jaws of death.
+
+The precious sight was at that instant shut out, for again there came a
+deluge of water from behind, overwhelming the boy on the floating spar.
+
+Darry felt something take hold upon him, which, in his excited
+condition, he at first believed to be a shark; but, on the contrary, it
+proved to be the fingers of the man at the outer end of the line.
+
+Once they closed upon the person of the shipwrecked cabin boy they could
+not be easily induced to let go, and amid shouts of triumph, spar and
+lad were speedily dragged up on the beach beyond reach of the hungry
+waves.
+
+He was dimly conscious of being released from his friendly float, and
+tenderly carried a short distance to the shelter of a house.
+
+It was the life-saving station to which the boy had been taken by his
+rescuers.
+
+[ILLUSTRATION: HE WAS DIMLY CONSCIOUS OF BEING RELEASED FROM HIS
+FRIENDLY FLOAT.]
+
+Here he was wrapped in blankets, and placed close to a warm fire in
+order to restore his benumbed faculties; while some hot liquid being
+forced between his pallid lips served to give new strength to his body.
+
+In less than ten minutes he opened his eyes and looked around.
+
+Kind faces, even though rough and bearded, surrounded him, and he knew
+that for once he had cheated the sea of a victim.
+
+As strength came back he began to take an interest in what was passing
+around him, especially when he saw several men carried in, whom he
+recognized as some of the sailors of the ill-fated brigantine.
+
+Eagerly he watched and prayed that his good friend the captain might be
+one of those who had been snatched from a watery grave; but as time
+passed this hope gradually became fainter.
+
+The lifeboat had managed to return from the wreck, to report that not a
+living soul remained aboard; and that the seas were so tremendous that
+even had it been otherwise there would have been small chance of saving
+them, since it was next to impossible to approach close to the vessel.
+
+How the boy, lying there, looked with almost reverence upon those
+stalwart fellows who were risking their lives in the effort to save
+their fellow men.
+
+Darry would never forget that hour.
+
+The impressions he received then would remain with him through life;
+and in his eyes the calling of a life saver must always be reckoned the
+noblest vocation to which a young man could pledge himself.
+
+He thought he would like nothing better than to become one of the band,
+and in some way repay the great debt he owed them by doing as he had
+been done by.
+
+Presently he had so far recovered that he could get up and move around.
+
+All of the sailors had not been equally fortunate; indeed, two of them
+would never again scour the seas, having taken out papers for that long
+voyage the end of which no mortal eye can see.
+
+As each new arrival was carried in the boy would be the first to hasten
+forward, but as often his sigh echoed the heavy feeling in his heart as
+he discovered a face other than the familiar one he had grown to love.
+
+One of the surfmen who had manned the lifeboat seemed to be particularly
+interested in the rescued boy, for he came into the station several
+times to ask how he was feeling, and if there was not something more he
+wanted.
+
+He was a tall, angular fellow, with a thin but engaging face, and Darry
+had heard some of the others call him Abner Peake.
+
+Somehow he found himself drawn toward this man from the start; and it
+seemed as though in losing one good friend he had found another to take
+the place of the kind captain.
+
+Abner was a native of the shore, and spoke in the peculiar dialect of
+the uneducated Southerner; but as a water-dog he knew no superior, and
+it is this quality that Uncle Sam looks for when making up his crews to
+man the life-saving stations that dot the whole coast from Maine to
+Florida.
+
+There was a twang about his voice that reminded Darry of a negro he had
+once had for a shipmate on the brigantine; but at the same time his tone
+was soft, and inspired confidence.
+
+"Better hev a leetle more coffee, bub?" he said, coming upon Darry as
+the latter turned away white-faced from the last body carried in by the
+rough men.
+
+"Perhaps it would do me good; I still feel mighty weak; but I'm glad to
+be here instead of out there," replied Darry, pointing to where the
+white-capped waves were rushing in long lines toward the beach.
+
+"Course yuh be, bub. And we-uns air glad tuh get a chanct tuh pull yuh
+outen the water. My old woman'd like tuh set eyes on yuh. Jest the age
+our Joe would a-ben if he'd pulled through," and the rough surfman swept
+his sleeve across his eyes as he spoke.
+
+The secret of his interest in Darry was out; he had lost a boy of his
+own, and his heart was very tender still, so that the sight of this poor
+shipwrecked lad brought back his own sorrow keenly.
+
+"You haven't seen anything of the captain, I suppose?" anxiously asked
+Darry, wondering if it could possibly be that he had missed sight of his
+friend at the time he was lying there unconscious.
+
+Abner Peake shook his head in the negative.
+
+He saw the boy was very eager to learn of the mariner's fate, and well
+he knew that with each passing minute the chances of the other surviving
+the pounding of the seas became less and less.
+
+It was now not far from dawn.
+
+The hurricane still blew with its old violence, and there was scant hope
+of its passing for another twelve hours at least.
+
+All that time those devoted men must be on the watch, ready to man their
+surfboat again and take their lives in hand, should another vessel
+strike the dangerous reefs that were marked upon the chart as the worst
+within a hundred miles of Hatteras.
+
+Sick at heart over the loss of his wise friend and benefactor, Darry
+found the interior of the station almost unbearable just then.
+
+He felt as though he must get outside where the elements rioted, and
+watch the incoming waves for some sign of the captain.
+
+But this new-found friend declared that it could do no good, since the
+beach was already patrolled by those whose keen eyes would discover the
+faintest trace of a brave swimmer trying to buffet the cruel waves; he
+must remain under cover, so as to escape the possible evil results of
+his late experience.
+
+And so Darry had to once more lie down and let the other cover him with
+a blanket, a pillow having been placed under his head.
+
+He was utterly exhausted, and it had only been hope and excitement that
+had buoyed him up until now.
+
+As he lay there watching the various things that were being done for the
+relief of the poor fellows snatched from a watery grave he found his
+eyes growing heavy, and occasionally closing in spite of his efforts to
+remain awake.
+
+Once he sat up as some men came in bearing another sailor who, alas, had
+apparently been dragged out of the sea too late to save the spark of
+life; but, upon learning that it was not the one in whose fate he was so
+keenly interested, Darry had fallen back again upon his hard pillow.
+
+Soon after things faded from his sight, and he slept the sleep of
+weariness, for every muscle in his body was as sore as though it had
+been pounded with a club.
+
+It was hours before he awoke.
+
+At first he could not understand just where he was or how he came in
+such unfamiliar surroundings; but seeing the kindly face of Abner Peake
+bending over, he asked a mute question that the other answered with a
+shake of his head.
+
+The captain's body had not as yet come ashore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+ABNER PEAKE'S OFFER
+
+
+Days passed. Darry had entirely given up hope of ever hearing from the
+captain, whose body must have been carried out to sea again, as were
+several of the crew.
+
+After the shock became less severe, our hero began to take a new
+interest in the scene around him, and particularly in connection with
+the life-saving station where his new friend Abner was quartered.
+
+The keeper was a grizzled surfman named Frazer, and a man possessed of
+some education; he did not awaken the same feelings in the boy as Abner
+Peake, but at the same time he was evidently inclined to be friendly in
+his own gruff way.
+
+On the third day after the rescue he called Darry to him as he sat
+mending a net with which the crew of the station secured enough fish to
+serve them for an occasional meal.
+
+"Sit down, lad. I want to talk with you a bit," he said.
+
+Darry dropped on a block close by.
+
+He was still filled with the deepest admiration for these men of the
+coast, and his determination to follow their arduous calling when he
+grew big enough to take an oar in the surfboat was undiminished.
+
+"Now, tell me about yourself, and where you belong. We are not allowed
+to keep any rescued sailors more than a certain time. You notice that
+all the others have gone, save the poor chaps lying under those mounds
+yonder. Being a boy you've been favored; but the time has come to know
+what you mean to do. Speak up, lad, and tell me your story?"
+
+Encouraged by his kind voice, Darry told all he knew about himself up to
+the very moment when he parted from his friend, the captain.
+
+Mr. Frazer seemed interested.
+
+"I feel sorry for you, Darry. It must be hard to feel that you haven't
+got a friend in the world. My hands are tied in the matter, so I can do
+nothing; but there's Abner Peake telling me he'd like you to stay with
+him," he remarked.
+
+"I understood him to say he once had a boy about my age."
+
+"Yes, a likely little chap, but it was about a year back he was lost."
+
+"Was he drowned?" asked Darry, feeling that this was about the way most
+persons in this coast country must meet their end.
+
+"Yes. The little fellow was a venturesome boy, and tried to cross the
+bay in a heavy sea. He must have been swept out at the inlet. They found
+the boat on the beach, three miles above here, but never little Joe.
+Abner has never gotten over it. To this day he sits and looks out to sea
+as if he could discover his poor boy coming back to him. I thought for a
+time the fellow would go out of his mind."
+
+"And he wants me to stay with him?" continued Darry, musingly.
+
+"Yes. Abner has a small house out of the village, where his wife and the
+two little girls live, while he is over here at the station. Often we
+want someone to cross over with supplies, and he thinks you might like
+the job."
+
+Darry drew a long breath.
+
+"I have no home. The only one I ever knew was the poor old _Falcon_, and
+her timbers are scattered along the coast for ten miles. I think that if
+Mr. Peake really wants me to stay with him I shall accept gladly. It is
+tough to feel like a piece of driftwood all the time," he said.
+
+"I think you are wise in deciding that way. Abner is a kind man, and as
+for his wife--well, she's got a temper all right, but if you don't rub
+it the wrong way she can be got on with, I reckon. Anyhow, it would pay
+you to try it until something else turns up. Maybe you want to ship on
+another vessel?"
+
+"I think I have had all of the sea I want, after that time. I wake up
+nights, thinking I'm choking with the salt water, and trying to catch my
+breath. When I get older and stronger I want to be a life saver like
+you, sir."
+
+The keeper smiled pleasantly.
+
+It was not often he appeared as a hero in the eyes of even a boy, and,
+being human, he could not help feeling some satisfaction.
+
+"It's a dangerous calling, Darry; but, after all, no worse than that of
+a sailor. And while we risk our lives often, it is to try and save
+others. There's some satisfaction in that. But there sits Abner on that
+old keel of a wreck; suppose you go and tell him your story, and see
+what he says."
+
+When the boy joined him Abner Peake looked up, and the solemn expression
+on his face changed to one of kindliness.
+
+"Set down, lad. Are yuh feelin' all right agin after your rough time?"
+he asked.
+
+"A little sore in the arms still, but that will pass away soon. Mr.
+Frazer told me you wanted to hear my story."
+
+"If yuh don't mind tellin' me. I reckoned as how yuh must 'a' had a hard
+time. Now, I ain't never been away from this here coast, but I feels
+for boys what's out in the wide world. Still, there's some hope o'
+_them_ comin' back tuh the nest agin, some day. Now, go on, lad," with a
+long-drawn sigh.
+
+Again did the homeless Darry start in to narrate his brief career, so
+far as it was known to him; and the old surfman listened with a tear in
+his eye, as he told of his abandonment in a foreign port, and the hard
+time he had getting enough to eat.
+
+Finally it was all told, and Abner Peake laid a hand on his arm, saying:
+
+"Don't say yuh ain't got a home, any more, Darry, if so be yuh'd care to
+stay at my place. The missus ain't the easiest one in the world tuh get
+along with, but soon as she sees what a likely chap yuh be I know she'll
+like yuh, same as I do. Try it awhile, lad, until yuh kin make your mind
+up. My Joe used tuh make a tidy lot of money trappin' animals in the
+swamp for ther skins, huntin' turkles like them terrapin they pay sech a
+big price fur, an' actin' as guide fur the shooters as come down along
+the coast after ducks and snipe and bay birds. No reason but what you
+could do the same. Only try and git on the good side of the ole woman,
+to begin with, lad. She's got a heart, tho' there's some as don't
+believe it. I know she's still a feelin' bad because Joe was taken from
+us."
+
+"It was hard to lose him, your only boy," said Darry, consolingly.
+
+The man shook his head dolefully, and bent a wistful look toward the
+open sea.
+
+"Yes, it was tough; but I reckon he's safe in the harbor long afore now.
+What say, lad, be yuh of a mind to try it with us?" he continued
+eagerly.
+
+"I will, and only glad of the chance. It is kind of you to make me the
+offer, and I only hope I may be able to please your wife. I'll do
+everything I can to take the place of Joe, although, of course, I
+couldn't expect to do that altogether," replied Darry.
+
+"Say, yuh make me feel better, already. Seems to me as if I heerd little
+Joe aspeakin' to me from somewhere. I'm goin' crost the bay to-night,
+lad. It's my turn for a day off, an' I'll take yuh with me. I reckons
+his clothes'd just about be the right fit fur yuh."
+
+So it was settled.
+
+Darry felt easy in his mind now, much more so than he had been ever
+since finding himself adrift on shore, like a vessel without an anchor.
+
+No matter how humble, it would be _home_ to him, for he had no memories
+to haunt him, and bring about discontent.
+
+There was the village near by, where possibly he might meet boys of his
+own age; and what Abner had said about the pursuits by which Joe had
+been accustomed to making odd bits of money appealed to him, for he
+believed he had something of a love for outdoor sports in his nature,
+since he had never neglected to take advantage of a chance to use a
+fishing line, when the brigantine happened to be in one of the world
+ports to which business called her.
+
+But above all he gloried in the fact that occasionally he would have the
+opportunity to visit the station on the outer beach, where those hardy
+men patrolled every night, and stood ready to go to the assistance of
+any imperilled mariners.
+
+After supper he accompanied Abner to the little landing where a stout
+rowboat was fastened.
+
+Into this they dropped, and Darry immediately seized upon the oars, to
+the secret amusement and satisfaction of the life saver, who was quite
+willing to let him display his ability in this important line.
+
+"Yuh sure pull a good, strong stroke, lad," he declared, after they had
+been upon the bay for some time, Darry taking his bearings from a bright
+star that had appeared in the east.
+
+"He taught me," replied the boy, and, perhaps unconsciously, his voice
+quavered as he spoke, for he could not even think of the captain without
+emotion.
+
+"All the better. A feller ain't no use 'round this section less he kin
+row a boat with the best. And if so be yuh 'spect to jine with us some
+day, the more yuh larn about this same thing the better for yuh. Joe, he
+was a reg'lar water duck--but he was too darin' and he tried the game
+onct too often. Beware o' that inlet, lad. The tide sweeps outen it like
+a mill race sometimes, an' the best man couldn't hold his own agin it.
+It's ben a mystery to me always how it happened. Nobody ever knowed,
+only that we found the boat two days arter on the beach, three miles up.
+When yuh git tired say so, an' I'll spell yuh."
+
+After a long time they drew near the other shore. Here lights had been
+seen, and Darry discovered quite a collection of houses, for the most
+part cabins such as are so common in the south, especially along the
+coast of North Carolina.
+
+Abner insisted upon taking the oars now; and as he knew just where it
+was most desirable to land the boy no longer objected.
+
+Sitting there in the stern he watched the scene unfold as they
+approached the mainland, though the new moon gave very little light.
+
+Sounds as of boys at play, together with the barking of dogs, and even
+the gabble of a goose, awoke in his breast new emotions such as he had
+never experienced before; for he was about to be introduced to a home,
+no matter of what character, where he would after that belong.
+
+The boat was brought up against a landing, and both went ashore.
+
+"In the mornin' I'll get yuh to help carry the groceries to the boat, so
+I kin ferry 'em acrost. Jest now I'm pinin' to get to the shack, 'cause
+I ain't ben home these two weeks, yuh see. This way, Darry, lad. My
+cabin ain't jest in the village; but when I come home I ginerally stop
+in at the butcher's an' take some meat along. Git out, yuh yaller
+critter!" this to a dog that had come barking toward them as though
+recognizing the fact that a stranger had come to town.
+
+"Hyar, Peake, don't yer hit my dorg!" shouted a half-grown boy,
+slouching around a corner as though he had just come out of a drinking
+resort there.
+
+"Keep him home, then, Jim Dilks, er else teach the critter to behave. He
+tackled me onct and I had to kick him over a fence to save my shins from
+his teeth. Some day that hound'll get a call all right, yuh hear me,
+Jim?" declared Abner.
+
+Jim leered at him, and then looked at the boy.
+
+"Reckon it'll be a bad day for the feller that hurts me dorg, see? Who
+yer got trailin' 'long with yer, Peake? Say, be he the critter as kim
+ashore? Sooner he skips outen this the better. We ain't got jobs enough
+now fur them as growed up round hyar."
+
+"No danger of you worrin' 'bout jobs, Jim Dilks. Work an' you never got
+on well. Mind your own business, now. This lad can look out for hisself.
+He's goin' to live with me. Come on, Darry, don't notice the loafer,"
+concluded the life saver; and he and the boy passed on. Darry was
+destined to see a great deal more of Jim Dilks, as we shall presently
+learn.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CABIN BY THE MARSH
+
+As is customary in many of these little villages along the coast, the
+butcher shop was also the country store where groceries, dry goods,
+notions, and possibly boots and hats in addition, were sold.
+
+Mr. Keeler eyed the boy in Abner's company, while he was cutting off the
+meat.
+
+"Likely lad, that, Mr. Peake," he said. "I reckon he must be the one
+that come ashore from the wreck t'other night. I heard all about it,
+'cause some of our men were over to help out," he added, in a low tone,
+taking advantage of Darry straying off a bit to examine a colored print
+that hung on the wall, and offered all manner of inducements to young
+fellows wishing to enlist in the navy.
+
+"The boy's all right. He's gwine to live with my missus--if they kin git
+on together. But about them as were over, Gus, I've got a notion some on
+'em thought it might be a good chanct to wreck a craft. I seen Dilks
+there, with his crowd, an' yuh know he's under suspicion o' havin' lured
+that schooner ashore with a false light last year. Time's comin' when
+them rascals air goin' to git caught. Hangin' 'd be too easy for such
+snakes. An' that boy o' his'n promises to be a chip o' the ole block.
+He's as bad as they make 'em," returned the surfman, shaking his head.
+
+Nothing so angers a life saver as the mention of a wrecker; for deep
+down in his heart he believes that the men who make a living from
+salvage after a vessel has gone to pieces on the reefs, or else in
+boarding the wreck when the storm has gone down, would not hesitate a
+minute about sending any ship to her doom if they believed it could be
+done without too much risk.
+
+"If he doesn't get on with the missus let me have a try with him, Abner.
+Looks to be a likely lad. They're a scarce article around here--some go
+to sea, others are in the service, and more get drowned; while those
+that are left seem bad from top to bottom, just like Jim Dilks. Yes, I
+could use that younker, I think."
+
+Peake had turned white at mention of the fate that befalls so many young
+men of the shore; but he made no remark concerning his feelings.
+
+"I'll remember what yuh say, Mr. Keeler. But I got a notion the boy will
+stick with me. When the missus gets to know him she can't help but like
+him. He's the clear quill. Take the change out of that bill. We just
+got paid last night, yuh see. Darry, let's move along."
+
+The village merchant looked after the couple a little enviously, as
+though something about the boy's appearance had awakened his interest.
+
+"I saw Jim Dilks talking to Peake before they came in here. I wager that
+young scamp has it in for the new boy in town. He's been a holy terror
+for a long time, and for one I think something should be done to put a
+stop to his doings. But his father has a grip on the worst elements
+here, and everyone seems afraid to rile up the old wrecker. Some say he
+used to be a smuggler years back, and even blacker stories are told of
+his life in Cuba, before Spain got out of the island. Well, it's none of
+my business. I don't dare act alone. If someone else starts the ball
+rolling I'll give it a big shove." And so the butcher salved his
+conscience for not doing his duty.
+
+Meanwhile Darry and his new friend walked briskly along, talking as they
+went.
+
+The boy had seen considerable of foreign ports, and the many strange
+things he could tell were doubly interesting to this simple life saver,
+who had never been further than to Wilmington in all his life.
+
+"See that light ahead, lad? That's a lamp in the windy o' my shack.
+They knows when my night comes around, an' the missus puts that lamp
+there. It's a big thing, Darry, to have a light in the windy, ashinin'
+only fur you. Makes a feller feel like he had one leetle nest in all
+this big world, where some un cared fur him. And that is goin' to be
+your home too, boy."
+
+"I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Peake," faltered the lad.
+
+"Then don't try. Besides, mebbe yuh won't like it so well, after all.
+Nancy, she ain't so easy to get on with, since leetle Joe went away.
+Seems like she jest can't ever git over it. I seen her cryin' the last
+time I was over. No use tryin' to comfort the pore ole gal. It left a
+sore place in her heart that nothin' kin ever heal. I'm a hopin' that
+p'haps with you around she may perk up some."
+
+They were soon at the door. It was thrown open at the sound of Abner's
+call, and two rather unkempt little girls rushed out, to be tossed up in
+the air by the proud father.
+
+They looked at Darry with wide-eyed wonder, for strangers were uncommon
+in this neighborhood, so far removed from the railroad.
+
+"Come right in, Darry. Here's the missus," said the life saver.
+
+A woman came forward, and after greeting Abner, looked with a little
+frown in the direction of the boy.
+
+The surfman hastened to explain that Darry was a survivor of the last
+wreck, on the shore where so many brave ships had left their bones.
+
+"He's a waif, what's never knowed no home, Nance. The captain picked him
+up abroad, but he's English or American, sure enough. With the death of
+that captain went his only friend. I liked the lad,--he somehow made me
+think of our Joe. Jest the same size, too, and he could wear his clothes
+fine. He'd be a great help to yuh, I reckons, if so be yuh would like to
+have him stay."
+
+Abner saw a look of coming trouble in the eyes of his wife, and his
+voice took on a pleading tone.
+
+His mention of Joe was unfortunate, perhaps, for the woman had never
+become reconciled to the loss of her only boy, and always declared
+Heaven had dealt unjustly with her when there were so many worthless
+lads in the village, who could have been far better spared.
+
+"Just like I didn't have my hands full now, without bringing home any
+more mouths to feed," she fumed. "Like as not he's a good-for-nothing
+like Jim Dilks, and will only make us trouble right along. Keep him over
+at the station if you want, Abner Peake, but you don't quarter him on
+me. This is my house, and I'm to be consulted before anybody is brought
+here."
+
+Abner had apparently thought this all over.
+
+He simply took Darry's hand and drew the half resisting lad over in
+front of the irate woman.
+
+"Nancy, I never knowed yuh to be anything but fair. S'posin' our leetle
+Joe was kerried out to sea, an' in a strange land met up with a citizen
+as took him home to his wife. What kinder reception do yuh think _he'd_
+get? Could any woman look in Joe's face an' send him away from her door?
+Wall, then, jest look in the face o' this boy, an' then if so be yuh say
+take him away, I'll do it, Nancy," he said, simply.
+
+Almost against her will she was compelled to look.
+
+Well it was for Darry that he had clear eyes in which lurked no guile,
+for that gaze of the surfman's "missus" was searching, since she had
+before her mind a picture of the lost Joe.
+
+She only nodded her head and said:
+
+"Let him stay."
+
+Perhaps she was too full of emotion to say more; but the husband nodded
+his head as though satisfied with what he had done.
+
+"It's all right, boy; she seen Joey in your eyes, jest as I done. Seems
+to me yuh kin make good with the ole woman. Don't notice all she says
+fur a time. Sure she's suffered some."
+
+Apparently the family had waited with supper for Abner to come home, for
+his wife immediately placed the meat on the frying pan, and the odor of
+steak quickly filled every cranny of the small cabin of three rooms.
+
+The two little girls were slow to make up with Darry, but he knew how to
+interest them in certain ways, and it was not long before they hovered
+around him as if he were a curiosity indeed.
+
+Abner tried to make himself as agreeable as possible, for various
+reasons.
+
+He saw that his wife had not yet become reconciled to the fact of a
+stranger coming among them, and was watching Darry out of the corners of
+her eyes from time to time, while a frown would gather on her brow.
+
+She was a sharp-featured woman; but life goes hard with those of her sex
+in this coast country, and they grow old at forty.
+
+Darry was studying hard how to please her, for he felt that she was to
+be pitied after having lost her only boy so suddenly a year or so back;
+and he determined never to forget this if she should scold him
+needlessly or show temper.
+
+He anticipated her wants in the line of wood for the fire, cheerfully
+assisted in washing up the supper dishes, and was withal so obliging
+that ere long the anxious Abner saw the lines begin to leave the
+forehead of his better half.
+
+This tickled him more than any well-won fight in the breakers might have
+done, for he had a secret dread of Nancy's often ungovernable temper.
+
+"The boy's gone and done it, blame me if he ain't!" he muttered to
+himself, when he saw his wife actually smile over at where Darry was
+sitting, with one of the twins on either side, entranced with some
+figures he was drawing to illustrate a little story he had been telling
+them about some sight seen in Naples.
+
+When it came time to retire Darry was given a shake-down in the second
+room.
+
+He felt that he had made some sort of an impression upon the surfman's
+wife, and that after all she might not prove so hard to win as he had
+feared from what little he had heard about her temper.
+
+That night was the most peaceful he had known for some time.
+
+In the morning he was up before any one else stirred, and when Mrs Peake
+made her appearance she found a bright fire burning in the kitchen,
+plenty of wood on hand, a bucket of water from the spring handy, and a
+boy only too anxious to do anything he was told in the way of chores.
+
+Perhaps she may have had a suspicion that it would not last.
+
+"A new broom sweeps clean," she remarked to Abner, as he appeared and
+looked at her inquiringly.
+
+"I calkerlate this one means to keep a-going' right along," he said,
+"yuh see, the poor critter ain't never had no home before, an' he'll
+sorter 'preciate one now. Give him a show an' he'll make good."
+
+When Abner had to return to the other side of the bay Darry went with
+him to the store, where a supply of edibles was laid in according to the
+list written out by the station keeper; together with a can of oil,
+since their stock had run low.
+
+When Abner shook his hand heartily at pushing off, Darry felt as though
+another link connecting him with the past had been broken.
+
+Perhaps his face betrayed his feelings, for the old man exclaimed:
+
+"Keep a stiff upper lip, lad, and it'll all come out well. The missus is
+interested in yuh already. Tell her that I said to give yuh Joe's gun,
+and the traps he left. He writ down how he used to git the muskrats an'
+coons, too, so yuh kin understand how to set the traps. Tell the missus
+that yuh mean to share an' share alike with her in the money yuh get.
+That'll please her, 'cause yuh see cash is some skeerce with we-'uns all
+the time. Ten dollars a week don't go far. Sometimes Nancy hunts roots
+in the marshes, or picks up a few turkles that sells for a dollar or two
+each. To-morrow yuh bring over the mail. I've got a boat as is fair, if
+it only had a new pair o' oars. P'raps as a sailor lad yuh could whittle
+out a pair to answer. Well, good-bye, Darry, my boy, and good luck. Keep
+an eye out to windward for squalls if so be that Jim Dilks shows
+alongside."
+
+When the surfman had pulled with a strong stroke for some distance he
+paused long enough to wave his hand to the boy; after which Darry turned
+away to get the articles Mrs. Peake wanted at the store, and for which
+she had doled out the necessary cash to a penny.
+
+It would seem as though Abner must have had a vision of some coming
+trouble in connection with the ne'er-do-well son of the notorious
+wrecker, Dilks, for even as Darry entered the village street on his way
+to the general store he saw the heavily built young ruffian shuffling
+toward him.
+
+There was a leer on the features of the bully.
+
+Our hero had knocked around the world long enough to be able to detect
+signs of a coming storm when he saw them; and if ever the signals were
+set for trouble they certainly gave evidence of being now, when that
+shiftless Jim Dilks intercepted the newcomer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+AN ENCOUNTER ON THE ROAD
+
+
+Jim Dilks had long ruled as the bully of Ashley village.
+
+He had a reputation as a bad boy that served him in place of fighting;
+and as a rule an angry word from him was sufficient to command
+obedience.
+
+Besides, Nature had made him so ugly that when he scowled it was enough
+to send a shiver down the spinal column of most boys.
+
+Darry came to a pause. Indeed, he could not well have continued along
+the path he was taking without walking over the bully, so completely had
+Jim blocked his way.
+
+"Looky here, didn't yer hear me tell yer last night ter get outen this
+place?" demanded the wrecker's son, thrusting that aggressive chin of
+his forward still more, and glaring at his prospective victim in his
+usual commanding way.
+
+"I believe you did say something like that. Are you Jim Dilks?" asked
+Darry, and to the surprise of the other he did not seem to show the
+customary anxiety that went with hostile demonstrations by the bully.
+
+"When air yer going, then?" continued Jim.
+
+"I haven't decided. In fact, I like my present accommodations with Mrs.
+Peake so well that I may stay there right along," replied Darry,
+steadily.
+
+Jim caught his breath, and in such a noisy way that one would think it
+was a porpoise blowing in the inlet.
+
+In all his experience he had never come across such an experience as
+this.
+
+"I see yer want takin' down," he cried. "I've run this ranch a long time
+now, an' there ain't no new feller comin' here without I say so. Yer got
+ter skip out er take a lickin' on the spot. Now, I give yer one more
+chanct ter say yer'll hoof it."
+
+Darry knew what it meant, for he had not knocked around so long without
+learning the signs of storm and fight.
+
+He had thought seriously over this very matter, after being warned that
+he might sooner or later have trouble with Jim; and as a result his
+decision was already formed.
+
+When Jim Dilks saw him deliberately taking off his jacket he stared,
+with a new sensation beginning to make its presence felt around the
+region of his heart--the element of uncertainty, even fear.
+
+"Wot yer doin' that fur?" he demanded, shaking his head after the manner
+of a pugnacious rooster about to enter into combat for the mastery of
+the barnyard.
+
+"Why, you said you were going to lick me, and as this is a very good
+coat Mrs. Peake gave me, one that used to belong to her boy, Joe, I
+thought she might feel bad if she saw it dusty or torn," replied Darry,
+solemnly.
+
+"Say, you bean't goin' ter fight, be yer?" gasped Jim, hardly able to
+believe his senses, the shock was so great.
+
+"Why, you said I had to. I don't want to fight a bit, but I always obey
+orders, you see, and you told me I must or leave Ashley. Now, I don't
+mean to go away, so I suppose I must do the other thing. But I hate to
+hurt anyone."
+
+"Hey? You hurt me? Don't worry about thet, cub. I reckon I kin wipe up
+the ground with a feller o' yer build. So yer won't run, eh? Then all I
+kin say is yer got to take yer medicine, see?"
+
+Naturally, Jim knew next to nothing about the science of boxing, for he
+had always depended upon his brute strength to pull him through, backed
+by his really ferocious appearance, when he assumed his "fighting face,"
+as he was proudly wont to term it.
+
+On the other hand Darry had often boxed during the dog watch, with some
+of the sailors aboard the old brigantine, and since there were several
+among the crew who prided themselves on a knowledge of fisticuffs, he
+imbibed more or less of skill in the dexterity shown in both self
+defense and aggressive tactics.
+
+At the same time Darry had seldom been called upon to utilize this
+knowledge, for he was of a peaceful nature, and would shun a fight if it
+could be done in honor.
+
+Now, he knew that Jim Dilks was determined to have it out with him, and
+consequently, if he really intended to remain in Ashley, he must show
+this bully that he could take care of himself.
+
+Jim was surprised when he received a staggering blow in the first
+encounter, and before he had even been able to lay a hand on his
+antagonist, who, after striking had nimbly bounded aside, so that the
+village boy came near falling down.
+
+Believing that this must have been only an accident, Jim turned with a
+roar and once more strove to crush his rival by sheer weight and bulldog
+tactics.
+
+There never was a fight yet that did not immediately attract a crowd of
+the curious and idle. Boys came running from several quarters, and not a
+few men too, the more shame to them, always glad to watch a contest,
+whether between a pair of aggressive dogs or roosters, or pugnacious
+lads.
+
+Those who came running up could hardly believe their eyes, when they saw
+the recognized bully of the village engaged with a strange boy, and
+apparently, thus far, getting the worst of the bargain.
+
+Darry felt rather ashamed to be caught in the centre of such a
+gathering; but the fight had been forced upon him, and the only thing
+left was to wind it up as quickly as possible.
+
+Accordingly, he began to force matters, and the third time that Jim
+leaped at him, failing as before to land his blow, he received a sudden
+shock in the shape of a swift tap directly under the ear that hurled him
+to the ground.
+
+There was a buzz of excitement about this time.
+
+Boys who had tamely yielded to the sway of the bully for many moons
+began to take notice, and even say things that were not calculated to
+soothe the lacerated feelings of Jim who was picking himself up slowly,
+and trying to collect his scattered wits.
+
+The bully, of course, had not had enough as yet. This time, however,
+when he came on it was with considerable caution, for his rough
+experience had begun to teach him that rush tactics were not going to
+answer with the boy who knew so well how to handle his fists.
+
+It made no difference, for Darry met him squarely, and after a rapid
+interchange of blows that brought out many a whoop from those who looked
+on, Jim once more received an unexpected tap that caused him to sit down
+a second time.
+
+He was in no hurry to get up now, but sat there in a half-dazed way,
+rubbing the side of his head, and gritting his teeth savagely.
+
+The crowd began to cheer, and it must have been a galling sound to that
+defeated bully, whose hour had come, as it usually does with most of his
+kind.
+
+"Get up!" said one man, jeeringly.
+
+Jim scrambled to his feet, to find his antagonist facing him in a manner
+that made him quail.
+
+"Are you done, or shall we go on with it?" asked Darry, calmly, for he
+did not seem to have been even winded in the exchange of blows.
+
+"Ah, git out. Me hand is sprained, I tell ye. I fell on it last night.
+That's why I couldn't knock yer out. This thing ain't done yet, cub.
+I'll git yer as sure as me name is Jim Dilks. I allers do wen I goes
+arter a feller."
+
+He turned away with his head tossed in the air as though victory had
+really perched upon his banner.
+
+[ILLUSTRATION: HE WAS IN NO HURRY TO GET UP NOW, BUT SAT THERE IN A
+HALF-DAZED WAY.]
+
+The laugh that arose must have been galling to his pride, for he stopped
+in his tracks and looked around angrily in the hopes of detecting one of
+the boys in the act, whom he could trash later on as a sop to his
+wounded feelings; but they were shrewd enough to hide their exultant
+faces just then.
+
+Darry picked up his coat, and putting it on, strode away.
+
+He was conscious of a feeling of satisfaction, not because he had
+whipped his antagonist, for it had been almost too easy; but he knew Jim
+Dilks had long lorded it over the boys of Ashley, and perhaps after this
+he might hesitate to act the part of bully again.
+
+At any rate he was not intending to leave the place just because one
+fellow had given him orders; perhaps before they left him alone he might
+have to repeat this dose; but the reputation of the one who had downed
+Jim Dilks would travel fast, and the balance of the village herd would
+think twice before trying conclusions with the new boy at Peake's.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+WINNING HIS WAY
+
+
+When Darry entered the store the proprietor looked at him with interest.
+
+Mr. Keeler was a very strait-laced individual, and wont to raise his
+hands in horror at the mention of fighting, or anything, in fact, that
+partook of violence. He always gave it as his opinion that football was
+a brutal game, equal to the bull rights of the Spaniards, and could
+hardly be induced to even watch a baseball match, for fear one of the
+players be injured.
+
+Nevertheless, Mr. Keeler was human, and from the door of his shop he had
+seen the little affair on the road, and recognized the combatants as
+Peake's new boy and the village bully.
+
+He could hardly believe his eyes when he saw that Darry had come off
+victor, and that the idle men who gaped at the encounter were giving Jim
+the laugh as he crossly slouched away.
+
+Perhaps after all there might be something in such a fight as this,
+where a much-needed lesson was taught a young scoundrel.
+
+Mr. Keeler had his eyes opened for once; but at the same time he thought
+it his duty as a man of peace to speak to the new boy.
+
+"What was the trouble about, my lad?" he asked, as Darry handed him a
+list of the articles Mrs. Peake wished him to bring back.
+
+"There was no trouble on my side. I only wanted to be left alone, sir,"
+replied our hero, smiling.
+
+"Oh! I see, and Jim wouldn't have it? Like as not he told you to get off
+the earth--it would be just like his impudence."
+
+"Not quite so bad as that, sir, but he did say I couldn't stay with Mrs.
+Peake, and must move on. I'm quite satisfied where I am, and I mean to
+stay--that is as long as she wants me to."
+
+"Quite right. I suppose there may be times when a boy is compelled to
+stand up for his rights, although I've generally preached the other way.
+But if you had to fight I'm glad you succeeded in convincing Jim that
+you could hold your own."
+
+"That was easy enough, sir. He is a clumsy fighter."
+
+"I hope you do not love to engage in such affairs, Darry?" continued the
+grocer, alive to what he considered his duty.
+
+"I've been set upon a few times when I had to defend myself, but I never
+look for trouble. I'd even avoid it if I could; but you know, Mr.
+Keeler, sometimes a boy has to either run away or fight; and somehow I
+don't care to run away."
+
+Mr. Keeler nodded his head.
+
+He was getting a new insight into boy character that day, that might
+revolutionize a few of his pet theories.
+
+"You say you have decided to stay with the Peakes?" he continued.
+
+"If Mrs. Peake wants me to. It isn't quite decided yet; but I think I
+shall like to have a home there. You see, sir, outside of the cabin of
+the old _Falcon_ I've never known a home in all my life."
+
+Mr. Keeler felt a new interest in this strange lad, who had been a
+wanderer the brief span of his days, and yet strange to say seemed to
+possess the instincts of a manly young chap.
+
+He wondered very much where the boy could have picked up his ways; but
+then Mr. Keeler had never met Captain Harley, or he might not have
+indulged in so much vague speculation.
+
+"If you can get on with Mrs. Peake you deserve considerable praise, lad.
+Not but what she is a good enough woman, and with a kindly heart; but
+ever since little Joe went out on the ebb tide and never came back
+again she seems to have become what I might say, soured on humanity.
+Abner is meek enough to stand it, but she has had quarrels with many
+people in the village. Still, who knows but what you may be the very one
+to do her good. You are about the size of her Joe, and with his clothes
+on, I declare now, you do look a little like him. He was a clever boy,
+and I just reckon her heart was all wrapped up in him. At any rate, I
+wish you success there, Darry. And if I can do you a good turn at any
+time just ask me."
+
+"Thank you, sir," replied the boy, with a lump in his throat; for he was
+unused to kindness save from Captain Harley, and had had more hard
+knocks in the past than good wishes.
+
+The benevolent grocer continued to chat with him until the purchases
+were all tied up in a bundle, and after payment had been made Darry
+placed the rather bulky package on his shoulder and trotted off.
+
+On the way home he was not spoken to by anyone.
+
+He saw several boys pointing in his direction, and there was a look of
+awe on their faces as they watched him walk by; but no one ventured to
+address a word to the newcomer who was said to have roundly trounced big
+Jim.
+
+A tall man also looked sharply at him, and as he wore a great nickel
+star on the breast of his coat Darry understood that this must be Hank
+Squires, the constable of the village.
+
+No doubt news of the encounter had drifted to his ears, and since the
+boy who usually made life miserable for him had come out "second best"
+Hank did not think it policy to take any official notice of the
+misdemeanor.
+
+As soon as he arrived at home, Darry busied himself in undoing his
+package, and placing the various articles where Mrs. Peake told him they
+belonged.
+
+His manner was so obliging and his answers to her questions so ready,
+that despite her feeling of resentment at Abner, thinking anyone could
+ever take the place of Joe in her heart, the woman found herself
+insensibly drawn to the boy.
+
+Perhaps, after all, the mere fact that he had never known a mother's
+love, nor had a home of any kind, appealed more to her sympathies than
+anything else.
+
+She watched him take off his coat and carefully fold it before setting
+to work.
+
+That too, was like Joe, always trying to save his mother needless worry
+and work.
+
+After a while, as he happened to come close to her in doing something to
+save her steps, she uttered a little exclamation.
+
+"Did you fall down with the bundle, Darry?" she asked, leaning forward.
+
+He turned a little red, conscious that in some way she must have
+discovered signs of his recent adventure on the road.
+
+"Oh! no, it was not heavy at all, ma'am," he replied, and then noting
+that her eyes were fastened on his cheek he put up his hand, in this way
+discovering for the first time, a little soreness there.
+
+When he withdrew his fingers he saw a spot of blood.
+
+"How did that happen then, Darry?" she asked, suspiciously.
+
+"I think he must have hit me there, but I didn't know it until now," he
+replied, relieved to feel that he could tell her the whole truth.
+
+"Someone struck you--have you been fighting then?" she asked, a little
+coldly; for woman-like, Mrs. Peake did not approve of strenuous
+encounters.
+
+"He said that I would have to leave you, and get out. I couldn't do
+anything else but defend myself when he came at me. I'm sorry, for I
+never tried to get in a fight in my life, and I never ran away from one
+either."
+
+"Who was it, Darry?" she asked again, looking uneasy.
+
+"Jim Dilks," he answered promptly, unconsciously squaring his shoulders.
+
+"Oh! that terrible boy again! What a shame he can't pick out some one
+of his own size to beat! Did he hurt you very much, my poor boy?"
+
+Then she was surprised to see Darry smile broadly.
+
+"I didn't know he had even struck me until just now. You see Captain
+Harley allowed me to box with the sailors, and I learned how to defend
+myself. Jim says he is going to get even with me later on," he said
+modestly.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me you whipped that big loafer, that
+good-for-nothing bully who has run the place for years?" exclaimed the
+woman, in astonishment.
+
+"I wouldn't just say that, ma'am, and Jim wouldn't admit it either; but
+I did knock him down twice, and the second time he said he wouldn't
+fight any more because, you see, his right hand was sprained. So he went
+off and left me alone."
+
+"Splendid! He deserved a lesson, the brute! Many's the time he has
+jeered at me when he passed; and everyone has been afraid to put a hand
+on him because his father is a bad man. And you did that? Well, the boys
+of Ashley ought to vote you thanks. And you fought because he wanted you
+to leave _this_ house? You thought it was a home worth fighting for?
+Then it shall be yours as long as you want to stay here, Darry."
+
+Before he suspected how greatly her feelings had been aroused, Mrs.
+Peake threw her arms about his neck and gave him a resounding
+kiss--perhaps in her heart she was in this way demonstrating her undying
+affection for the boy who had vanished from that home one year ago, and
+never came back.
+
+After that Darry worked with a light heart, such as he had never before
+known in all his life.
+
+During the afternoon Abner's wife took pains to open a box that
+contained all the treasured possessions of the young trapper and
+naturalist whose greatest delight had been to spend his time in the
+swamps watching the animals at their play; and in the proper season
+setting his traps to secure the pelts of muskrats, 'coons and skunks,
+which, properly cured, would bring high prices at such centres where
+furs are collected, and secure many little luxuries for his mother
+during the winter season.
+
+Darry handled these with a bit of reverence, for he knew what a wrench
+it must be to the devoted heart of the mother to see a stranger touching
+the things she had hoarded up as treasures, and over which she must have
+had many a secret cry.
+
+Together with the traps and other things there was an old shotgun still
+in good condition, and Darry had visions of coming days in the marsh and
+swamp, where fat ducks and squirrels might fall to his aim, and provide
+good dinners for this little family into whose humble home he had now
+been fully taken.
+
+His heart was filled with gratitude, for he knew that his lines had
+fallen in pleasant places, since he was no longer a waif in the world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE MIDNIGHT ALARM
+
+
+Darry found himself greatly interested in the little diary left behind
+by the boy naturalist, and which, besides containing an account of his
+catches in the way of fur-bearing animals, also explained his methods of
+setting snares and traps, how he cured the skins when taken, and where
+he received the highest prices for the same.
+
+All of this information was eagerly devoured by his successor, who felt
+that it was certainly up to him to do his share toward supporting the
+little family of the life saver who had been so kind to him.
+
+He wandered out late one afternoon to look around and see what prospect
+there might be for game; since the fall season was now on, and the boom
+of guns beginning to be heard on the bay, where the ducks were
+commencing to congregate.
+
+As he drew near the cabin just at dusk he was surprised to discover a
+figure making off in a suspicious way, as though not desirous of being
+seen.
+
+He recognized the lurker as Jim Dilks, and the fact gave him
+considerable uneasiness, for he had not forgotten how the other vowed to
+get even for his discomfiture, and Jim's methods of wiping out a score
+were sometimes little short of shocking, if Darry could believe half he
+had heard.
+
+Had the fellow been prowling around in hopes of meeting him again, and
+trying conclusions a second time?
+
+Darry could not believe it, for such a thing would not be in line with
+the reputation of the village bully.
+
+He would be more apt to try and obtain a mean revenge by doing some
+injury to the kind woman who had given refuge to this shipwrecked lad.
+
+Evidently Mrs. Peake should know what he had seen, and so as soon as he
+entered the kitchen, he spoke of it.
+
+"Jim Dilks hanging about here," she echoed, in rising anger; "I'd just
+like to know what that scamp wants, that's all. No good follows his
+visits, as every one about this section knows to their sorrow."
+
+"I'm afraid I'm the cause of it all. Unfortunately my being here is apt
+to bring trouble down upon you. Perhaps it might be as well if I moved
+on, as he said," remarked the boy, dejectedly.
+
+The woman looked at him quickly, almost sharply.
+
+"Do you want to go?" she demanded.
+
+"No, oh, never; but it would save you trouble, and I have no right to
+bring that on you," he cried, hastily, and with emotion.
+
+"Then I say you shan't go away, not for a dozen Jim Dilks. You belong
+here now. I've done what I said I never would do, given away my Joey's
+things, and you're my boy, I say. I won't let you go away! This is your
+home as long as you want to stay. Let me catch that Jim Dilks trying to
+chase you off, that's all."
+
+Darry could not trust his voice to say one word, only caught up her
+work-stained hand and pressed it to his lips, then fled from the house.
+
+And yet as Darry stood out under the old oak that shielded the cottage
+from the burning sun in summer, and the biting winds of the "northers"
+in winter, looking up at the first bright evening star that peeped into
+view, he felt a happiness deep down in his boyish heart that could not
+be excelled by a prince of the royal blood coming into his palace home.
+
+He was merry all evening, and the twins romped as they had not done for
+many a day, in fact, ever since their brother had left them.
+
+The mother looked on in silent approval, thinking that once more home
+seemed to have a brightness about it that had been long lacking.
+
+When all had retired save Darry he sat by the fire thinking.
+
+Somehow he could not forget that skulking figure he had seen leaving the
+vicinity of the cabin at dusk, and he would have given much to have
+known just what mission brought the vindictive Jim out there.
+
+The bully's home was in the village, and he had no business so far away,
+unless bent on an errand that would not bear the light of day.
+
+A sense of responsibility came upon the boy as he sat there.
+
+What if this young wretch should be cruel enough to poison the chickens,
+or the three pigs that were expected to help carry the family over the
+winter?
+
+The thought gave him a bad feeling, and almost unconsciously he reached
+out his hand and picked up the gun that Joe had purchased with money
+earned through the sale of roots dug in the woods or furs secured
+through clever deadfalls.
+
+There were a few shells in the box, and among others, several containing
+very small shot, that might sting pretty lively, but could not do much
+damage to a half-grown boy as tough as Jim Dilks.
+
+And it was with that same individual in his mind that Darry pushed two
+of these small bird shells into the barrels of the gun.
+
+He did not know that he would care to send even this charge directly at
+a human being; but in case it became necessary he wanted to make
+certain he would do little harm.
+
+After that he seemed to feel easier in his mind, for he lay down and was
+soon fast asleep.
+
+Something awoke him about midnight, and thinking he had heard a sound he
+sat up to listen; then he heard it again, and felt sure it must be a
+cough, as of some one partly choking.
+
+He was worried and left his lowly bed to go to the door connecting the
+rooms and listen, but nothing came from beyond.
+
+Could the sound come from outside?
+
+He slipped on some of his clothes, and stepping over quietly opened the
+outer door, looking into the night.
+
+The new moon had long since vanished behind the horizon, and yet he
+could see some sort of flickering light, coming from that region back of
+the house.
+
+At the same time he believed he caught the muttering of voices, or it
+might be a low chuckle, followed by a plain sneeze.
+
+Smoke came to his nostrils, and that meant fire!
+
+Darry had a sudden vision of Jim Dilks getting even, and it took the
+form of a burning corn-crib or chicken house.
+
+Filled with indignation, he turned back into the house, and snatched up
+the old shotgun; gone now was his hesitation with regard to using the
+gun to pepper the rascally gang that took orders from the even more
+rascally Jim.
+
+Without saying a word Darry shot out of the door and turned the corner,
+when his worst fears were realized, for he saw flames rising up
+alongside the pigsty, which adjoined the building in which the fowls
+were kept.
+
+His first act was to fire the right barrel of his gun in the air, and at
+the same time give vent to a shout.
+
+Immediately several shadowy figures, which in spite of their bent
+attitudes he knew to be boys, started to scamper away, in sudden alarm
+lest they be recognized, and made to pay the penalty in the squire's
+court.
+
+As near as Darry could tell there were three of them, and as they ran he
+believed he could recognize Jim Dilks in the centre of the group.
+
+The temptation was too great to be resisted, and filled with indignation
+because of the cowardly trick of which they had been guilty, Darry took
+a snap shot at the running bunch.
+
+It was music to his ears to catch the howls that immediately arose; but
+he knew no serious damage had resulted because they ran faster than ever
+after that, quickly vanishing from view in the shadows.
+
+There was work to be done if he would save the humble quarters of the
+family porkers from destruction, and the hennery as well.
+
+He knew where the rain barrel stood that held the wash water, and
+snatching up a bucket he hastily dipped it in, after which he rushed
+over to the fire and dashed the contents upon the blaze.
+
+Back and forth he galloped, using considerable discretion as to where he
+put the water so as to head off the creeping fire.
+
+Mrs. Peake now came running with another bucket, and proved herself a
+woman in a thousand by assisting the new addition to the family put out
+the last of the conflagration.
+
+When there was not a spark remaining, and beyond the grunting of the
+pigs and the cackling of the fowls, everything had fallen back into its
+usual condition, one or two neighbors arrived on the scene, asking
+questions, and busying themselves generally, though had it depended on
+their efforts the frail buildings must have gone up in smoke before now.
+
+Of course many questions were fired at Darry, and he felt that it was
+necessary he should tell what he had seen, though cautious about saying
+he had fully recognized any one of the three skulkers, no matter what
+strong suspicions he may have entertained.
+
+He believed he had a means of identifying one or more of them,
+nevertheless, when the proper time came.
+
+More neighbors arrived, attracted by the shots and the confusion, for
+nothing could quiet the excited chickens; and for an hour there was more
+or less discussion on the part of these good people.
+
+Finally the excitement died out, the last neighbor went home, and the
+Peake cabin was left to those who belonged there. There was no further
+alarm during the balance of that eventful night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+ACROSS THE BAY
+
+
+Darry welcomed the coming of dawn.
+
+He was glad to see that the sky was clear, for he anticipated a long row
+across the broad bay that day, bearing the mail for those at the
+life-saving station, as well as several things he had been commissioned
+to fetch over by Abner.
+
+Hardly had they finished breakfast than there arrived a visitor.
+
+Mrs. Peake saw him coming along the road, for she could look out of the
+window of the kitchen, where they ate, and have a view of the open
+stretch.
+
+"Here comes old Hank Squires. I reckon he's heard something about what
+happened here last night. It's about time he took notice of some of the
+mean pranks those village boys play on those who live outside. Tell him
+all he wants to hear, Darry; but unless you can swear to it perhaps
+you'd better not say that you think it was Jim Dilks and his crowd. If
+you feel sure, go ahead," she remarked, for with all her temper Mrs.
+Peake was a woman with a due sense of caution.
+
+The constable knocked, and in response to her call to "come in," he
+entered.
+
+"I heard ye had a little shindig up to here last night, Mrs. Peake, an'
+I jest called 'round to see what it is all 'bout," said Hank, seating
+himself. "I see thar was a fire here all right, an' it kim near burning
+yer buildings down in the bargain. Some says as how it was sot by a
+passel o' boys. How 'bout that, ma'am?"
+
+"I didn't see anyone," answered the woman. "When I got out Darry here
+had the fire pretty well under control, and I only helped him finish.
+You can ask him about it, Mr. Squires."
+
+Darry had already learned through the grocer that previous to her
+marriage to Abner the good woman had been for some years a teacher in
+the schools, which fact accounted for her superior language and
+knowledge of things that were far above the intelligence of most of her
+neighbors.
+
+The constable looked keenly at our hero.
+
+"I b'lieve this is the boy wot was saved from the wreck o' that
+brigantine. So he's gwine to be your boy now, Mrs. Peake? Well, I
+understand he's got the makin' o' a man in him, so Mr. Keeler sez to me
+last night, and I hope you'll never have no reason to be sorry. I want
+to know, Darry, what about this here fire?"
+
+"I'll be only too glad to tell you all I know, sir," replied the boy
+promptly.
+
+"When did it happen?" began the constable, with the air of a famous
+lawyer, with a bewildered witness on the rack.
+
+"I think it was somewhere near midnight. I have no watch, and Mrs. Peake
+took the little clock in her room with her."
+
+"That was near the time. It was half-past one when I went back to my bed
+with my two little girls," remarked the owner of the house.
+
+"S'pose you tell me what happened, jest as it comes to you, lad."
+
+With this invitation Darry soon related the whole matter, even to his
+firing after the vanishing culprits.
+
+This latter event appeared to interest the constable more than anything
+else.
+
+"Do you think you hit any o' 'em?" he asked, eagerly.
+
+"They didn't stop to tell me, but I heard a lot of howling, and they ran
+faster than ever," replied Darry, smiling.
+
+"That sounds as if you did some damage. Mrs. Peake, I must look into
+this outrage closer, and if I can only git my hands on any dead-sure
+evidence somebody's boys is a gwine to pay for the fiddlin'. I'm tired
+o' sech goings-on. They sure are a disgrace to our village. But you know
+how it is--my hands are tied acause theys politics back o' it all. If I
+arrested Jim Dilks now on the strength o' a suspicion I'd get tied up in
+litigation and lose my job in the bargain. I hears as how theys gwine to
+be a meetin' called at the house o' the dominie to discuss this
+question, an' see what kin be did to change things."
+
+"I'm sure I'm glad to know it, and if they want another to join in tell
+them to count on Nancy Peake. The women must take this thing in hand,
+since the men are too much afraid of that ruffian, big Jim Dilks, to do
+anything. Be sure and let me know when that meeting is coming off, Mr.
+Squires," said Abner's better half; and when he saw the fire in her eyes
+and the determination shining there Constable Squires realized that the
+day of salvation for Ashley village was not so very far away.
+
+"Then you wouldn't like to swear to its being any particular pusson?" he
+went on, turning again to Darry.
+
+"I did not see a face, and without that my evidence would hardly
+convict. No, sir, I would not swear that one of the three was Jim."
+
+"That's bad. I stand ready to do my duty and arrest the boy if so be
+any one makes a complaint; but without that it wouldn't pay and only
+makes useless trouble all 'round. But I'm goin' to keep my eyes open
+from now on, and when I git a sure case on Jim he comes in."
+
+That was all Mr. Squires would say, and he soon departed; but not before
+he had called Darry outside for a few words in parting.
+
+"Looks like you was marked to be the central figger o' the comin' storm,
+lad. Keep your eye open for squalls. If things git too black around jest
+slip over to the dominie's leetle house and hev a talk with him. I knows
+more about what's gwine to happen than I let on; but somebody's due to
+hev a surprise that hain't a donation party either. You seem to have the
+right stuff in you, lad. I heard from Mr. Keeler how you took that bully
+Jim into camp mighty neat. He'll never be satisfied till he's paid you
+back. A word to the wise is sufficient. Goodbye, Darry."
+
+After all the constable did not seem to be a bad sort of fellow.
+
+During the morning Darry accomplished many things for Abner's wife, and
+she showed in her manner how pleased she was to have him there.
+
+When noon had come and gone he prepared for his row across the bay, for
+she insisted upon his making an early start.
+
+"Clouds are banking up in the southeast, and we look for trouble
+whenever that comes about. Still, you will have plenty of time to row
+over. Stay with Abner to-night and return in the morning if it is safe
+on the bay. Perhaps you may have a chance to see how the life savers
+work," said Mrs. Peake.
+
+It was almost two when he pushed off from the float and started on his
+long row directly across the bay.
+
+Steadily he kept pushing across the wide stretch of shallow water.
+
+As Abner had said, a new pair of oars seemed to be badly needed in
+connection with the old boat; but a willing heart and sturdy arms sent
+the craft along until finally Darry reached his goal.
+
+The storm was drawing near, for by now the heavens were clouded over,
+and the haze seemed to thicken. Perhaps had he lingered another hour
+Darry might have stood a chance of losing his way, and being drawn out
+of the inlet by the powerful ebb tide--just as the unfortunate Joe had
+been.
+
+Abner was waiting at the landing for him.
+
+"Glad to see yuh, lad. How's everything to home?" he asked.
+
+Of course Darry understood this to mean with regard to himself and his
+relations with the good woman of the house.
+
+Truth to tell Abner had worried more than a little since parting from
+the boy, for his wife had shown more than unusual ill temper lately, and
+he feared that he had possibly done an unwise thing in leaving Darry
+there to be a constant reminder of the son she had lost.
+
+But the happy look on the boy's countenance eased his mind even before
+the boy spoke a single word.
+
+"He kin do it, if any boy kin," was what the life saver was saying under
+his breath.
+
+"All well, and your wife sent this over to you, sir. Here's the mail,
+too. The postmaster didn't want to give it to me, but Mr. Keeler told
+him it was all right, and that I belonged with the crew over here."
+
+Unconsciously his tones were full of pride as he made this assertion,
+and the grocer had evidently done more to please the lad in making that
+assertion than he would ever know.
+
+But Abner seemed to be staring down at something.
+
+"Seems like as if yuh bed ben a leetle mite keerless, son, with them
+trousers. Don't strike me thet burn was on 'em yesterday," he remarked.
+
+"It wasn't, Mr. Peake. I got that last night," he said, quickly.
+
+"Doin' what?" went on Abner, who seemed to guess that there was a story
+back of it all that he ought to hear.
+
+"Putting out the pigsty, that was on fire, sir."
+
+"What's that? Who sot it afire, I'd like to know? Them pigs never has
+smoked, leastways not yit. Jest tell me the hull bloomin' thing, lad."
+
+To begin at the start Darry had to take up the subject of his encounter
+on the road, and from that he went on until the whole story had been
+told, including the visit of Hank Squires.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE SIGNAL ROCKET
+
+
+Abner Peake made no comment until the end had been reached.
+
+Then he smote one hand into the palm of the other, and relieved his
+feelings in the expressive way one would expect a coast "cracker" to do.
+
+"This sorter thing has got to stop! It's sure the limit wen them
+varmints set about burnin' a honest man's buildin's up! I'll take the
+law into my own hands onless somethin' is did soon. P'raps that parson
+kin manage to rouse up the village, and upset old Dilks. Ef so be it
+falls through I'm gwine to take a hand, no matter what happens."
+
+He immediately told the whole story to his companions at the station,
+and they, of course, sympathized with him to a man.
+
+"That Dilks gang has got to be run out of Ashley, root and branch, daddy
+and sons, for they're all alike," declared the keeper, Mr. Frazer, who
+was a man of considerable intelligence--indeed, no one could hold the
+position he did unless fairly educated and able to manage the various
+concerns connected with the station. "It's a burning shame that the
+families of men who are away from home in the service of the Government
+can't be left unmolested. I'm going to take the matter up with the
+authorities the next time the boat comes to this station."
+
+The life savers asked Darry many questions, but he was careful not to
+fully commit himself with regard to identifying the three culprits.
+
+"Course he couldn't say, boys. Don't forget Darry's new in this section,
+and most o' the boys is strangers to him. But he's put his trade-mark on
+one as won't forget it in a hurry. And for me I'd be willing to wager my
+week's pay that young Jim Dilks was leadin' them raiders in their
+rascally work," declared one of the crew, a stalwart young fellow named
+Sandy Monks.
+
+By this time the storm began to break, and it became necessary for the
+keeper to make good use of his glass in the endeavor to place any vessel
+chancing to be within range, so that in case of trouble later in the
+night they would have some idea as to the character of the imperiled
+craft.
+
+Darry watched everything that was done with eager eyes.
+
+After an early supper, in which he participated with the men of the
+station, he saw the guard that had the first patrol don their storm
+clothes, and prepare to pass out to tramp the beach, exchanging checks
+when they met other members of the next patrol to prove that through the
+livelong night they had been alive to their duty.
+
+Abner was on the second watch. He had consented to let the boy go out
+with him, and share his lonely tramp, for he seemed to realize that just
+then it was the most ardent wish in the heart of our hero to become a
+life saver like himself.
+
+The rain came down in sheets, and the thunder rattled, while lightning
+played in strange fashion all around; but this storm was not in the same
+class with the dreadful West India hurricane that had sent the poor
+_Falcon_ on to the cruel reefs, to wind up her voyaging forever.
+
+Darry might have liked to sit up and listen to the men tell about former
+experiences; but the keeper chased them to their beds, knowing that it
+was necessary to secure some sleep, since they must remain up the latter
+half of the night.
+
+A hand touching his face aroused Darry.
+
+"Time to git up, lad, if so be yuh wants to go along," came a voice
+which he recognized as belonging to Abner, though he had been dreaming
+of the captain.
+
+He was quickly dressed and out of doors.
+
+It seemed to be still raining, and the wind howled worse than ever,
+though but little thunder accompanied the vivid flashes of lightning.
+
+Having been giving some spare waterproof garments in the shape of
+oilskins, and a sou'wester, Darry felt himself prepared to face any
+conditions that might arise during his long walk with his friend.
+
+Taking lantern and coster lights for signalling, Abner set out, another
+patrol going in the opposite direction.
+
+Those who had been out for hours had returned to the station in an
+almost exhausted condition, and at the time Abner and Darry left they
+were warming up with a cup of coffee, strong spirits being absolutely
+forbidden while on duty.
+
+Darry asked questions when the wind allowed of his speaking, which was
+not all the time, to be sure.
+
+He wanted to know how the patrol learned when a ship was in distress,
+and Abner answered that sometimes they saw lights on the reefs; again
+the lightning betrayed the perilous condition of the recked vessel; but
+usually they learned of the need of assistance through rockets sent up
+by those on board, and which were answered by the coast guard.
+
+Captain Harley had not been given a chance to send such an appeal for
+help, since he had been swept overboard just after the brigantine
+struck; besides, the vessel was a complete wreck at the time, and
+without a single stick in place could never have utilized the breeches
+buoy even had a line been shot out across her bows by means of the Lyle
+gun.
+
+In two hours they had gone to the end of their route, and exchanged
+checks with the other patrol coming from the south. Then the return
+journey was begun.
+
+Almost an hour had elapsed since turning back, and they were possibly
+more than half way to the station, when suddenly Darry, who chanced to
+be looking out to sea, discovered an ascending trail of fire that seemed
+to mount to the very clouds, when it broke, to show a flash of brilliant
+light.
+
+"See!" he had exclaimed, dragging at the sleeve of his companion's coat,
+for Abner was plodding along steadily, as if his mind was made up to the
+effect that there was going to be no call for help on this night.
+
+"A rocket! a signal!" cried the old life saver, at once alive to the
+occasion.
+
+His first act was to unwrap one of the coster lights, and set it on
+fire.
+
+This was intended to inform those on board the ship that their call for
+assistance had been seen, and that the lifeboat would soon be started if
+conditions allowed of its getting through the surf; for there are
+occasionally times when the sea runs so high that it proves beyond human
+endeavor to launch the boat.
+
+Having thus done his duty, so far as he could, Abner set out on a run
+for the station, knowing that unless the full crew was on hand all
+efforts to send out the boat would be useless.
+
+Darry kept at his heels, though he could have outrun the older man had
+he so desired, being sturdy and young.
+
+Stumbling along, sometimes falling flat as they met with obstacles in
+the darkness, they finally came within sight of the lights of the
+station.
+
+Here they found all excitement, for the signal rockets had of course
+been seen by the lookout, and all was in readiness to run the boat out
+of its shed.
+
+Darry found that he could certainly make himself useful in giving a
+helping hand, and with a will the boat was hurried down to the edge of
+the water that rolled up on the beach.
+
+All they waited for now was the coming of one man, whose beat happened
+to be a little longer than any other, but who should have shown up ere
+now.
+
+As the minutes passed the anxiety of the helmsman grew apace, for those
+on the stranded vessel were sending more rockets up, as though they
+believed their peril to be very great.
+
+The men stood at their places, ready to push at the word, and then leap
+aboard.
+
+Darry was with them, eager and alert; indeed, he had done such good
+service up to now that the stout Mr. Frazer cast an eye toward him more
+than once, as though tempted to ask him to take the place of the missing
+man, who must have had an accident on the way, perhaps spraining an
+ankle over some unseen obstacle that came in his way as he ran headlong.
+
+Darry saw him talking with Abner, who looked his way, and shook his head
+as if hardly willing to give his consent.
+
+Just as his hopes ran high, and the words seemed trembling on the lips
+of the helmsman a shout was heard and the missing man came limping down
+to take his place without a complaint, though as it afterwards turned
+out he had a bad sprain.
+
+Then the wild word was given, the men heaved, the surf boat ran into the
+water, with the men jumping aboard, oars flashed out on either side, and
+were dipped deep, after which the boat plunged into the next wave, rode
+on its crest like a duck, made a forward move, and then darkness shut it
+from the gaze of the lad left behind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+JIM THE BULLY
+
+
+Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had
+been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
+
+One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a
+beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
+
+What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense
+as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare
+upon the clouds overhead was essential.
+
+By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken
+chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
+
+They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious
+looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the
+boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the
+vessel in danger.
+
+Finally a loud shout was heard:
+
+"There they come!"
+
+Upon the top of an incoming billow the lifeboat was seen perched, with
+the men laboring at the oars to keep it steady, and the steersman
+standing at his post, every muscle strained to hold the craft from
+broaching to.
+
+It was a wild sight, and every nerve in Darry's body seemed to thrill as
+he kept his eyes glued upon that careening boat.
+
+On it came, sweeping in with the wash of the agitated sea, until finally
+it was carried far up the beach, where men, rushing in waist deep,
+seized hold and prevented the undertow from dragging it out again.
+
+Then the crew jumped out to lend their aid.
+
+Darry saw that quite a number of strangers were aboard, who had
+undoubtedly been taken from the vessel.
+
+They were passengers, the captain and crew refusing to abandon their
+craft.
+
+The steamer being head on, was not in as bad a condition as might
+otherwise have been the case; and as the storm promised to be
+short-lived, the commander had decided to try and await the coming of
+tugs from the city to drag his vessel off.
+
+The telephone to the mainland was immediately put to good use, and a
+message sent to a salvage company that would bring a couple of strong
+sea-going tugs to the scene inside of ten hours.
+
+Abner had labored with the rest.
+
+He was more or less tired when Darry found him, after the boat had been
+drawn up on the beach, but not housed, since it might be needed again;
+but this sort of thing was an old story in his life, and in comparison
+with some of his labors the adventure of the night had been rather tame.
+
+In the morning Darry started across the bay again, homeward bound.
+
+He was sorry to leave the beach, so much was his heart wrapped up in the
+work of the life savers.
+
+The day was bright and fine after the short storm which had seemed to
+clear the air wonderfully.
+
+He could see a few boats moving about, some of them oyster sloops or
+dredgers, other pleasure craft belonging to the rich sportsmen who had
+already commenced to drift down in pursuit of their regular fall
+shooting.
+
+Occasionally the distant dull boom of a gun told that a few ducks were
+paying toll on their passage south.
+
+Darry looked longingly at a splendid motor-boat that went swiftly past
+him.
+
+The young fellow on board seemed to be having a most delightful time,
+and it was only natural for any boy to envy him.
+
+It was noon when our hero arrived home. Mrs. Peake was interested in
+all he had to tell about the trip of the life savers.
+
+"We get used to hearing these things," she said, "but all the same it
+keeps the wives of the life savers feeling anxious. Some night it
+happens one of the crew of the lifeboat goes out and does not return. At
+any time it may be my turn. I know three widows now."
+
+"I think they ought to pick out the unmarried men," remarked Darry, who
+had himself been considering this very subject.
+
+"They do, I believe, as far as they can; but we must have bread, and the
+number of available surfmen is small. But those who win their living
+from the sea learn to expect these things sooner or later. It is only a
+question of time."
+
+After a bit of lunch Darry was sent to the village on an errand.
+
+This was how he happened to see Jim Dilks again.
+
+The meeting occurred just before Darry reached the grocer's, and as Jim
+was totally unaware of his coming he had no chance to assume airs.
+
+Darry looked at him eagerly, as though expecting to make a discovery;
+and this anticipation met with no disappointment.
+
+There could be no doubt about Jim limping, and once he instinctively
+put his hand back of him as if to rub a spot that pained more or less.
+
+Darry understood what it meant, and that he had not sent that shower of
+fine bird shot after the trio of desperate young scamps in vain.
+
+If Hank Squires wanted positive evidence as to who had been connected
+with the firing of Mrs. Peake's out-buildings he could find it upon an
+examination of the person of Jim Dilks.
+
+When the good-for-nothing caught sight of Darry it was surprising how he
+stiffened up and walked as upright as a drum-major.
+
+Darry had lost all respect for the prowess of the young ruffian, after
+that one trial of strength, when he had found Jim so lacking in
+everything that goes to make up a fighter. He had the feeling that he
+could snap his fingers in the other's face.
+
+Being a boy he could not help from addressing the ex-bully, and rubbing
+it in a little, for Jim was scowling at him ferociously.
+
+"Hello, Jim, how's the sprain--or was it rheumatism you had in your
+wrist? Sorry to see it's gone down now into one of your legs, and makes
+you limp. I tell you what's good for that sort of thing. First, be sure
+to take out any foreign substance, such as gravel, _lead_ or anything
+like that; then wash it well and rub on some sort of ointment. Follow
+the directions and it will work fine," he said, as soberly as though he
+meant every word.
+
+If anything, Jim scowled worse than before, since his guilty soul knew
+that this boy suspected his connection with the lawless act of the
+recent night.
+
+"Saw yer comin' acrost the bay this mornin'; say, was yer over on ther
+beach with the life savers? Did a boat go ter pieces on the reefs?" he
+asked.
+
+Darry saw that the other was swallowing his resentment in order to pick
+up information, and he remembered what dark stories he had heard in
+connection with the men who formed the companions of Jim's father--that
+they were termed wreckers, and some said they had reached a point of
+desperation where they did not hesitate to lure a vessel upon the reefs
+in order to profit from the goods that would float ashore after she went
+to pieces.
+
+Possibly the older Dilks and his cronies may have been abroad on the
+preceding night, hovering around in hopes of a windfall; and Jim was
+eager to learn whether such a chance had come.
+
+"Not last night, I'm glad to say. There was a steamer aground, but only
+the passengers would come ashore, the captain and crew remaining on
+board waiting for the tugs to arrive," replied Darry.
+
+Jim's face fell several degrees.
+
+He would have been satisfied to hear that a dozen poor sailors had been
+lost if it meant a big haul for the wreckers of the coast.
+
+"Say, be yer goin' to stay 'round this district," asked the bully,
+changing the subject suddenly.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Peake wants me to remain with her, and so does Abner. I'm
+thinking about it. When I make my mind up I'll let you know, Jim. If
+it's stay, why we can have it all over again. I want to warn you, Jim.
+You're going to get yourself into trouble if you keep on the way you're
+bent now. There's a law that sends a man to the penitentiary for setting
+fire to a neighbor's house," he said, as sternly as he could.
+
+"Never set fire ter a house," declared Jim, quickly.
+
+"Well, it doesn't matter whether it's a house or a barn or a hencoop. If
+Hank Squires could only find some positive evidence against you he says
+he'd lock you up right now; and Jim, I know how he could get all the
+evidence he needs."
+
+"'Taint so," flashed out the bully, but looking alarmed all the same;
+while his hand half instinctively sought his rear.
+
+"I think that an examination of those ragged trousers you wear would
+show where a few fine bird-shot peppered you as you ran. Perhaps both
+the other fellows got a touch of the same medicine, too, so you'd have
+company, Jim, when you went up."
+
+"It's a lie. I never sot that pigpen on fire!"
+
+"Oh! you know it was a pigpen, then, do you? I spoke of a chicken coop
+only."
+
+"Heerd 'em torkin' about it. Thet ole busybody, Miss Pepper, she war in
+ther store wen I was gittin' somethin' fur mam, and she sed as how she'd
+run this village if she war a man, an' the feller as set fire ter a
+honest woman's pigpen 'd git his'n right peart. Like fun she wud,"
+returned Jim, quickly.
+
+"She's got her eye on you, Jim. She believes you led that gang. Going,
+eh, good-bye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+A GLORIOUS PROSPECT
+
+
+Jim had heard enough. He was beginning to be a bit afraid lest this
+sturdy new boy who had mastered him so easily in their late encounter,
+take a notion to investigate his condition physically; and there were
+several little punctures that just then Jim did not care to have seen.
+
+Darry watched the bully saunter away, and it made him smile to see what
+an effort the other kept up his careless demeanor, when every step must
+have caused him more or less pain.
+
+Perhaps Jim, in spite of his bombastic manner, might have received a
+lesson, and would be a little more careful after this how he acted.
+
+So he walked to the store, completed his purchases, and was waiting for
+them to be tied up when who should enter but the young fellow he had
+seen in the beautiful cedar motor-boat out on the bay.
+
+He was dressed like a sportsman, and there was a frank, genial air about
+him that quite attracted Darry.
+
+Apparently he had dropped in to get his mail, for he walked over to the
+little cubby hole where a clerk sat.
+
+As his eyes in roving around chanced to fall on Darry, and the latter
+saw him give a positive start, and he seemed to be staring at him as
+though more than casually interested.
+
+Then he spoke to the clerk, who looked out toward Darry and apparently
+went on to explain that he was a stranger in the community, having been
+on a brigantine recently wrecked on the deadly reefs off the shore.
+
+The young man sauntered around until Darry left.
+
+Just as our hero put the last of the small shanties that formed the
+outskirts of Ashley behind him he caught the sound of hurrying steps.
+
+Thinking of Jim and his ugly promise of future trouble he half turned,
+but to his surprise and pleasure he saw that it was the owner of the
+launch, and that apparently the youth was hurrying to overtake him.
+
+What his curiosity was founded on Darry could not say; but presumed the
+other had liked his looks and wanted to strike up an acquaintance.
+
+It would not be the first time such a thing had happened to him.
+
+"Good morning, or rather good afternoon," said the stranger. "I believe
+they told me your name was Darry, and that you are stopping with one of
+the life savers. My name is Paul Singleton, and I'm down here, partly
+for my health, and also to enjoy the shooting. It turns out to be pretty
+lonely work, and I'm looking for a congenial companion to keep me
+company and help with the decoys later. I'm willing to pay anything
+reasonable, and I carry enough grub for half a dozen. My boat is small,
+but affords ample sleeping accommodations for two. How would you like to
+try it," and the youth smiled broadly.
+
+Darry was thrilled at the prospect, although he could not see his way
+clear to accept it just then.
+
+First of all he would not think of doing so without consulting Abner,
+who had been so kind, and who expected him to remain with the little
+family; then, it was nice to believe that Mrs. Peake would feel sorry to
+lose him; and last of all he knew little or nothing about the bay or the
+ways of guides, and the duties connected with the profession.
+
+"I'd like it first-rate, but just now I don't see how I could accept,"
+he replied.
+
+"If it's a question of wages--" began the young man, who was watching
+the various expressions flit over Darry's face with an eager eye.
+
+"Not at all. I was only thinking of my duty to Abner Peake and his wife,
+who have been so good to me. Perhaps later on I might accept, providing
+you have not already filled the place."
+
+"I suppose you know best, but somehow I've taken a notion I'd like to
+have you along with me, Darry. For a week or two I mean to just knock
+around here, sometimes ashore and again afloat. Perhaps when the
+shooting begins in earnest you may be able to give me a different
+answer."
+
+"At any rate by that time I shall know more about the bay and the habits
+of the ducks that drop in here. I'm a stranger, you see, Mr. Singleton,
+and though I've done some hunting in India and other places where our
+ship lay at anchor for weeks, I know little about this sport. I can cook
+as well as the next fellow, and of course know something about boats,
+though more used to sails than gasoline."
+
+"You're too modest, Darry. Some chaps would have jumped at the chance to
+have a fine time. But I like you all the better for it. I see you are in
+a hurry, so I won't detain you any longer. It's understood then that if
+you can get off later you'll come to me?"
+
+"I'll only be too glad to do so, Mr. Singleton," was Darry's answer.
+
+The young fellow thrust out his hand, while his gaze still-remained
+riveted on Darry's face.
+
+As the boy walked rapidly away, feeling a sense of overpowering delight
+at the prospect ahead if all things went well, something caused him to
+glance back, and he saw Paul Singleton shaking his head while sauntering
+toward the village, as if something puzzled him greatly.
+
+Darry could not understand what ailed the other, or how anything about
+his appearance should attract so fine a young gentleman.
+
+He told Mrs. Peake about it, and while she looked displeased at first,
+Darry was so apparently loth to leave her that the better element in the
+woman's nature soon pushed to the front.
+
+"Of course you can go, after a little. There's nothing to prevent. It
+will be a fine thing for you, and may lead to something better. We have
+put through one winter without a man in the house, and can again. Time
+was when all my children were little, and even then Abner used to be
+away most of the time. Don't worry about us, Darry. When the time comes,
+I say, go," was what she remarked.
+
+How the skies were brightening for him!
+
+And only a few days back he had faced such a gloomy prospect that it
+appalled him!
+
+Now he whistled as he worked, rubbing up the various traps taken from
+Joe's box, and preparing to sally out for his first experience in trying
+to catch the muskrats that haunted the borders of the watercourses in
+the marshes near by.
+
+Carrying that invaluable little notebook along for reference in case he
+should become puzzled about anything, and with a few traps slung over
+his shoulder Darry followed the paths along the edge of the marsh until
+he reached one that seemed to enter the waste land.
+
+Joe had designated this as his favorite tramp, since it paralleled the
+creek, and the burrows of the little fur-bearing animals could be easily
+located.
+
+Presently Darry was busily engaged in examining the bank, and it was not
+long before he had found what he sought.
+
+This was a hole just below the water line.
+
+There were also the tracks of the occupants close by, showing just how
+they issued from their snug home to forage for food.
+
+He carefully set his trap under a few inches of water, so that the first
+rat coming forth and starting to climb the bank would set his hind feet
+in it.
+
+The chain he fastened to a stake out in the creek.
+
+This was done in order that the little rodent would be quickly drowned.
+
+Trappers invariably follow this rule when after water animals, and it is
+not always through a spirit of mercy toward the victim that actuates
+their motive, but the fact that they would otherwise lose many a catch,
+since the captive in despair over its inability to escape would gnaw its
+foot off.
+
+Having finished with the trap, Darry walked further into the marsh. It
+was a lonely place, seldom visited save by a few hunters in the season,
+who looked for mallard ducks there; or it might be some boy trapper,
+endeavoring to make a few dollars by catching some of the shy denizens
+wearing marketable fur coats.
+
+Here a brace of snipe went spinning away, and a little further a blue
+crane got up and flapped off, his long legs sticking out like fishing
+poles.
+
+In an hour or so the boy had placed all his traps. He had followed Joe's
+directions to the letter, and the morning would show as to whether he
+was to make a success of the venture.
+
+One thing was positive, and it was this, that even should he find
+nothing in the traps he did not mean to give up; if he had made a
+mistake, then it must be rectified, even if he had to secure some old
+boat in order to carry out his operations without leaving a scent behind
+to alarm the game.
+
+It was late in the afternoon when he reached home.
+
+The twins ran to meet him as though already they looked upon him in the
+light of a member of the little family.
+
+Darry threw first one and then the other up into the air, while they
+shrieked with laughter, and he could see that Mrs. Peake was looking on
+approvingly, as if her desolated mother heart was warming toward this
+lad who had never known what it was to have any one love him.
+
+He had been thinking much that afternoon of Paul Singleton, even
+repeating the name of the young man over and over, as though striving to
+remember whether he could have ever heard it before, which did not seem
+likely.
+
+And it was not so much anticipation of the good times coming that
+engaged his thought as that queer look on the face of Paul while they
+had been talking.
+
+What could it mean?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE STOLEN TRAPS
+
+
+In the morning Darry occupied himself repairing the damage done by the
+fire.
+
+After he had done all the chores, even to assisting Mrs. Peake wash the
+breakfast dishes, and there seemed nothing else to be undertaken, he
+took Joe's shotgun on his shoulder and walked toward the marsh.
+
+The woman, seeing how much he looked like her lost boy with the gun and
+the clothes, had a good cry when left to herself; but Darry did not know
+this.
+
+As he approached his first trap he found himself fairly tingling with
+eagerness.
+
+This was not because of the value involved in the skin of a muskrat,
+though it seemed as though each year the price was soaring as furs
+became more scarce; but he wanted to feel that he had learned his lesson
+well, and followed out the instructions given in Joe's little handbook.
+
+The trap was gone!
+
+He saw this with the first glance he cast over the low bank.
+
+Did it have a victim in its jaws or had some marauder stolen it?
+
+With a stick he groped in the deeper water, and catching something in
+the crotch he presently drew ashore the trap.
+
+He had caught his first prize.
+
+Of course he understood that when compared with the mink and the fox, a
+muskrat is an ignorant little beast at best, and easily captured; but
+for a beginning it was worth feeling proud over.
+
+Setting the trap again in the hope that there might be others in the
+burrow, one of which would set his foot in trouble on the succeeding
+night, Darry went on.
+
+He found only one more victim to the half dozen traps.
+
+Perhaps he had been too careless with the others and left plain traces
+of his presence that had warned the cunning rodents.
+
+Having placed all his traps in the water again, he started back home,
+swinging the two "muskies" in one hand, while carrying his gun in the
+other.
+
+After leaving the marsh he chanced to look back and was surprised to
+see a boy come out and start on a run toward the village.
+
+Darry had very little acquaintance with the village lads, and could not
+make up his mind whether he had ever seen this fellow before or not; but
+once or twice he thought he detected evidence of a limp in his gait when
+he fell into a walk, and this brought to mind Jim and his two cronies.
+
+It was not Jim, but at the same time there was no reason why it should
+not be one of his bodyguard, "the fellows who sneezed when Jim took
+snuff," as Mrs. Peake had said in speaking of the lot.
+
+Suppose this did happen to be Sim Clark or Bowser, what had he been
+doing in the marsh?
+
+Could it be possible that the fellow had been spying on him, and was now
+hastening to report to his chief?
+
+They might think to annoy him by stealing the traps he had placed, or at
+least robbing them of any game.
+
+Darry shut his teeth hard at the idea.
+
+He made up his mind that he would go out earlier on the following day,
+even if, in order to do so, he had to get up long before daylight to
+accomplish his various chores.
+
+No doubt he made rather a sorry mess of the job when he came to removing
+those first pelts--at least it took him half a dozen times as long as a
+more experienced trapper would have needed in order to accomplish the
+task.
+
+Still, when he finally had them fastened to a couple of boards left by
+Joe, he felt that he had reason to be satisfied with his first attempt.
+
+Mrs. Peake declared they seemed to look all right, and as each
+represented a cash money value of some forty or fifty cents, Darry
+realized that there was a little gold mine awaiting him in that swamp,
+providing those miserable followers of Jim allowed him to work it.
+
+Several times he awoke during the night and started up, thinking he
+heard suspicious sounds again, but they proved false alarms.
+
+He was glad to see the first peep of day, and quickly tumbled out to set
+about his various duties of starting the fire, bringing in water and
+wood, and later on chopping a supply of fuel sufficient to last through
+the day.
+
+When Mrs. Peake gave him permission to go Darry hurried off.
+
+Again he carried the gun, thinking he might find a chance to bag a fine
+fat duck or two, which Mrs. Peake declared she would be glad to have for
+dinner.
+
+Arriving at the scene of his first triumph of the previous day, he
+discovered once more that the trap was gone from the bank.
+
+Again he fished for it with the crotched stick, but despite his efforts
+there was no trap forthcoming.
+
+Finally, filled with a sudden suspicion, he crawled down to examine the
+stake in the water to which the chain had been secured.
+
+The stake was there all right but no trap rewarded his search.
+
+With his heart beating doubly fast, Darry sped along the path to where
+he had located his second trap, only to find it also missing.
+
+Now he knew that it could be no accident, but a base plot to upset all
+his calculations and deprive him of the fruits of his industry.
+
+The thing that angered him most of all was the fact that he must face
+Mrs. Peake and tell her he had lost the treasures she valued so highly.
+
+He shut his teeth together firmly.
+
+"They won't keep them, not if I know it," he muttered. "I'll find out
+where they hide them. I'll get 'em again, sure as I live!"
+
+The thieves had apparently done their evil work well. Not a single trap
+did he find in the various places where he had left them.
+
+But one thing he saw that gave him a savage satisfaction, and this was
+the fact that there were footprints around the last one, in which the
+muddy water had not yet had time to become clear.
+
+Darry believed from this that those who had rifled his belongings could
+not have left the scene more than a few minutes.
+
+Perhaps if he were smart he could overtake them and demand restitution.
+
+It stood to reason that the rascals could not have returned along the
+same path, for he would have met them.
+
+He bent down to examine the ground and could easily see where the marks
+of several wet and heavy shoes continued along the trial that followed
+the creek.
+
+Darry immediately started off on a run.
+
+Hardly five minutes later, as he turned a bend, he had a glimpse of a
+figure just leaving the path and entering the woods bordering the swamp.
+
+So far as he knew he had not been noticed; but to make sure he crept
+along under the shelter of neighboring bushes until he reached the place
+where the moving figure had caught his eye.
+
+Voices now came to his ear, and it was easy enough to follow the three
+slouching figures that kept pushing deeper into the swamp.
+
+He even saw his precious traps on their backs, together with several
+muskrats which Jim himself carried.
+
+Perhaps their first idea was to throw the traps into the oozy water of
+the swamp, so that they could never be found again; but then those steel
+contraptions represented a cash value of a dollar or so, and money
+appealed strongly to these fellows; so they hung on, with the idea of
+placing them in a hollow tree, where, later, they could be found and
+sold.
+
+Darry knew that he was going to recover his own, and he now watched the
+movements of the three with more or less curiosity.
+
+All the while he kept drawing nearer, fearful lest they discover him
+before he could get close enough to hold them up; for should they run in
+different directions he could not expect to accomplish his end.
+
+Then he saw what brought them to this place.
+
+A rude shack made of stray boards, and branches from trees loomed up.
+
+It was evidently a secret hide-out of the gang, where they came when
+matters got too warm either at home or among the neighbors whose hen
+roosts they had been pillaging.
+
+When Darry saw Jim throw his bunch of game on the ground, he knew his
+chase was at an end, and that presently, when he felt good and ready, he
+could turn the tables on his enemies.
+
+Lying there watching them start a fire and prepare to cook something
+they had brought along, he even chuckled to imagine how surprised the
+trio of young rascals would be when he popped up like a
+jack-in-the-box.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+JOE'S SHOTGUN SECURES A SUPPER
+
+
+One of the fellows with Jim, and whom he addressed as Sim, gathered the
+six stolen traps together and held them up laughingly.
+
+"A bully find, fellers; but if I had me way I'd let 'em lie and snooped
+the musky out every day. Why it'd be like takin' candy from the baby,
+that's what. But Jim there wanted to kerry off the hull bunch," he said,
+swinging the traps idly to and fro.
+
+"I wanted ter let him know I allers kep' me word. When he finds 'em gone
+I bet yer he knows who's had a hand in it; but he caint prove nothin'. I
+kin snap me fingers in his face, an' tell him ter chase hisself. Here,
+Bowser, git that fire goin' in a hurry. I'm pretty near starved. The ole
+man chased me outen the house last night, an' ther ole woman won't give
+me a bite. Reckon I'll hev ter hustle fur meself arter this. Dad's as
+mad as hops 'cause he aint hed a chanct ter pick up any stuff on the
+beach fur three moons. If it keeps on, him and his gang 'll hev ter do
+sumpin different ter make biz good."
+
+Darry did not care to linger any longer.
+
+He wanted those traps and the animals that had been taken from them, and
+he meant to have them.
+
+"Why, hello, boys!"
+
+The three young rascals sprang erect when they heard these words, and
+their amazement can be imagined at discovering the object of their
+recent raid standing there not twenty feet away, holding Joe Peake's old
+shotgun carelessly in his hands.
+
+In that moment the real nature of each of them showed itself--Sim Clark
+darted into cover and ran away at the top of his speed like the coward
+he was, Bowser fell on his knees and wrung his hands, being weak when it
+came to a showdown; but Jim Dilks, ruffian as he was, scorned to do
+either, and stood his ground, like a wolf brought to bay and showing its
+fangs.
+
+"I see you have been so kind as to gather a few traps of mine together.
+And as I live if you haven't relieved me of the trouble of fishing for
+several rats. Very kind of you, Jim. Now, don't say a word, and just
+keep where you are, or by accident something might happen. Guess you
+know what shot feels like when it hits. Once ought to be enough, and
+this time you're so close it might be serious. Now, listen to me, once
+and for all, Jim Dilks, and you Bowser, I'm going right back and set
+these traps where I think I'll find more game. You touch a finger to
+one of them at your peril. I'll let Hank Squires know all about this
+shack here, and what you've been up to. The first trap that is missing
+means the whole three of you behind the bars. That's all."
+
+Jim never opened his mouth. He was awed for the time being, and watched
+Darry pick up the traps, together with the three muskrats, swing the lot
+over his shoulder and walk away.
+
+The boy did not know but what they might attempt to jump upon him yet
+and kept on the alert; but when he presently looked back upon hearing a
+shout, he found that Jim was only relieving his wounded feelings by
+kicking the kneeling Bowser vigorously.
+
+Darry did just as he had said he would.
+
+He went a little further into the marsh, thinking that since so many
+feet had been trampling around the bank of the creek the game might have
+become shy; but he set the six traps, and even marked the tree nearest
+each, so that the location could be easily found by himself or others,
+inclined that way.
+
+Such bold tactics would do more to keep Jim and his set from disturbing
+the traps than the utmost secrecy.
+
+When Darry went back home, he thought it best not to say anything about
+his adventure to Mrs. Peake; but having occasion to go to the village
+later in the day he sought out the constable, whom he found cleaning up
+his garden patch and burning the refuse.
+
+Old Hank amused him. The fellow was always indulging in mysterious hints
+as to what he was going to do some day soon, and doubtless his
+intentions were all right, but, as Miss Pepper had truly said, he lacked
+the backbone to carry them out.
+
+Old Jim Dilks and his crew of trouble breeders had dominated the
+vicinity so long now that it was hard to break away from their sway.
+
+The officer of the law was in his shirt sleeves, so that his fine nickel
+badge could not shine upon his manly breast; but as he saw Darry
+approach, and scented coming business, he drew his tall figure up as if
+in that way he could at least represent the majesty of the law.
+
+Hank had an idea that he possessed an eye that was a terror to
+evil-doers, when to tell the truth his gaze was as mild and peaceful as
+that of a babe.
+
+"Glad to see you, Darry. Hope there ain't been any more doings up at
+your place? I'm laying for the slippery rascals, and hope to have them
+dead to rights soon; but you know men in my profession have to go slow.
+A mistake is a serious thing in the eye of the law," he said, offering
+his hand in a friendly fashion.
+
+"There's nothing wrong up at the house, sir; but I wanted to tell you
+something I think you ought to know, in case the time comes when you
+might want to find Jim Dilks and his gang and they were not at home,"
+began Darry.
+
+The constable quailed a trifle, then grew stern.
+
+"Big Jim or little Jim, which?" he said, anxiously.
+
+"The boy who has tried to make things so warm for me. He and his crowd
+have a shack in the swamp, where they camp out from time to time. That's
+where you'll find them when wanted."
+
+"Sure that's interesting news, lad. Can you tell me just where to look?"
+
+He heaved a sigh of relief--then there was not any need of immediate
+haste, and Hank was a true Southern "cracker," always ready to postpone
+action.
+
+"Leave the path along the creek just where it makes that sharp bend. A
+fallen tree marks the spot. Head due south until you sight a big live
+oak, the only one I noticed. The shack lies under its spreading
+branches, Mr. Squires. I thought you ought to know. Besides, I told Jim
+and his crowd I meant to inform you."
+
+"What! you saw Jim there, and his crowd with him? I wonder they let you
+get out of the swamp without a beating," exclaimed the constable,
+surprised, and looking at this newcomer as though he could hardly
+believe his senses.
+
+"They knew better. The fact is, sir, I had a shotgun with me. Perhaps
+they may have had a recent experience with such a little tool. But no
+matter, they let me gather up my traps and the three muskrats taken from
+them, and never offered to put out a hand to stop me."
+
+"Traps--muskrats--look here, now I begin to see light, and can give a
+guess how it came you were there in that swamp. You followed the rascals
+there."
+
+"To tell the truth, I did, for I was determined to get back what they
+had taken."
+
+"Bully for you, lad. If you had dropped in on us some time back we might
+have had a different class of boys around here by now. You're a
+reformer, that's what you are. First you knocks that tyrant Jim down;
+then you pepper him with shot after he has fired the pigpen of your new
+home, and now you brave him in his own dooryard. That's reforming all
+right, and I hope you keep at it until you've reformed the ugly beggar
+into the penitentiary. I begin to pluck up hope that soon public spirit
+will be so aroused that we can do something right. Would you mind
+shaking hands with me again, Darry. It does me good, sure it does."
+
+Of course Darry complied, though he had his doubts as to whether Mr.
+Squires would ever have the nerve to connect himself with any movement
+looking to the purging of Ashley village of its rough element.
+
+In fact, if anything were ever done he believed such women as Miss
+Pepper would be the ones to run the evil-doers out of town, and put up
+the bars.
+
+Darry had taken the three animals home, pleased to know that after all
+half his traps had found victims on this second day.
+
+He judged from this that he was doing very well, and with a little more
+experience could consider himself a full-fledged trapper.
+
+Later in the afternoon he thought of the ducks, and passing out upon the
+marsh walked until he discovered several feeding among the wild rice,
+when he started to creep up on them with infinite cunning.
+
+Reaching at last a bunch of grass as near as he could hope to go he
+waited until two were close together, when he fired his right barrel.
+
+As the remaining mallard started to rise in a clumsy fashion Darry gave
+him the benefit of the other barrel.
+
+When Mrs. Peake saw what fine birds he had secured she was loud in her
+praise, for their coming meant at least one good meal without cost, and
+every cent counted in this little family.
+
+Again Darry busied himself with his pelts.
+
+He was pleased to find how much easier the job seemed after his
+experience of the preceding day; and when the skins had been stretched
+upon the boards they had a cleaner look that satisfied the eye.
+
+After that he plucked the three ducks for the good woman, saving her a
+task she never fancied, and winning her thanks.
+
+Then he looked after the gun, believing that it is wise to always keep
+such a weapon in the best of order, since it serves its owner faithfully
+when called upon.
+
+"I had some visitors while you were away," announced Mrs. Peake, when
+after supper they were seated by the table.
+
+Darry looked up from his work of whittling more stretching boards,
+interested at once.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE LONELY VIGIL OF THE COAST PATROL
+
+
+Mrs. Peake looked amused.
+
+"A young man called on me," she said.
+
+Dairy's face lighted up.
+
+"It must have been Mr. Singleton!" he exclaimed, eagerly.
+
+She nodded in the affirmative.
+
+"Did he come to see me?" he asked.
+
+"No, I rather think he wanted to have a little talk with me. You see he
+guessed from what you told him that it all was because of me you
+wouldn't go with him, and he just dropped in, he said, to have a
+neighborly chat, and let me know how much he was interested in a boy by
+the name of Darry."
+
+"That was fine of him. What did you think, wasn't he all I said?"
+
+"As nice a young gentleman as I ever met. He asked a lot of questions
+about you."
+
+"Of course. He had a right to. When a gentleman asks a strange fellow to
+go off with him on a cruise it's only business for him to learn all he
+can about whether the other is honest and all that. You told him I
+never touched liquor, I hope?"
+
+"He never asked about such things. In fact, it was all in connection
+with your past he seemed interested."
+
+"My past--how could he be interested in that? He never saw me before."
+Yet, strange to say, the fact seemed to thrill Darry through and
+through; for he was still hugging that hope to his heart, and wondering
+if some day he might not be lucky enough to learn who and what he was.
+
+"Well, all I can say is that he kept asking me all about you came here,
+why you were Darry, and what your other name might be; when he learned
+that you never knew who your parents were he seemed to be strangely
+agitated. He didn't take me into his confidence; but I'm morally
+convinced that Mr. Singleton believes he is on the track of some sort of
+discovery. I heard him ask Miss Pepper, who was hurrying over, seeing I
+had a visitor, if there was a telegraph office in Ashley; and when he
+left he was saying to himself: 'I must let her know--this may be
+important.' It would be a fine thing for you, my boy, if circumstances
+brought you face to face with some rich relative so soon after you
+landed on the soil of America."
+
+Darry drew a long breath, and shook his head.
+
+"It would be great, as you say, whether my father or mother were rich or
+poor, it wouldn't matter a bit to me; but I'm afraid you're getting too
+far along. Perhaps what you heard him say may refer to another affair
+entirely. No matter, I like Mr. Singleton, and have from the start. If
+we go off together I know I'd enjoy it first-rate in that dandy little
+motor-boat of his. I haven't said I would for sure. I mean to wait a
+while and see how things come out here ashore."
+
+She knew he was thinking of Jim Dilks and his scheming for
+mischief--that he believed the fact of her giving him shelter and a home
+had drawn upon her head the vindictive fury of the lawless rascal, who,
+finding the little home undefended if Darry went away, might think it
+safe to continue his persecution.
+
+When Darry strode forth into the marsh the next day he again carried the
+gun.
+
+He found his traps all safe. Undoubtedly his defiance had had its effect
+upon the mind of Jim; and however much he may have felt like repeating
+the thievish act which Darry's prompt arrival on the scene had nipped in
+the bud, he dared not attempt it.
+
+He was beginning to be afraid of this young chap who kept a chip on his
+shoulder, and dared him to knock it off.
+
+This time four victims attested to the skill with which the new trapper
+attended to his business.
+
+Already was the list reaching respectable proportions.
+
+He expected to cross over that afternoon to see Abner, and carry the
+mail again; and it would be with satisfaction that he could inform his
+good friend how the traps Joe had left behind were still fulfilling
+their destiny at the same old stand.
+
+The sky was clouded over when he started out on his long trip.
+
+He had during his leisure minutes fashioned a sort of sail that could be
+used with the wind astern; and as this happened to be the case now Darry
+got it in position for service.
+
+With the sail, he just rushed along over the bay; and all the while sat
+there taking his ease instead of dragging at the oars.
+
+Having spent some years on the waters there was little in connection
+with boats, big or little, that the lad did not know.
+
+He had found some good wood which Abner had expected to use for the
+purpose at some future date, and one oar was already pretty well
+advanced.
+
+By the time he crossed again he believed he would have them both
+completed; and at that they would be nothing of which anyone need feel
+ashamed.
+
+The favoring wind kept up until he drew in to the little landing where,
+as before, Abner stood waiting for him.
+
+That was a great night for Darry. First there came the supper with those
+jolly fellows, whose laughter and jokes he enjoyed so much; after that a
+nice quiet chat with Abner, who asked for all the news, and was deeply
+interested in his success in catching the sly denizens of the marsh;
+although he frequently sighed while Darry was speaking, and the boy
+could easily comprehend that at such times the poor man was picturing in
+his mind how Joe used to go through with the same experiences.
+
+When Darry thought it only right to tell how the three cronies had
+stolen his possessions, and how he had recovered them, Abner slapped his
+hand down on his knee, and exclaimed:
+
+"I reckon Mr. Fraser was right t'other day when he sez as how the sun o'
+the Dilks tribe began to set when yuh kim ashore from that wreck.
+Somehow yuh seem to be hittin' 'em hard, son. I aint much o' a prophet,
+sence I caint even tell wot the weather's gwine to be tomorry; but I
+seem to just know from the way things is a heapin' up that they's gwine
+to be a big heave soon, an' that means the Dilks has got to move
+on--Ashley don't want ther kind no more."
+
+Darry insisted on accompanying Abner when it came his turn to go out on
+his long patrol; this time it was in the earlier part of the night, so
+neither man nor boy thought of going to bed.
+
+The night was not wholly dark, for there was a moon behind the clouds;
+but beyond a certain limited distance of the sea lay in gloom, only the
+steady wash of the incoming waves telling of the vast reach of water
+lying along toward the east.
+
+They talked of many things as they plodded along the sandy beach.
+
+Darry spoke for the first time of Paul Singleton, and his desire that he
+accompany him later on in his cruising up and down the series of
+connected bays that stretched for some hundreds of miles back of the
+sandbars.
+
+Abner was silent at first, and the boy realized that he felt grieved to
+know there might come a break in the pleasant relations that had been
+established at home.
+
+"Course it's only right yuh should accept, lad," he said presently,
+"It's give me much comfort to know yuh was gittin' on so well with the
+ole woman, for I've felt bad on 'count o' her many times sense _he_ war
+taken. But it's a chance thet may never kim again, an' we cudn't 'spect
+to tie yuh down. Anyhow, your comin' hez been a good thing fur Nancy,
+an' I reckons she'll begin to perk up from now on. 'Sides, who knows wot
+may kim outen this? Jest as she sez thet younker aint interested in yuh
+jest acause he wants a feller in the boat along with him--I tell yuh he
+thinks he knows who yuh belong to, and that's a fack, son."
+
+"Oh! I hope so; but I don't dare dream of it. But I'm glad you think
+well of his offer. I can earn some money that will help out at home,
+besides having a good time," said Darry, eagerly; though truth to tell,
+it was the faint hope lodged in his heart that he might learn something
+concerning his past that chief of all influenced him in his desire to go
+with the owner of the motor-boat.
+
+"Glad to hear yuh say that word '_home_,' boy. I hopes it is a home to
+yuh, an' allers will be. I've ben thinkin' that your comin' war the
+greatest favor Heaven ever sent to me an' mine. If it gives Nancy new
+life that means a lot to me."
+
+Darry knew not what to say to this, but he found the rough hand of
+Abner, and with a hearty squeeze expressed his feelings far better than
+any words could ever have done.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE POWER OF MUSIC
+
+
+It seemed as though luck favored Darry on this trip, for the wind veered
+around during the night, and blew out of the southeast when he was ready
+to start on his return voyage to the mainland.
+
+Thus he was able to use his little sail to advantage both ways.
+
+It was coming so hard off the ocean, however, that at the advice of
+Abner he took a reef in the canvas before leaving--the life saver had
+become so attached to his new boy by this time that he could not bear to
+see him taking any unnecessary chances on that sheet of treacherous
+water that had already deprived him of one son.
+
+Darry was glad he had taken his friend's advice before half way across.
+Where the wind had a full sweep of the bay the waves were quite heavy,
+and it required all his skill as a sailor to keep his cranky little
+craft head on.
+
+As it was, he reached his haven with a rush, and his tactics in making a
+landing aroused the admiration of several old fisherman who were
+lounging at the dock.
+
+He had only time to accomplish several little messages at the store and
+get on the road for home when it began to drizzle.
+
+Darry was sorry for this, for he had laid out to visit his traps again
+during the afternoon, not wishing to leave any game that may have been
+taken, too long in the water.
+
+When later on at lunch he mentioned this to Mrs. Peake she said he would
+find an old oilskin jacket of Abner's behind the closet door in the
+hall, which Joe had been wont to don under similar circumstances.
+
+So after all, he went forth, defying the elements, as a true sailor lad
+always does; and was rewarded for his labor by taking three more
+trophies from the firm-jawed traps.
+
+Really it was beginning to look like business, with so many on the
+stretching boards; and Mrs. Peake smiled to see how careful the boy was
+in everything he undertook.
+
+It spoke well for his future, if he carried the same principle into his
+whole life.
+
+Of course Darry knew full well that the skins he was taking thus early
+in the fall were not as good in quality, and would not be apt to bring
+as high prices in the fur marts as those to be captured when real cold
+weather had set in; but there are times when one has to make hay while
+the sun shines; and he could not be sure that he would have the
+opportunity to do these things later.
+
+Besides, the supply of rats seemed unlimited, so rapidly do they breed
+all over the Eastern coast, from Maine to the Florida line.
+
+The rain continued all that night and the better part of the following
+day.
+
+It was one of those easterly storms that generally last out portions of
+three days, and are followed by a lengthy spell of good weather, with
+touches of frost in the early mornings.
+
+Darry made his regular pilgrimage to the marsh in spite of the rain, and
+this time found only two prizes to reward his diligence.
+
+From this he determined that it was time to make a change of base, and
+set his traps in other places where the game might not be so wary.
+
+At any rate he was having no further trouble with the Dilks crowd, and
+in that he found more or less satisfaction.
+
+Unconscious of the fact that he was being watched from time to time by
+one of the cronies of which Jim boasted, Darry went about his business,
+satisfied to do his daily duties, and each night count some progress
+made.
+
+Twice had he crossed the bay to the strip of sandy beach where the tides
+of the mighty Atlantic pounded unceasingly, day and night.
+
+His coming was always eagerly anticipated by the whole crew of the
+life-saving station, and for a good reason.
+
+It happened that on his visit just after the easterly storm had blown
+out, while they were all gathered around just before dark, chatting and
+joking, Darry cocked up his ear at the tweeking sound of a fiddle, which
+one of the men had drawn out of its case, and was endeavoring to play.
+
+Altogether he made a most doleful series of sounds, which upon analysis
+might prove to be an attempt to play "Annie Laurie," though one would
+need all his wits about him to settle whether this were the tune, or
+"Home, Sweet Home."
+
+The men looked daggers at the player, for the screeching sounds were
+certainly anything but pleasant.
+
+Darry sauntered over. He had played since a little lad, some Italian
+having first taught him; and on the brigantine Captain Harley had a
+violin of more than ordinary make, with which he had coaxed the cabin
+boy to make melody by the hour.
+
+"Sounds like a pretty good instrument?" suggested Darry to the would-be
+performer.
+
+"They tell me that, boy; but you see I ain't much of a judge. P'raps in
+time I may get on to the racket, that is if the boys don't fire me and
+the fiddle out before-hand," replied the surfman, grinning, for his
+clumsy hands were really never intended by Nature to handle a violin
+bow.
+
+"Would you mind letting me try it? I used to play a little."
+
+At the first sound of that bow crossing the strings, after Darry had
+properly tuned the instrument every man sat up and took notice; and as
+the boy bent down and lovingly drew the sweetest chords from the violin
+that they had ever heard, they actually held their breath.
+
+After that he was kept busy; indeed they would hardly let him have any
+rest, and that was why those rough men looked forward eagerly to the
+expected coming of Abner Peake's new boy.
+
+It seemed as though he must know everything there was, and the music
+would turn from riotous ragtime to the most tender chords, capable of
+drawing tears from those eyes so unused to weeping.
+
+It was a rare treat to Darry, too, for he dearly loved music, and the
+absence of his fiddle had made a gap in his life.
+
+The month was now passing, and closer drew the stormy period when, with
+the advent of grim November, the duties of the beach patrol naturally
+grow more and more laborious, since there are greater possibilities of
+wrecks, with the strong winds and the fogs that bewilder mariners, and
+allow them to run upon the reefs when they believe they are scores of
+miles away from the danger zone.
+
+The boom of guns could now be heard all day, and frequently Darry saw
+Northern sportsmen in the village; though as a rule they kept on board
+their yachts or else stayed at the various private clubs up or down the
+sound.
+
+Jim Dilks and his gang still lay low. They awaited a favorable
+opportunity to carry out some evil scheme, whereby the boy they had come
+to fear, as well as hate, might be injured.
+
+Well, they knew that he made daily trips into the marsh, and it would
+seem that they might find the chance they craved at such times; but
+there was one thing to deter them, and this was the fact that Darry
+never went to examine his traps without carrying that steady-shooting
+old shotgun.
+
+The burnt child dreads the fire, and Jim had hardly ceased to rub his
+injured parts, so that the possibility of getting a second dose was not
+at all alluring in his eyes.
+
+He was a good waiter, and he felt that sooner or later fortune would
+turn the trick for him, and the chance arise whereby he might pay back
+the debt he owed the "interloper," as he chose to deem Darry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+DARRY MEETS WITH A REBUFF
+
+
+During these weeks Darry had accomplished many little jobs around his
+new home, things that had been wanting looking after for a long time;
+for Abner's visits were so few and far between that he had little time
+to mend broken doors, or put up shelves where they would save the
+"missus" steps.
+
+If he went off with Paul Singleton later he would have no chance to look
+after these things, and so he made good use of his opportunities.
+
+He had not seen the young gentleman once since, and upon making
+inquiries of the storekeeper, learned that he had gone to a very
+exclusive club to spend some little time.
+
+Darry wondered whether he had been utterly forgotten.
+
+Perhaps the youth had regretted asking him to keep him company; it may
+have been done on the spur of the moment, simply because he chanced to
+resemble someone he knew.
+
+Once in the comfortable club, with experienced guides to attend him, and
+the very best points for shooting reserved, doubtless Paul Singleton had
+forgotten that there was such a boy as Darry in existence.
+
+So he tried to forget about it, and make up his mind that he could find
+plenty of congenial work looking after his traps and assisting Abner's
+wife during the winter, with occasional trips across the sound, and
+possibly a chance to pull an oar in the surfboat, should luck favor him.
+
+All this while he had taken toll of the feathered frequenters of the
+marsh, and many a plump fowl graced the table of the Peake family,
+thanks to the faithful old gun, and the steady nerves back of it.
+
+Darry soon learned where there were squirrels to be found, and twice he
+had brought in a mess of the gray nutcrackers, though not so fond of
+hunting them as other game.
+
+And one day he had delighted the good housewife with four nice quail, or
+as they were known in this section, "pa'tridge," which he had dropped
+out of a bevy that got up before him in the brush close to the woods
+where he looked for squirrel.
+
+He knew that something had been troubling Mrs. Peake, but it was a long
+time before he could tempt her to speak of it.
+
+It concerned money matters, of course, as is nearly always the case when
+trouble visits the poor.
+
+Abner had been incautious enough to put a little mortgage upon his
+humble home in order to help a relative who was in deep distress because
+of several sudden deaths in her family.
+
+He should not have done it, to be sure, but Abner had a big heart, as
+Darry well knew, and simply could not resist the pleading of his cousin.
+
+No doubt she meant well, but circumstances had arisen that prevented her
+from repaying the debt, and for the want of just one hundred dollars the
+Peakes were in danger of being dispossessed.
+
+Of course the mortgage was in the hands of a money shark, for even
+little villages boast their loan offices, where some usurer expects to
+get ten per cent. on his money, and will not hesitate to foreclose if it
+is not forthcoming.
+
+Abner's friends were all as poor as he was, and besides, he was so
+bashful about such things that he could never muster enough courage to
+mention his financial troubles to anybody.
+
+When by degrees Darry managed to draw this story from Mrs. Peake he
+thought it all over while off on one of his swamp trips, and reached a
+conclusion.
+
+That very day he stepped into the store of a man who as he chanced to
+know purchased the few furs that were taken in a season around that
+section.
+
+He learned that pelts were bringing unusually good prices, and the party
+quoted as high as eighty cents for fall muskrat skins, properly treated.
+
+When he got home, Darry counted his catch and found that he had some
+twenty-six in stock; with these he went back to the dealer, and struck a
+bargain whereby he came away with fourteen dollars in his pocket.
+
+Then he made for the office of the lawyer who held the mortgage,
+thinking he could pay up the arrears of interest, and bring happiness to
+the face of his kind benefactress.
+
+Just there he struck a snag.
+
+The loan shark refused to accept the money.
+
+He claimed that since they had defaulted on the interest the entire
+amount was due, and that he meant to have it, or foreclose.
+
+Darry knew little of law, but he saw that Darius Quarles meant business,
+and suspected that for some reason he meant to hold to his advantage and
+give Abner Peake more or less trouble.
+
+"Mr. Quarles, if you would only accept this interest now, I think I can
+promise that the whole sum will be paid by spring," Darry said, eagerly.
+
+This was, of course, just what the lawyer did not want. He pretended to
+look skeptical, and shook his head.
+
+"I suppose you are the boy Peake has adopted. Where did you get this
+money, may I ask? Did Nancy send you here with it?" he went on; and from
+the look in his cold, blue eyes, it was apparent that he would have
+enjoyed having the woman on her knees before him.
+
+Darius Quarles was a very small-minded man evidently; even a boy like
+Darry could understand that.
+
+"No, she does not know I have come here," replied our hero.
+
+"Then where did you get the money? Boys as a rule don't sport such sums
+as fourteen dollars in a bunch. I haven't heard of any bank being
+robbed, or a sportsman being held up; but you understand, it looks
+suspicious, boy."
+
+Darry flushed with mortification at the insult; but because of Mrs.
+Peake he managed to bite his lips and refrain from telling the
+curmudgeon just what he thought of him.
+
+"I received that fourteen dollars not ten minutes ago from a merchant in
+this village. He will vouch for it if you ask him," he said, quietly,
+though his eyes flashed fire.
+
+"Just mention his name, if you please. I might take a notion to drop in
+and see if he corroborates your assertion. As I am a magistrate as well
+as a lawyer, it is my bounden duty to make sure there is nothing crooked
+in such transactions as come under my observation. Who is the man?"
+
+He tried to look stern, but the attempt was a failure. Nature had made
+Mr. Quarles only to appear small and mean.
+
+"It was Mr. Ketcham, the hardware man," the boy answered.
+
+"And what would he be paying you this munificent sum for? So far as I
+know you have never worked for Ketcham, boy. Now, be careful not to
+commit yourself. What was this money given to you for doing?"
+
+Darry smiled as he drew out a paper.
+
+How fortunate that the hardware merchant who sold traps and purchased
+such furs as were taken in that region had insisted upon giving him a
+little bill of sale, in order to bind the transaction, and prove
+conclusively what the reigning price happened to be at the time.
+
+"Please glance at that, sir."
+
+Darius Quarles did so, and a shade of disappointment crossed his face.
+
+"I see you have taken up the same foolish pursuit that young Joe Peake
+followed--wasting your time loafing in the marsh when you had better be
+going to school and perhaps learning to become a useful man, a lawyer
+like myself for instance."
+
+Darry shrugged his shoulders, and his action brought a frown to the face
+of the narrow-minded man who sat there before him; perhaps he jumped to
+the conclusion that this frank-faced lad did not entertain such an
+exalted notion of his greatness as he would have liked to impress upon
+him.
+
+"At least that proves I did not steal the money, Mr. Quarles?" asked
+Darry.
+
+"I suppose so, though it is an open question as to whether you have any
+right to take these little inoffensive animals, and sell their coats to
+Ketcham. I think he might be in a better business; but then he always
+was a cruel boy."
+
+As Darry remembered the hardware man he believed him to be a jolly,
+red-faced man, and with a kindly eye, quite the opposite from the fishy
+orb of Mr. Quarles; but then there are some things that had better
+remain unsaid, and he did not try to voice his opinion.
+
+"Then you will not do Mrs. Peake this little favor, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Business is business with me, young man. Sometimes it is one person's
+day, and then the tables turn, and it is another's. This happens to be
+my time. According to the strict construction of the law, and the
+wording of the mortgage, the failure to pay the interest on time, with
+three days' grace, constitutes a lien on the property. I have a use for
+that cottage--in fact, a relative of mine fancies it. Here, I will give
+Nancy a chance to redeem her home. Wait a minute or two."
+
+He wrote rapidly on a sheet of paper, signed the same, and held it out.
+
+"Seven days I agree to wait, and if the principal and delayed interest
+are not handed over to me by next Tuesday, just one week from to-day, on
+Wednesday they will have to vacate. That will do, boy. Tell Nancy I only
+do that because of our old friendship. Had it been anyone else they
+would have cleared out before this. You can go now."
+
+Darry had to bite his lips harder than ever to keep from telling the
+skinflint just what he thought of him.
+
+Thrusting the paper in his pocket he stalked from the den of the human
+spider, his mind in a whirl; but grimly determined to try and find some
+means for saving the humble home of Abner Peake from the hand of the
+spoiler.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+ABNER TELLS A LITTLE HISTORY
+
+
+As he walked home that evening Darry was figuring. Fourteen dollars was
+not going far when the sum required, according to the figures Mr.
+Quarles had written out, reached the grand total of a hundred and eleven
+dollars and thirty-seven cents.
+
+He had had much more than that on board the poor old _Falcon_ when she
+went to pieces, the amount of his savings for several years; but there
+was no use of his thinking about that.
+
+To whom could he look for assistance?
+
+He had not a friend, save new ones in the village; and even Mr. Keeler
+would be apt to decline to lend him money. Times were hard, collections
+very slow--he had heard this said many times of late--and to small
+merchants the sum of a hundred dollars means much.
+
+Darry thought it best not to say anything just then to Mrs. Peake,
+though a little later he must tell her about his visit to the money
+lender, and deliver the message Mr. Quarles had sent to her.
+
+He was due to cross the sound on the morrow, and perhaps it would be
+best to tell Abner first; he might have been making some arrangement to
+get someone else to assume the mortgage, and pay the lawyer off.
+
+So Darry tried to assume a cheerfulness he was far from feeling.
+
+Long he lay awake that night, thinking and trying to lay out some plan
+of action that might promise results.
+
+In the morning Darry visited his traps.
+
+Only one victim rewarded his labor, and this added to his gloom.
+
+He finished all his various chores, and they were many, for he had taken
+numerous duties upon his shoulders in order to spare Abner's wife.
+
+As before, it was nearly the middle of the afternoon before he could get
+away.
+
+Mr. Keeler loaded him down with packages intended for the
+station-keeper; indeed Darry had to make two trips between the store and
+his boat before he had all his cargo aboard.
+
+The weather was what a sailor would call "dirty"; that is, it gave
+promise of turning into more or less of a storm, and wise mariners would
+be keeping a weather eye out for a safe and snug harbor.
+
+Darry had no fear. He believed he knew that bay like a book now, and
+since he had tinkered with the boat and placed it in fair condition he
+thought it could stand any sea that might meet him in his passage to and
+fro between the mainland and the stretch of sand acting as a buffer to
+the ocean tides.
+
+It was a dead calm when he started, and he was compelled to use the
+oars; but by the time he reached the middle a breeze sprang up, and
+quick to take advantage of his opportunity he spread his bit of a sail,
+and went flying along like a frightened gull.
+
+Abner was always glad to see him, and taking advantage of the first
+chance to get the life saver alone, Darry told of his recent experience
+with the loan shark.
+
+The other looked very downcast; indeed, Darry could not remember having
+ever seen him appear so disheartened.
+
+"It means trouble for the poor ole woman, Darry. If I kin only muster up
+enough courage to ask some o' the folks to help me out p'raps we kin
+pull through; but the best o' friends pull back wen money is spoken of.
+They all got ther own burdens to kerry. I know I war a fool to ever do
+it; but Jenny got on my nerves yuh see, an' promised to give it back.
+An' thet shark, Quarles, it does him a lot o' good to know he kin push
+me down a peg," he said, with a heavy sigh.
+
+"I seemed to get the notion that he didn't love you very much, Mr.
+Peake," remarked Darry.
+
+"I thort he'd forgot all about it, but now I know he ain't, the skunk!
+He holds it agin me, and hes all these years. I reckon he jest hugged
+hisself wen I kim to him an' asked that loan. It war jest like playin'
+into his hands. Yuh see, lad, him an' me was rivals onct on a time."
+
+Darry pricked up his ears.
+
+Here was a touch of romance, something one would hardly expect to find
+in connection with so ordinary looking a man as Abner Peake.
+
+"You mean that he wanted Nancy--that is Mrs. Peake, to marry him?" he
+asked.
+
+"Thet's jest it, son. I reckon he'd a got her, too, fur I didn't hold a
+candle to Darius wen it kim to looks or larnin', but yuh see thet's whar
+chanct stepped in an' guv me a shove."
+
+"Something happened then?"
+
+"Nancy fell overboard off a boat we was all on. Darius, he didn't know
+how to swim and all he could do was to yell and wave his arms."
+
+"And you went overboard after her?"
+
+"I reckon I did. They sed as how I was in the water nigh about as quick
+as Nancy herself. She was a carryin' on high, like she was chokin', when
+I got to her, but I had her out in a jiffy. Arter thet she kinder took
+to me, an' Darius he got the mitten."
+
+"Now I understand why he feels that way toward you," said Darry, wisely.
+
+"They was some things I never did understand 'bout that thing. Nancy,
+she was allers the best gal swimmer in the village, but she did act like
+she was drownin' that day. Some sed as how they thort she tumbled over
+apurpose jest to hev some fun, an' see which o' her beaux'd drap in
+arter her the quickest," and the surfman smiled at the thought.
+
+"And you won out. I guess Mr. Quarles has never forgiven you for that.
+But what can be done to beat him at his game now? Isn't there any way?"
+
+"We got a week to try, an' as I git off before the end o' the time I'll
+see if anything kin be did. P'rhaps Keeler might help me out, though I
+did hear him say he was mighty hard up jest now. It was nice in yuh
+tryin' to do wot yuh did, boy. I knowed I wasn't makin' no mistake when
+I sized yuh up as the right sorter lad to take leetle Joey's place."
+
+The life saver put an arm affectionately across the shoulders of his
+companion, and Darry never felt prouder in his life than when he
+realized that he had "made good" with this simple surfman who had been
+so kind to him at their first meeting.
+
+"I only wish I had been able to do what I wanted to. It it had been any
+other man but Mr. Quarles I think he would have fixed it up, and I
+meant to put aside what I earned this winter, either from trapping or
+working for Mr. Singleton, to wipe out all that debt. I will yet, if I
+have the chance, and you can get somebody to take over the mortgage," he
+said, stoutly.
+
+"Give me time to think, lad. Wen yuh kim acrost another time p'raps I'll
+have some plan made up. I'd do nigh anything to save pore Nancy bein'
+put outen our leetle home. 'Taint much to look at, but she sets a heap
+by it, I reckon. And as soon as I git a chanct I mean to drop outen this
+business an' try to make a livin' another way, so I kin be home more.
+Fishin' it might be, er somethin' thet way."
+
+That night Darry played for the men, but they could not help noticing
+that much of his music was along the sad order.
+
+In the morning the sky was still overcast, and the sound lay in a bank
+of half darkness that looked like fog, though the whistling wind seemed
+to forbid such a thing.
+
+Abner was a little dubious about letting the boy depart, but Darry
+laughed at the idea of any harm befalling him.
+
+He had several things he wished to attend to, and besides, Mrs. Peake
+would need him through the day in many ways.
+
+He entered his boat and took up the oars for a hard row, for the wind
+was of too deceptive a character to allow him to make use of his sail.
+
+The men of the station had come down to see him off, for by this time
+Darry had won his way into the hearts of every rough fellow, and they
+looked upon him as a sort of general ward of the crew, pulled out of the
+sea at their door and destined for great things.
+
+Not one of them but who believed a bright future awaited Peake's new
+boy, and many were the predictions made among them, some even venturing
+the assertion that he would be president yet.
+
+So they waved their sou'westers and shouted a merry good-bye to him as
+he rowed into the gray blanket of mist that shrouded the sound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH
+
+
+The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
+
+He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all
+kinds of bad weather.
+
+Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own
+against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again
+he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice
+can bring.
+
+By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
+
+He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all
+his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was
+impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
+
+The situation would have alarmed many a lad less accustomed to depending
+on himself in emergencies.
+
+Darry felt no fear.
+
+He noted the direction of the waves, and unless the wind shifted
+suddenly, which it was not apt to do, he felt positive he could bring up
+somewhere along the shore near the village.
+
+To his surprise he heard the sullen boom of a gun close by and wondered
+what any sportsman could be doing out there in that dense atmosphere,
+where it was impossible to see more than fifty feet away.
+
+Certainly ducks could not be coming to stool under such conditions.
+
+What could he be firing at then?
+
+There it was again, one shot following another in rapid order, until he
+had counted six.
+
+That would indicate the possession of one of those new style repeating
+shotguns, capable of holding half a dozen shells, and worked with a pump
+action.
+
+All of a sudden it struck Darry that possibly someone was in trouble and
+was taking this means of summoning assistance; though the chances were
+very slight that any bayman would be anywhere near with that gray
+blanket covering things--they knew enough to stick to the shore at such
+a time.
+
+Our hero changed his course a little thinking it could do no harm to
+look into matters and see what the bombarding meant.
+
+Should it prove that some green sportsman from one of the clubs was lost
+in the mist perhaps he would be glad of help, and might even promise to
+pay liberally to be taken ashore in tow.
+
+Just then Darry's mind was filled with an eager desire to make money,
+for he knew of a good use to which he could put it.
+
+Again as he approached, the rattle of a fusilade came to his ears,
+followed by a series of shouts in a strained voice.
+
+He was close on the spot apparently.
+
+"Hello!" he shouted in return.
+
+An answering whoop came back.
+
+"This way, please! I'm in a peck of trouble here!" he heard someone say.
+
+Twisting his head around as he bobbed up and down on the rollers, our
+hero caught just a glimpse of some object that seemed stationary, with
+the waves breaking over it.
+
+It was even worse than being lost upon the sound then--the unknown had
+driven his boat upon some half hidden rocks, and caught as in a vise she
+was in danger of being wrecked unless some other craft came upon the
+spot and pulled her off.
+
+That accounted for the shots and shouts, her owner realizing his extreme
+peril, for he was two miles from land and the storm increasing
+constantly.
+
+Darry pushed on and soon another surprise awaited him.
+
+"Hello! is that you, Darry?" asked a voice, and now he recognized it, so
+that even before he turned around again he knew he was once more in the
+company of Paul Singleton.
+
+"How are you, sir?" he cried. "Looks like you had run aground in the
+middle of the bay. If you will give me a rope I'll try and drag you off
+the way you went on. That is the only thing to be done."
+
+"I like the way you go about business," answered the young man. "I begin
+to have hopes that my poor little _Griffin_ may come out of this
+adventure with a whole skin. It began to look as though I might have to
+swim for it. Here you are with the painter, which I have fastened to the
+stern. All depends on how good a haul you can give, Darry."
+
+"What happened to your engine, sir?" asked the boy, surprised that it
+was not working in the effort to help the boat off.
+
+"I'll start it up again, but it did no good before, only churned the
+water. It seems I am wedged between two rocks so fast that even the lift
+of the waves has no effect upon the boat. They break all over us, and
+I'm wet to the skin and shivering in the bargain. You're as welcome as
+the flowers in May, Darry."
+
+The engine was speedily started up and the little propeller thrashed the
+water at a great rate, but though the cedar craft trembled violently
+there was no change in her position.
+
+"Keep that up and stay in the stern, so as to lighten the bow all you
+can. I think that is where she is caught fast. If you have anything
+heavy up forward and can manage to shift it aft so much the better,"
+called Darry, as he kept off by an expert use of the oars; indeed, Paul
+never could understand how he managed to do this and secure the rope to
+a thwart at the same time.
+
+"There are a few things up there I can move--the water can and a lot of
+stuff in tins. Will you be able to hold out a few minutes longer?" asked
+Paul.
+
+"Easy enough. Take your own time, sir. When you're ready tell me, and
+I'll give a series of sharp jerks. I hope we can make her move some."
+
+Presently the owner of the motor-boat declared he had moved everything
+possible, and that the bow seemed to be a little more free than before,
+as though almost ready to rise with each flowing wave that swept past
+with a rush.
+
+Darry set to work and began to use every atom of strength in his sturdy
+muscles; at the same time he engineered matters in such a clever fashion
+that every time he pulled his oars through the water it was with a rapid
+movement in the nature of a shock, so that the little hawser tightening,
+gave a drag at the imprisoned craft.
+
+"She's moving!" yelled Paul Singleton, excitedly.
+
+Darry kept right along, pulling with even more vim than before.
+
+"Bully boy! she's coming! I can feel her move each time. If only an
+inch, it is something. We're going to get her off! It's a cinch, I tell
+you!"
+
+Plainly Paul Singleton was considerably excited over the changed
+prospect that confronted him, and his cries gave the lad heart to exert
+himself to the utmost.
+
+Suddenly he found that he was towing the launch behind him.
+
+She had left her berth in between the two rocks and floated on the
+waves.
+
+The owner gave a last whoop of delight.
+
+"I knew if anyone could accomplish it, you would. I think you must be my
+good genius, Darry. To think of our meeting again here in the middle of
+the bay and just when I was on my way to your home to see if I could
+induce you to keep your half-given promise. It's great! Tell me about
+destiny after this."
+
+That was the way Paul was calling out, as he busied himself in righting
+things aboard the jaunty little cedar craft.
+
+[Illustration: SHE HAD LEFT HER BERTH IN BETWEEN THE TWO ROCKS AND
+FLOATED ON THE WAVES.]
+
+"Now, what's to hinder you coming aboard and towing the rowboat astern?
+The engine is all right and capable of twelve miles an hour, so we can
+go with this blow easily enough," he suggested.
+
+Darry was quite willing, for his arms felt a bit weary after his
+exerions, and the launch did look comfortable, even though fairly
+drenched just then, as a result of the waves breaking over the stern
+while she was held a prisoner in the jaws of rock.
+
+The transfer was made without any particular trouble, and once Darry had
+secured his boat to the brass cleat in the stern of the launch he set to
+work throwing some of the surplus water overboard.
+
+"Working your passage, eh?" laughed Paul, who seemed to be in unusually
+high spirits, such was the re-action that had come over him.
+
+Meanwhile they drew in toward the land.
+
+What with the rain that was falling both of them were wet through; but
+this was such a chronic condition for a sailor lad to be in that Darry,
+for one, paid little attention to it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE PART OF AN ELDER BROTHER
+
+
+"Come," said Paul, after the boat had been tied up where the waves could
+not reach them and things had begun to assume a more comfortable aspect;
+"Here's a fine little cabin and an oil stove on which to make a hot pot
+of coffee, besides assisting to dry us out. I insist on you staying to
+keep me company for a while. We are both cold and wet. Say you will,
+Darry!"
+
+Darry did not need much urging. He was wet and chilled, and it did look
+cozy after Paul had started the stove going.
+
+"Besides," continued Paul, misconstruing his silence; "I am under heavy
+obligations to you for coming to my assistance when you did. You saved
+my life and you are a regular life saver like Mr. Peake. There must be
+some way in which I can partly cancel that debt. You are allowed salvage
+by law when you save a vessel, Darry, did you know it? But for your
+coming my poor little _Griffin_ must have gone to pieces, not to mention
+what would have become of her owner. Now, how can I settle for this
+indebtedness."
+
+He was laughing as he spoke, but Darry considered the moment had come
+for him to put in a plea for his friends.
+
+So he swallowed what seemed to be a lump in his throat, for after all it
+was no easy thing to ask such a favor from one who was hardly more than
+a stranger.
+
+"Mr. Singleton, I was just wishing I could meet you somewhere soon," he
+began.
+
+"Well, that is queer, since I was thinking about you too, and hoping you
+would not go back on me, for somehow, I seem to have set my mind on
+having you with me. And besides, there was another reason why I wanted
+to keep track of you, which I may tell you some day soon, Darry. But why
+were you wanting to see me?"
+
+"To ask a great favor?"
+
+"Not to let you off from your promise?"
+
+"Oh, no, I'll be only too glad of a chance to be with you. It would be
+glorious to spend some time aboard this fine little boat. What I wanted
+to say--that is, the favor I wanted to ask was not for myself."
+
+"Come, that's rather strange, Darry. Not for yourself--a favor for
+another? Let's hear what it's about. You've certainly excited my
+curiosity, and don't hesitate a bit about it. I shall be only too
+willing to do anything that lies in my power, if it pleases you."
+
+The words were most kind, and the smile that accompanied them even more
+so.
+
+Darry flushed with a sense of coming victory, for something told him he
+was in line to win out, and that the money-shark would be cheated of his
+prey.
+
+"I want to borrow a hundred dollars, sir," he said, slowly.
+
+Paul laughed as if amused.
+
+Immediately taking out his pocket-book he withdrew from it a bank bill of
+a large denomination and handed it to his companion, who received it in
+an embarrassed way.
+
+"There you are, Darry, and there is no loan about it. I owe you many
+times that much for your assistance. Now, don't say anything about it,
+for I am not used to being crossed. It's a mere bagatelle to me, as you
+must know. Some time if you feel like it you may tell me the
+circumstances that have arisen; but not until you're good and ready. I'm
+only too delighted to be of a little help."
+
+"I'm going to tell you all about it right here. It's only fair you
+should know where your money is going, sir. As soon as I get my breath
+you shall hear," went on Darry, fingering the hundred dollar bill as
+though he could hardly believe his senses.
+
+Never did a bill of like denomination seem to carry more happiness in
+its touch; he could easily picture the light that would dawn upon the
+worried features of Mrs. Peake when he handed her that mortgage,
+canceled, and Abner, too, how he would be likely to throw up his hat in
+the air and shout like a boy.
+
+Paul Singleton had been observing him curiously, but with kindling eyes,
+as if he saw more and more in this boy to admire; he could give
+something of a guess as to what was coming, and hence was not much
+surprised a little later when he heard the story of Darius Quarles and
+his long-slumbering revenge.
+
+He laughed heartily at the quaint way in which Abner had hinted about
+Nancy tumbling overboard on purpose, in order to discover which of her
+lovers was the better man.
+
+"I've met the lady, and to tell the truth I really believe she would
+have been equal to such a prank some years back. There's a lurking
+spirit of mischief in her eyes to this day, though I know she has met
+with a great grief lately, for I heard all about poor little Joe," Paul
+said, after Darry had finished.
+
+"You can never understand how glad I am to be able to bring a little joy
+to this poor couple. They have not known much happiness, sir. Even now,
+Abner is compelled to be away from home all the time in order to earn
+bread for his family."
+
+Paul Singleton seemed to consider.
+
+"We'll talk that over later on, Darry, when we have plenty of time," he
+answered. "Perhaps I may be able to suggest a remedy. I have shares in
+several properties down this way, and possibly Abner can be given a
+steady job as keeper at the club, or put in charge of a farm I own not
+far away from here. Depend upon it, some means can be found to help your
+benefactor out. I'd rather talk about you, just now, and what you have
+seen in your adventurous past. In fact, I'd like to know everything that
+ever happened to you, if you don't mind," he continued.
+
+Again Darry had that queer sensation pass over him, and he could not but
+remember what Abner had said about the possibility of his finding out
+something connected with his childhood, and that this young gentleman
+would be the means of supplying the missing link.
+
+So as they sat there and sipped the delicious coffee and dried out in
+comfort, he answered all the questions Paul could think of asking.
+
+They covered his entire past, from his earliest recollection, and
+especially about the old man who had finally deserted him in Naples,
+for he naturally occupied a prominent place in the recital.
+
+Darry had called him uncle, but thought the man could not have held that
+relationship toward him. He never knew what had become of the old man,
+but suspected that he must have met with some fatal accident in the
+Italian city.
+
+Then he narrated how he had supported himself by playing the violin, and
+at the same time learned to speak Italian as well as a native.
+
+Finally came the scene in the cafe, when Captain Harley rescued him from
+the cruelty of a bully, and after that there was very little to tell up
+to the time the brigantine was lost and his best friend vanished from
+the scene, never to appear again on earth.
+
+Paul Singleton harked back to his earliest recollections, and with the
+skill of a lawyer asked questions that put Darry's memory to a strain;
+he examined the singular mark upon the boy's arm with deepest interest
+and seemed impressed.
+
+"That will undoubtedly prove one thing or the other, as soon as I can
+see her," Darry heard him say, as if to himself.
+
+Evidently Paul Singleton knew nothing of the mark and was depending upon
+some other party to settle the identification.
+
+It was noon before either of them realized it.
+
+Darry declared he must hurry off so as to catch the lawyer at his office
+and settle matters before going home.
+
+"Hark, Darry," said Paul, holding his hand as they parted; "promise me
+that if there is anything else I can do to please you I'm to know it
+right away. Confide in me, my boy. It makes me happy to share, even to a
+limited extent, in your little affairs. And you know we are going to be
+great chums all winter, you and I. Look on me then as a sort of elder
+brother or a cousin, if you please."
+
+And Darry thought as he looked into the clear laughing eyes of Paul
+Singleton that nothing would give him greater happiness on earth than if
+he could claim relationship to this fine manly fellow.
+
+He seemed to be walking on air as he left the cove and headed into the
+village.
+
+Upon calling at the office of Darius Quarles he was disappointed to
+learn that the lawyer had gone off in his closed buggy early that
+morning, and would not be back all day--he had to foreclose a mortgage
+the clerk remarked, and never allowed that duty to be performed by a
+subordinate, for it gave him too much satisfaction to attend to it
+personally.
+
+Even his employees had a secret contempt for his mean ways, it seemed.
+
+"He expects to be home to supper, and if your business is pressing you
+might call at his house, which is just out of the village on the road to
+Harden," the young clerk said in concluding.
+
+"Thank you, I believe I shall call, as I wish to see him very much,"
+replied Darry, and left the place.
+
+He made his way along the rather lonely road that led to the humble home
+of the Peakes, bowing his head to the storm, and yet with a song of
+thanksgiving swelling in his heart, for he knew he was carrying with him
+the means of lifting the load that had for some time oppressed his kind
+benefactors.
+
+Suddenly something struck him a stunning blow and looking up as he
+staggered he heard a chorus of shrill laughs, and realized that a rope
+had been thrown around him in such a way that his arms were pinioned
+down at his sides.
+
+At the same moment several impish figures sprang out of the dense brush
+and fell upon him with vicious blows, as though bent upon knocking him
+down.
+
+Though they had their faces concealed after a ridiculous fashion he
+recognized the malicious laugh of one as belonging to Jim Dilks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+BAD LUCK AND GOOD
+
+
+Of course Darry knew what this attack meant.
+
+His enemy had been brooding over matters for a long time, and despairing
+of accomplishing his end while Darry was armed with a gun, during his
+daily visits to the big marsh, he had finally decided to lie in wait and
+have it out on the road from the village.
+
+Jim wisely backed himself up with a couple of allies in thus undertaking
+to give his enemy that long-delayed whipping.
+
+He had tried it once by himself and apparently had no relish to repeat
+the experiment.
+
+Perhaps it would have been the part of wisdom on the part of the young
+life saver to have taken to his heels and beat a masterly retreat.
+
+Great generals have done this same thing and considered it no dishonor
+to save their army for another day.
+
+To a high-spirited lad, however, it is the last thought, and many a
+fellow will stand the chances of a beating rather than to turn his back
+on the foe.
+
+Of course there was no time to consider the matter.
+
+The three disguised boys attacked him on all sides, and almost before
+Darry knew what he was doing blows were being exchanged with a vim.
+
+He fought gallantly and well, sending in just as many hard hits as his
+knowledge of the game permitted.
+
+Whenever he saw an opening he was quick to take advantage of the same,
+and as a consequence first one of Jim's supporters and then the other
+temporarily bit the dust, with a galaxy of stars floating before their
+mental vision.
+
+They were very much surprised.
+
+True, they may have heard something about the fighting abilities of this
+wonderful new boy; but Jim had kept declaring that only for his lame
+hand he would surely have easily come out victor on that memorable day
+of the first meeting, and they were forced to believe him.
+
+Artful Jim was wise enough to do a great deal of jumping about, but
+seemed quite willing his allies should meet with the brunt of the battle
+while he saved himself for the finishing touches.
+
+When Darry had tired himself out against Sim Clark and Bowser then his
+time would have arrived.
+
+Darry anticipated being whipped in the encounter.
+
+It was not to be expected that one boy could hold his own against three
+such tough customers as those opposed to him, since they would wear him
+out.
+
+Nevertheless, he declined to run at the beginning, and after a little it
+was entirely out of the question for him to do so, since he lacked the
+wind to conduct a flight.
+
+So there was really nothing to do but stand and take what was coming to
+him, at the same time give as good as he knew how.
+
+They would never be able at any rate to say they had won an easy
+victory.
+
+By this time they were beautifully daubed with mud, as each appeared to
+be the under dog while the minutes crept along.
+
+Darry's only hope lay in the possibility of some one passing that way,
+and as the day was so stormy, and few people ever took this road, his
+chances were indeed slender.
+
+Now the whole bunch seemed to be upon the ground alongside the road,
+struggling like a pack of Kilkenny cats, the three aggressors having
+their hands on Darry at one time in the endeavor to subdue him.
+
+Suddenly Jim gave a hoarse cry.
+
+"Haul off dere, fellers; somebody's comin'!" was what he ejaculated.
+
+Immediately the other two sprang to their feet like a couple of deer,
+afraid lest they be caught at their game; perhaps a vision of old Hank
+Squires flashed before them, with the penitentiary in the background.
+
+Darry, out of breath, but game to the last, made an ineffectual attempt
+to hold one of his tormentors, catching the flying end of his jacket;
+but such was the moment of Sim's upward movement, and the flimsy
+character of his wearing apparel, that the entire section came away,
+remaining in the grip of the enemy as he went tearing after his mates.
+
+The three of them plunged into the bushes alongside the road, and were
+lost to sight, leaving Darry half sitting up on the road, plastered with
+mud, and ruefully surveying the strip of cloth in his hand.
+
+After all it proved to be a false alarm, for no one came in sight.
+
+Darry was not foolish enough to invite a further attack by remaining on
+the ground after the enemy had temporarily withdrawn, so he gathered
+himself together and continued along the road, feeling of his limbs to
+ascertain just how seriously he had been bruised, and trying to scrape
+some of the mud from his clothes.
+
+He felt ashamed to let Mrs. Peake see him in this condition, for the
+clothes had been Joe's, and naturally she would feel badly to discover
+how they were now treated to a coating of mud.
+
+But then the fact of his having such a joyful surprise for her would
+discount any bad effect of his appearance.
+
+Thinking thus, Darry put his hand eagerly into the inside pocket where
+he had so carefully stowed the little leather pocket-book in which the
+hundred dollar bill given him by Paul, as well as the amount which his
+muskrat pelts had fetched at the hardware store, had been lodged.
+
+The pocket-book was gone!
+
+Poor Darry shivered as if someone had struck him a blow.
+
+Could he have lost it while upon the shore with Paul Singleton and had
+the angry sound claimed it as passage money for having allowed a victim
+to escape?
+
+No, he recollected very distinctly feeling it there as he started from
+the office of the lawyer, after learning that Mr. Quarles was away.
+
+Then it must have fallen out during his struggles on the road, for
+several times he had been on his back, with those "wildcats" clawing at
+him.
+
+Despite the chances of meeting them again, and having the struggle
+renewed, he deliberately turned back and quickly ran to the spot where
+there were plain evidences to be seen of the free-for-all fight.
+
+How eagerly he searched every foot of that territory, his heart,
+figuratively speaking, in his throat with anxiety. But as the minutes
+passed and he realized the hopeless character of his hunt it seemed to
+drop like lead into his shoes, the change was so great.
+
+Then there remained only one solution of the mystery--one of those young
+rascals must have inserted a hand in his coat while they were struggling
+there on the road and stolen the pocket-book with its contents.
+
+His heart seemed almost broken, and he even contemplated rushing after
+them to renew the battle and tear the prize from their possession; but a
+little thought caused him to understand how foolish such a move would
+be, for he had no idea as to what quarter they could he heading for when
+they left him, unless it might be that shack in the swamp, and it would
+be rash indeed for him to go there alone.
+
+He tried to pluck up courage enough to go home, basing all his hopes on
+Paul, who had seemed so very kind, and ready to help him out.
+
+Of course Mrs. Peake was astonished at his appearance, but the rising
+anger vanished when she learned who had been the cause of his
+misfortunes--at least it was turned in the direction of Jim Dilks, and
+she vowed that before another day had passed she would swear out a
+warrant for his arrest, and go personally to see that Hank Squires did
+his duty.
+
+Depressed in spirits Darry crept away to change his clothes for some
+others she brought him, also once belonging to Joe.
+
+Mrs. Peake advised that the muddy garments be hung up until they dried,
+when by a vigorous brushing they might be restored to something like
+their former condition of cleanliness.
+
+Accordingly, Darry first of all picked up the trousers and placed them
+on a line in a corner of the room, where they could drip without soiling
+the floor, he having spread a newspaper beneath.
+
+Then he proceeded to attend to the coat in the same way.
+
+While engaged in this he felt something bulky in one of the pockets and
+smiled faintly as he remembered thrusting that portion of Sim's torn
+coat there.
+
+This he had done under the impression that Hank might consider it
+conclusive evidence, calculated to convict the young ruffian beyond a
+possibility of doubt.
+
+It might just as well hang alongside the other garments, though Darry
+did not intend removing the incriminating mud stains from the fragment.
+
+As he drew the offending piece of cloth out he was thrilled to feel
+something in the folds, and with trembling fingers he opened it out.
+
+It seemed that with the portion of the coat that had come away in his
+hands was one of the pockets, and out of this receptacle Darry quickly
+drew something at which he stared as though he fancied he were dreaming.
+
+_His pocket-book!_
+
+Sim had undoubtedly snatched the same from his person as they wrestled
+upon the ground, and having no other place in which to hide it at the
+moment, had thrust it in the very outside pocket of his coat that a
+minute later remained in the grip of the boy he had robbed.
+
+Darry stared at it until he realized the amazing fortune that had so
+kindly returned him his property, and then rolling over on the floor he
+shook with wild laughter, so that Mrs. Peake came to the door in alarm
+to see if he were ill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+SATISFYING THE MORTGAGE
+
+
+While Darry was gurgling with laughter, still clutching the fragment of
+coat and the precious pocket-book, he felt a hand seize his arm.
+
+Looking up he saw the puzzled and anxious face of Abner's wife.
+
+"What ails you, boy? Did they injure you more than you told me?" she
+asked, as if fearful that he were going out of his mind.
+
+To the further astonishment of the good woman the boy climbed to his
+feet, suddenly threw his arms around her neck and gave her a vigorous
+hug.
+
+"It's all right, mother, after all; they didn't get it!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What's all right? I don't understand at all," she replied, looking at
+the dirty strip of cloth he was holding, and the pocket-book as well.
+
+"Why, what do you think, while we were struggling there on the road,
+with me underneath part of the time, that sneak thief, Sim Clark,
+managed to steal my pocket-book out of my inner pocket. That was what
+made me seem so blue, for I had something in it I meant to show you. But
+when he tried to run away I held on and part of his coat ripped away. I
+stuck it in my pocket, thinking Hank would like to see it as evidence,
+and when I took it out here, don't you see I found what I had lost in
+Sim's pocket! Did you ever hear of such luck in your born days."
+
+Mrs. Peake herself laughed.
+
+"You do seem to be a fortunate boy. And they would have robbed you of
+what little you have. I'm glad you got it back, and I'm determined to
+see Hank Squires to-morrow about this thing. It has gone far enough."
+
+"But I've got something else to tell you. Come and sit down where we can
+talk," he continued, feeling happier than ever before in all his life,
+for he knew he was in a condition to chase away the clouds that had been
+bringing anxiety to her mind for months.
+
+So he told first of all about his visit to the hardware man, and how he
+obtained fourteen dollars for his muskrat skins.
+
+After that came the call upon the lawyer and what followed in connection
+with his offer to pay the interest due, and how Mr. Quarles had
+absolutely refused to accommodate him.
+
+Nancy sighed as she heard what the cold, grasping man of law had said
+about settling old scores.
+
+Perhaps she was sorry now she had given him such cause for hatred; but
+better the life she had led than one as the wife of a cruel money shark
+of his breed.
+
+From this Darry soon branched out and spoke of his trip to the shore,
+and how on his return a kindly fate had allowed him to be of material
+assistance to the very young man with whom he expected to spend the
+winter on his launch.
+
+Mrs. Peake began to listen more eagerly now, for she surmised that
+something of a pleasant nature was coming.
+
+When Darry finally placed the money in her hand, she looked at it in
+bewilderment, never having touched so much at one time in all her life;
+then she turned her tear-stained eyes upon him, and drawing him into her
+motherly arms kissed him again and again.
+
+And Darry never felt so well repaid for any action of his life as that.
+
+There was sunshine in the Peake house the balance of that day, even
+though the weather without was dark and overcast, for light hearts carry
+an atmosphere of their own that does not depend upon outside
+influences.
+
+The woman would not hear of Darry's going to see the lawyer that night.
+
+Something might happen to him again, with those malicious boys still at
+large, and it would be wiser she thought, to wait until morning, when
+the two of them could take the money to Darius Quarles and satisfy the
+mortgage.
+
+Besides, Nancy thought she would like to see what the money-lender
+looked like when finding his plans frustrated so neatly.
+
+"Thank goodness that relative of his will have to wait some time before
+this house falls into his clutches," she remarked, for the fourth time,
+since it was impossible, just then, to talk about anything else.
+
+So when another day dawned, while the weather was still heavy they
+walked to the village and astonished the lawyer by appearing in his
+office soon after his arrival.
+
+Supposing that Nancy had come to beg for more time, he set his face in
+its hardest lines, even though pretending to be sympathetic--times were
+out of joint, collections difficult to make, and he absolutely needed
+every cent he could scrape together in order to meet his
+obligations--that was the way he put it, when she announced she had come
+in relation to the mortgage.
+
+"Then I suppose you will be glad to receive this money, Darius, and
+return the mortgage canceled to me. And you can be sure that Abner will
+never trouble you in the same way again," she said, thrusting the full
+sum, with interest toward him.
+
+He slowly counted it, and found that every cent, as he had written it
+down for Darry, was there.
+
+"Ahem! this is an unexpected pleasure, Nancy. I congratulate you, indeed
+I do, on your success in finding someone to take over the mortgage," he
+stammered, as his face turned from red to white, and his little eyes
+glittered.
+
+"You are mistaken. There will be no mortgage on my home after this. The
+money has been earned by this brave boy here, not borrowed," she said,
+coldly.
+
+This caused him to look at Darry, and his mouth told that he was
+gritting his teeth wrathfully.
+
+"Ah! yes, indeed, truly a remarkable boy. What has he been doing
+now--taking the rats of the swamp by wholesale, I presume? Let me see,
+only yesterday he had sold twenty-six skins for fourteen dollars, and
+now a hundred dollar bill follows. It is amazing. Pardon me if I doubt
+my eyes. I suppose the bill is a good one?"
+
+"We will wait here until you go and find out. You might ask Mr. Paul
+Singleton, who has a little launch down at the docks, and is a member of
+the club above," replied Mrs. Peake, with stinging emphasis.
+
+"Did Mr. Singleton give him this money?" demanded the lawyer, suddenly.
+
+"He did, for saving his launch out in the bay yesterday. And what is
+more, Darry expects to cruise with him the balance of the winter. He has
+taken a great fancy for my boy. You can find him easily if you wish to
+ask him about this."
+
+It was wonderful how quickly the lawyer changed his manner.
+
+He knew who Paul Singleton was, and what wealth he represented in the
+exclusive sporting club near Ashley.
+
+"That alters the complexion of the whole thing. Now I congratulate Darry
+on his good fortune in making such a good, easy friend. Of course the
+bill must be all right if Paul Singleton gave it to him. I will
+immediately attend to the mortgage for you, and also see that it is
+satisfied on the books at the county office. Meanwhile I shall write you
+out a receipt in full, showing that it has been paid."
+
+Mrs. Peake said nothing more.
+
+She felt the utmost contempt for this man, and having been enabled to
+defeat his scheme for humiliating herself and husband, wished to remain
+in his company no longer than was absolutely necessary.
+
+So she and Darry presently went forth, and how pure even the stormy
+atmosphere seemed after being for half an hour in that spider's web of a
+lawyer's den.
+
+On the strength of the improved prospects Mrs. Peake felt that she was
+privileged to spend a portion of the small sum of money she had been
+hoarding against paying the interest, though as it had not amounted to
+the full sum she had not dared approach Darius with an offer.
+
+Mr. Keeler, being a good friend of the Peakes, and inclined to be
+hostile to the lawyer, she naturally confided her late troubles to his
+sympathetic ear, feeling that she could not keep silent.
+
+He shook the hand of the boy with sincerity, and declared that it was a
+great day for Abner and his brood when the surf man helped to pull the
+cabin boy of the _Falcon_ out of the sea.
+
+Being a modest lad, Darry escaped as soon as he could, and waited around
+until Mrs. Peake was ready to go home, when he showed up to carry her
+parcels.
+
+The family feasted that night most royally.
+
+Darry himself had purchased a steak in the store as his donation, and
+this was a luxury the little Peakes seldom knew.
+
+Ducks and fish were all very well, together with oysters, when they
+could get them; but after all there was a sameness in the diet that
+rather palled on the appetite, and that beefsteak with onions did smell
+mighty fine, as even the good cook admitted.
+
+The future looked very rosy to both Darry and Abner's wife.
+
+When the latter heard what Paul Singleton had said about getting some
+place for the life saver ashore, where he could be with his family right
+along, the poor woman broke down and sobbed; but it was joy that caused
+the tears to flow, and Darry felt his own eyes grow wet as he realized
+how she must have suffered while compelled to live in this mean way.
+
+Nancy having been a teacher had looked to better things, no doubt; but
+Abner thus far had lacked the ability to provide them for his family.
+Now, however, the current had changed.
+
+"And to think it all comes through you, boy. God sent you to us, I
+believe, just when things were at the worst. How different it looks now.
+I am the happiest woman in Ashley this night," she declared, and it
+seemed as though she could hardly take her beaming eyes off his face
+during that whole evening as they sat and built air castles for the
+future.
+
+It can be set down as certain that Darry found it hard to get to sleep
+after so much excitement. Long he lay there and went over all the
+recent experiences, to wonder again and again why Providence was so good
+to him, the waif who had until the last few years known only cuffs and
+trouble.
+
+The morning showed no improvement in the weather, for which Darry
+was sorry, because he wished to cross the sound in order to carry the
+glorious news to Abner and relieve his mind of the worry that must even
+now fill it.
+
+And as the prospect was that even worse weather might follow before it
+would improve he determined to go, though Mrs. Peake was rather loth to
+grant permission.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+ABNER HEARS THE NEWS
+
+
+When Darry reached the village and was making for the place where his
+boat was tied up, he remembered that Paul Singleton was close by with
+his motor-boat.
+
+Perhaps he was aboard and would be interested in hearing what had
+happened to Darry since they parted.
+
+Accordingly he walked that way and was accosted by a genial voice
+calling:
+
+"All hail, comrade, what news? Come aboard. Just thinking about you, and
+if you hadn't hove in sight soon I meant to don my raincoat and saunter
+up to find out what was in the wind. Here you are, just in time to join
+me at my lunch, such as it is--coffee, a canoeist stew and some fresh
+bread I bought from a good housewife in the village. Sit down right
+there; no excuse, you must know sooner or later what sort of a cook I
+am, for we expect to share many a meal in common."
+
+In such a hearty way did Paul Singleton greet him, and of course Darry
+had to obey orders, even though hardly hungry.
+
+He entertained Paul with an account of his recent adventures, and that
+young gentleman nearly doubled up with merriment when he heard how a
+malicious fate had succeeded in cheating Sim Clark out of the reward of
+his villainy.
+
+"And where are you off to now?" demanded Paul, when they had finished
+their "snack," as he termed it in Southern style, and Darry seemed to be
+getting ready to depart.
+
+"Across to the station. Mr. Keeler told me last evening there was some
+important mail to go over, and I think its going to storm worse before
+it finally clears up."
+
+"Looks pretty dusty out there even now, for your little tub. Say,
+suppose we take your boat in tow and go over in the launch? I was
+wondering what to do only a little while back. Besides, I've wanted to
+see the surfmen work their boat, and if it comes on to storm hard,
+perhaps there may be a necessity for them to launch. I'd be sorry to
+have a wreck occur; but if it does happen I'd like to be on hand. Say
+yes, now, Darry."
+
+Of course he did, for who could resist Paul Singleton; especially when
+the passage could be made so much more quickly in the staunch little
+motor-boat than with his own clumsy craft.
+
+In a short time they sallied out.
+
+The cedar craft was a model of the boat builder's art, and carried a
+twelve-horse power engine, so that even though the wind and tide chanced
+to be against them they made steady progress toward the shore seen so
+dimly far across the sound.
+
+Nearly every wave sent the spray flying high in the air as it struck the
+bow; but there was a hood to catch this, and besides both occupants of
+the motor-boat had donned oilskins before starting.
+
+It was a long trip, nevertheless, for the wind continued to increase in
+force as the afternoon waned, and Darry, with a sailor's gift of
+foretelling what the weather was to be, predicted that the succeeding
+night must witness a storm such as had not visited the coast since the
+night he was cast ashore.
+
+Abner was delighted to see his boy, and it was not long before the party
+found shelter in the warm station, for the air was growing bitter.
+
+"A bad night ahead!" said one of the surfmen, after greeting Darry, "and
+worse luck, poor Tom here has broken his leg. Mr. Frazer is somethin' of
+a surgeon, and has set it, but as soon as this storm is over he must be
+taken home. It leaves us short a man if so be we are called out, unless
+some feller happens to run across before night, which is kinder
+unlikely."
+
+"I'd be only too glad to pull an oar, if necessary, and you couldn't
+find any better man," said Darry, quickly, looking at Abner, who shook
+his head, dubiously.
+
+"They may hev to take yuh, lad; but I hopes as how we aint gwine to be
+called out. It's a cruel night to fight the sea, an' only them as has
+been thar knows wot it means. Now come an' set down here, both on yuh,
+an' tell me all the news from hum. I seen somethin' in your eye, lad,
+thet tells me yuh knows sure a heap wuth hearin'. I hopes it's good
+news," he said.
+
+"Indeed it is, the best ever," replied Darry, with bursting heart, and
+then as quickly as he could he told the whole story.
+
+Poor Abner sat there, blinking, and hardly able to comprehend the
+wonderful change that had so suddenly come over his fortunes.
+
+Unable to speak he could only stretch out his hand to Paul, and then
+turning to our hero looked at him with his very soul in his eyes.
+
+After a little, when he became calmer, he asked many questions, and even
+had a quiet little laugh at the expense of Darius Quarles.
+
+"That's the second time yuh see he's ben knocked out a-tryin' to rob
+me. Nancy done it fust a-fallin' into the water, and this time Darry
+here cum to the front. Darius he must be concludin' he was borned under
+an unlucky star, 'specially wen he tackles Nancy Peake. I'd give
+somethin' to see the gal jest now," he added wistfully as he tried to
+picture what she must look like when really and truly happy.
+
+Long they talked, until an early supper was ready, and the men gathered
+about the table, while the wind shrieked and sighed about the corners of
+the station, telling of the severe labors the coming night would demand.
+
+After the meal was finished nothing would do but that Darry must give
+them some music ere the first detail went out on their arduous duties in
+facing the cold storm.
+
+Paul had known nothing of this accomplishment on the part of his new
+friend.
+
+He sat there as though enthralled while Darry drew such weird strains
+from the little polished instrument in his hands that this young man,
+who had doubtless listened to many masters of the violin believed he had
+never in all his life heard such wonderful music.
+
+Of course the strange surroundings had something to do with it, for
+there was a constant accompaniment of howling wind, with the surge of
+the wild surf beating time to the magic of the bow, and it seemed as
+though the player selected just such music as would be appropriate to
+such a setting.
+
+Finally the first detail had to make ready for their long tramp along
+the beach, and muffled in their oilskins they sallied forth.
+
+Later on Abner and his companions expected to start out, for Paul was
+determined to learn all he could about this hard life of those who
+patrolled the coasts while the storms raged, a helpful auxiliary to the
+lighthouse department.
+
+The men should have sought rest and sleep while they had the chance, but
+no one seemed desirous of lying down.
+
+Tom, the poor fellow with the broken leg, was bearing up bravely, and
+only bemoaned the fact that, if there should be any necessity for the
+launching of the surfboat he could not do his duty.
+
+Suddenly everyone started up.
+
+Above the roar of the storm a sound had come that could not be anything
+other than the boom of a gun.
+
+There is nothing that startles more than this sound, heard upon the
+shore as the storm rages, for it invariably tells of peril hovering over
+some vessel that has been beaten from her track and is threatened with
+wreck, either upon the reefs or the treacherous sands.
+
+Instantly all was bustle and excitement.
+
+Every man donned his oilskins, and as they had made all preparations
+there was little time wasted in doing this.
+
+Paul rushed out with the rest, eager to be "in the swim," as he said.
+
+It was a scene never to be forgotten.
+
+The waves were running high and breaking upon the beach with a
+thunderous roar, while the wind added to the clamor; so that save for
+the absence of thunder and lightning the picture seemed to be a
+duplicate of that other so strongly impressed upon Darry's mind.
+
+Down the beach they could catch glimpses of an illumination, and it
+seemed as though some of the coast patrol might be burning coster lights
+to signal the vessel on the reef.
+
+Presently they would come back, when the lifeboat would be launched.
+
+With material that was kept ready for just such an emergency a fire was
+immediately started.
+
+Mr. Frazer was looking anxiously down the beach, and Darry heard him
+calling to Abner.
+
+"I don't like the looks of things yonder. That fire is none of the work
+of our men. Jim Dilks and his wreckers must be over here looking for
+pickings. I pity any poor wretch who comes ashore and falls into their
+hands. That scoundrel wouldn't be above robbing a castaway, and even
+chocking out what little life remained in his body, if so be it looked
+like he might tell. Keep a lookout for the rascals, boys. And all give a
+hand here to get the boat out of the shed. We're going to have a hard
+night of it, I'm afraid."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+DARRY IN THE LIFEBOAT
+
+
+The boat was soon rolled out and placed where it could be quickly
+launched at the word.
+
+Mr. Frazer was not only the keeper of the station but the helmsman of
+the lifeboat, which latter was a most responsible position, since he
+must direct the movements of the men who pulled the oars, bring the boat
+under the vessel in peril, manage to rescue as many of those aboard as
+could be carried, and finally navigate the craft successfully to the
+shore.
+
+Darry looked upon him as a wonderful man, a hero, indeed, whose equal he
+had never known.
+
+There were signs of distress seaward. Through his night glasses Mr.
+Frazer reported seeing a steamer in trouble. She had evidently gone on
+the reef, having gotten out of her course in the wild storm, or else
+because the wreckers further down the coast had deceived her navigator
+by means of false beacons.
+
+No matter, she was fast upon the treacherous reef and would likely fill
+and be a wreck before morning, since her entire port side seemed
+exposed to the fury of the waves.
+
+It was a wonder how anything could remain on board and endure so
+terrific a pounding; if later on she were washed free the chances were
+there would be holes enough in her by that time to cause her to sink
+like a shot.
+
+The lifeboat could not get out to her any too soon.
+
+Those on board were burning lights, and sending up rocket after rocket
+to indicate that their need of assistance was great.
+
+Still nothing could be done until the men on the detail came in.
+
+Already it had been settled that unless assistance came speedily, in the
+shape of a recruit to take the place of Tom, Darry would have to go.
+
+The boy was in a fever of suspense, fearful that he might be cheated out
+of the experience, as on the previous occasion.
+
+Paul was quite useless because he knew so little about pulling an oar,
+while as a sailor, with some years experience on a vessel, Darry was at
+home on the water in any capacity.
+
+"I certainly admire your grit, Darry," said Paul, shuddering as he
+looked out at the heaving waves, the white tops of which loomed up in
+the gloom.
+
+"Oh! I'm used to these things. Dozens of storms I've been through, under
+all sorts of conditions," answered the boy.
+
+"All the same it's a big risk. I hope nothing will go wrong. That's a
+mighty small boat to pit against the fury of the sea."
+
+"But as safe as they make them. It's impossible to sink it, and the
+ropes are there to keep us from being swept out, even if flooded. All
+around the outside you see ropes, and if a fellow goes over he holds on
+to one of those until another wave sweeps him back in his seat again,
+and there you are."
+
+Although Darry spoke so lightly it must not be assumed that he failed to
+realize the gravity attending the passage of the surboat out upon such a
+troubled sea; for accidents do happen to the crews of these life-saving
+craft, and many a daring soul has gone to his account while trying to
+rescue others.
+
+But just then the patrol came running up, almost out of breath.
+
+From one man Frazer learned that his surmise concerning the appearance
+of the lawless wreckers on the shore was well founded, and that they had
+been up to some mischief further south, where signs of lights had been
+noticed by this coastguard.
+
+The word was given to take their places, as the boat was about to be
+launched.
+
+They had waited a brief time to allow the newly-arrived men a chance to
+recover their wind for they would need it presently, when once upon the
+heaving bosom of the deep.
+
+Paul squeezed the hand of his young friend.
+
+How he envied him this chance to prove his courage and to pull an oar in
+a life-saving trip.
+
+The rockets had ceased to ascend as though either the supply had given
+out, or else conditions had become so bad that there was no longer a
+chance to carry on this work.
+
+Then came the word:
+
+"Go!"
+
+There was a simultaneous movement on the part of the entire crew, and as
+the sturdy men put their shoulders to the task the surfboat shot forward
+just at the proper instant when a wave expended itself upon the sloping
+beach.
+
+Its prow entered the water, and those furthest ahead sprang into their
+places, whipping the long oars into the rowlocks for a struggle against
+the force of the next onrushing billow.
+
+Darry was one of these.
+
+He had not watched that other launching for nothing, and understood just
+what was required of him, as though through long practice.
+
+Now they were off!
+
+The oars dipped deep, and hardy muscles strained back of them.
+
+Slowly but surely the boat gained against all the fury of the onrushing
+tide, and foot by foot they began to leave the shore.
+
+Paul was shouting, swinging his hat, as Darry could see while he tugged
+at his task.
+
+Once fully launched upon the swelling bosom of the sea, the progress of
+the surfboat was more rapid, though every yard had to be won by the most
+arduous of labor, the men straining like galley slaves under the lash;
+but in this case it was a sense of duty rather than the whip of the
+tyrant that urged them on.
+
+No man but the helmsman saw anything of the steamer that was fast upon
+the cruel jaws of the reef, for it was against orders for anyone to turn
+his head.
+
+Such an incautious movement might throw him out of balance in the swing
+of the stroke and bring about disaster, or at least temporarily
+disarrange their regular advance; they had to trust everything to the
+wisdom and experience of the man who hung on to the long steering oar,
+and blindly obey his shouted instructions.
+
+Many times had he gone forth upon just such a hazard, and thus far his
+sagacity had proven equal to the task.
+
+They began to hear human voices shrieking through the storm.
+
+That meant they were drawing close under the lee of the steamer, and
+that those on board must have sighted them, and were consequently filled
+with new hope.
+
+Above all else came the awful pounding of the sea upon the side of the
+doomed steamer.
+
+Darry knew the sound well, for many a night had he gone calmly to sleep
+while the chorus of the elements was beating close to his head.
+
+He had pulled well, and held his own with the brawny men of the crew,
+just as Mr. Frazer had known would be the case when he allowed him to
+take the place of Tom in the boat.
+
+Abner was next to him, and the surfman had watched the manly efforts of
+his adopted boy with secret delight.
+
+Few boys indeed of his size could have proven their worth to the crew of
+the lifeboat in time of need as Darry had done.
+
+He could indeed be reckoned one of the life savers from this hour on, if
+so be they came back again to the shore that had witnessed their
+departure.
+
+Now, as they swung around temporarily the rowers were afforded their
+first glimpse of the imperiled vessel.
+
+It was undoubtedly a steamer, one of the coasters that pass up and down
+the Atlantic seaboard, bound from New York to one of the various
+southern ports, or _vice versa_, and usually keeping far enough out to
+avoid the perils that hover about Kitty Hawk and Hatteras.
+
+She was in a bad position, having gone ashore, or been washed aground,
+so that her whole quarter was exposed to the sweep of the boiling sea.
+
+Through the flying spray they could see numerous figures along the lee
+rail of the vessel, hanging on desperately, while now and then the water
+would sweep over the deck, and at such times a chorus of screams told
+that there were other than men there, women half frightened out of their
+senses by the peril.
+
+The surfboat was, after some maneuvering, gotten in such a position
+under the lee of the steamer that a rope could be thrown aboard.
+
+Then a woman was lowered by means of this, and safely stowed away.
+
+As the rope had been fastened to the boat there was no longer necessity
+for the crew to strain at the oars, consequently they were at liberty to
+assist in caring for those sent down by the steamer's crew, working
+under the direction of a cool, level-headed captain.
+
+Darry had cast off his oilskins, as being in the way.
+
+A wetting was of small moment anyway to one so warm-blooded as he, and
+the cumbersome garments impeded his movements, since they were meant for
+a big man.
+
+The sleeve of his shirt had also become torn in some way and flapped
+loose until he tucked it up out of the way.
+
+All unconscious of the picturesque figure he made he continued to work
+with all his might, helping to receive the women and children as they
+were slipped over the side.
+
+Many an eye was attracted toward him as seen by the light of the
+lanterns that were held over the side of the steamer to aid the workers,
+and more than one wondered how it came that a mere lad was to be found
+keeping company with these hardy men of the coast, seasoned to storms,
+and able to defy the rigors of the cold.
+
+It was no easy task to take on a load of the passengers under such
+conditions.
+
+Only when the surfboat rose on a billow could they be lowered, for at
+other times the distance was so great that the deck of the steamer
+looked as far away as the roof of a tall building.
+
+Yet, thanks to the ability of the steamer captain, and the experience of
+the surfmen below, the shipping of the women and children was
+accomplished with but a single accident.
+
+One child dropped off the rope, having been insecurely fastened, and
+with the shrieks of the women fell into the sea, but hardly had she
+reached the water than with a splash Darry was over, and had seized upon
+the little one.
+
+His companions immediately reached out friendly hands, and both were
+drawn into the plunging boat, amid frantic cheers from all who had seen
+the daring rescue.
+
+One woman seized hold of the boy as he pushed his way through the crowd
+to his place at the oars, and looked wildly in his face.
+
+He supposed she must be the mother of the child he had saved, and not
+wishing for any scene just then, when he was needed at his place, as
+they were about to cast off, Darry gently broke her hold, leaving on her
+knees and staring after him.
+
+Although he little suspected the fact it was something else that had
+chained the attention of this woman passenger; and even as she knelt in
+the bottom of the boat, which was beginning its perilous passage toward
+the shore, her eyes continued to be riveted upon his face, and she was
+saying to herself over and over:
+
+"Oh! who is he, that boy? I must see him again if we both live. Can it
+be possible he had any connection with Paul's telegram? I have come far,
+but I would go over the distance a thousand times if only a great joy
+awaited me. Yes, I must see him surely again!"
+
+From which it would appear that the friendly fortune that seemed to be
+attending the affairs of our young hero of late had again started work;
+and that even in gratifying his wild desire to serve as a life saver
+Darry had been advancing his own cause.
+
+Now the lifeboat was headed for the shore, and sweeping in on a giant
+roller.
+
+Great care had to be exercised lest the boat broach-to, and those in her
+be spilled out, when some must be drowned, for having taken so many
+aboard they lacked the buoyancy that had previously marked their
+progress.
+
+Standing in his place the steersman carefully noted every little point,
+and high above the rush of the storm his voice rang out as he ordered
+the crew to cease rowing, or to pull hard.
+
+It was well worth experiencing, and Darry was glad he had at last found
+a chance to go out with the crew.
+
+Abner knew that at least one more trip would have to be made, in order
+to take off the crew of the steamer, and he was determined that if there
+should have arrived any substitute on the beach while they were away
+Darry must not be called upon to undertake the second voyage.
+
+The strain was terrific for a mere stripling of his build, and only old
+seasoned veterans could stand under it.
+
+There was no need of questioning the willingness of the lad to volunteer
+again; and if it seemed absolutely necessary Abner would give his
+consent, but he hoped circumstances might change and another hand be
+provided.
+
+With the women and children they had several of the crew who had come
+along to relieve any oarsman who might give under the great strain; the
+more sent in this load the less remaining for the next, and among these
+Abner had picked upon a certain husky fellow who seemed able to do his
+part if called upon.
+
+Now the shore was close by.
+
+The fire burned brightly, fed by Paul, and the steersman could see
+several other men at the water's edge, proving that they had crossed the
+sound in some sort of staunch craft, or had come down from above,
+knowing the wreck was close to the life-saving station.
+
+At last the boat mounted the last billow on which she was to continue
+her voyage to the beach.
+
+The crew pulled heartily to keep her perched high on its foamy crest,
+and in this fashion they went rushing shoreward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE AWAKENING
+
+
+As the boat shot forward and her keel grated on the sand the crew were
+over the sides like a shot, seizing upon her in order to prevent the
+outgoing wave from carrying her along.
+
+Then one by one the women and children were carried to the shore, and
+hurried to the shelter of the station, where a warm fire and something
+to drink in the way of coffee and tea would put new life in the
+shuddering mass.
+
+The woman who had been so strangely agitated at sight of Darry seemed to
+be a lady of refinement, but she was almost perishing from the cold, and
+did not resist when they forced her to seek shelter.
+
+Once she turned around and looked back to where Darry was busy; but when
+inside the house she swooned from exhaustion, to come to later and find
+Paul Singleton bending anxiously over her, with words of affection on
+his lips.
+
+Meanwhile Darry was ready to again take his place with the rest, but
+Abner had been busy, and spoke to Mr. Frazer, who in turn engaged a
+stalwart fisherman to fill the vacancy caused by Tom's absence.
+
+Although disappointed, Darry did not insist, for he knew the tax upon
+his young muscles had been severe, and if he failed it might throw the
+whole crew out of balance.
+
+So he saw them set out again, with his heart in his eyes.
+
+When they had vanished from view he walked nervously up and down the
+beach for a short time; then noticing the presence of a moving light not
+more than half a mile down the shore he remembered what he had heard Mr.
+Frazer say about the wreckers being abroad, looking for anything of
+value they could lay hands on.
+
+Usually these men make their living by gathering up whatever may be cast
+on the beach after a vessel has gone to pieces, and thus far their
+calling is legitimate, but as a rule they are a bad class, and at times,
+when fortune frowns upon their efforts, many of their kind resort to
+desperate means for accumulating riches, even robbing the dead, and it
+was hinted in connection with Jim Dilks' crowd, going still further.
+
+When a vessel is in danger of going to pieces, the passengers usually
+load themselves with what valuables they may possess in the hope of
+saving these in case they reach the shore in safety; so that these
+ghouls frequently find a little fortune upon the persons of the drowned
+travelers.
+
+Darry had heard the crew of the lifeboat talking about these wreckers so
+frequently that he was more than curious with regard to them, and as he
+saw the lantern moving to and fro along the water's edge, now
+approaching and again retreating, he felt a sudden desire to look upon
+their methods of work. It was not a wise move on his part at all, for
+such men are as a rule desperate characters, and resent being spied
+upon, since such action savors too much of the law and justice in their
+eyes; but Darry was only a venturesome boy, who somehow never knew the
+meaning of the word fear, and a little saunter along the beach would
+pass away some of the time until the boat came in again.
+
+So he started off, telling no one of his intention, though one man
+noticed him walk away, which fact proved fortunate in the end.
+
+As he drew nearer the moving light he saw that, as he had suspected, it
+was a lantern held in the hand of a big man who was passing along as
+close to the edge of the water as he could, and surveying with the eye
+of a hawk each incoming billow, as though he expected to discover a
+floating form that must be snatched away ere it were carried out again.
+
+But it was no errand of mercy that caused this human vulture to keep up
+his unceasing vigil; for should the body of a luckless passenger come
+ashore his first act would be to rifle the pockets rather than attempt
+to restore life.
+
+Darry caught a glimpse of several other figures beyond, but their
+lanterns had evidently given out, so they were trusting to their eyes
+alone for seeing in the dark.
+
+He had never as yet met big Jim Dilks, but something told him that this
+man was now before him, and he wondered if the son might not also be one
+of the other prowlers beyond, since he evidently possessed the same kind
+of savage instincts that characterized his father.
+
+Darry had come as close as he deemed prudent when he saw the man start
+forward with a sudden swoop, and seizing some object from the inflowing
+wave drag it up on the shore.
+
+There was no outcry to call the attention of others, for evidently this
+was a game of "every man for himself," though possibly a division of
+spoils might be made later on.
+
+Horrified, Darry pressed closer, for he fancied he had seen a feeble
+movement on the part of the figure drawn from the waves--doubtless
+alone and unassisted the swimmer could never have crawled out on the
+beach, but now that he was beyond reach of the waves, would the man who
+had snatched him ashore do the slightest thing to keep the spark of life
+from going out entirely?
+
+He saw Jim Dilks bend eagerly down.
+
+Closer still Darry pressed, unconscious in his eagerness to see that he
+was placing his own life in danger.
+
+The man who would not hesitate to rob the dead might go even further in
+order to conceal his crime.
+
+He saw Jiw Dilks hurriedly search through the pockets of the figure,
+transfer a number of articles to his own person, and then with a growl
+lift the body in his arms, giving it a toss that once more sent it
+afloat.
+
+The terrible nature of this act brought out a half-stifled cry from the
+watching boy, and the wrecker, startled, wheeled to see him there.
+
+He darted upon him like a wolf, and ere Darry could lift a hand to save
+himself he was struck a severe blow on the head.
+
+After that he knew nothing more.
+
+When he opened his eyes later he found himself in the life-saving
+station, and for a minute or so wondered what had happened, for as he
+started to rise there was a severe pain in his head, and he sank back
+with a sigh.
+
+Then it all seemed to pass before him.
+
+Again he could see the savage face of big Jim, as he turned like a
+sheep-killing dog caught in the act, and once more Darry shivered with
+the terrible thought that life had not wholly departed from the wretched
+passenger from the ill-fated steamer at the time the wrecker tossed him
+back into the merciless sea.
+
+Who had found him, and brought him here, when evidently the lawless man
+had intended that he should share the fate of the doomed passenger, and
+thus forever have his lips sealed?
+
+Someone must have heard him sigh, for there was a movement close by, and
+his eyes took in the eager face of Paul Singleton.
+
+"Bully for you, Darry! We were getting mighty anxious about you, but I
+can see you're all right now. It has been hard to keep Abner at his duty
+watching the shore. Every little while he appears at the door to ask if
+you have recovered your senses yet. Why, he couldn't be more fond of you
+if you were his own Joe," said Paul, running his hand tenderly over the
+boy's forehead.
+
+"I don't understand how I got here," declared Darry; "the last thing I
+remember was being struck by the fist of that brute, big Jim Dilks. He
+had just robbed a passenger from the wreck. I saw him pull the body out
+of the water, clean out the pockets, and then throw the poor fellow back
+again. And, Mr. Singleton, it's a terrible thing to say, but I'm most
+sure there was life still in the body of the man he robbed when he
+tossed him back!"
+
+"The scoundrel, I wouldn't put it past him a particle. And that isn't
+the first time he and his gang have done the same thing either. But
+their time has come, Darry. Even now I chance to know that the
+government has sent agents down here to make arrests, urged on by the
+women of Ashley, and before another day rolls around all of those
+rascals will be in the toils. You may be called on to give evidence
+against Dilks. But please forget all about this gruesome matter just
+now, my dear boy. There is something else of a vastly different nature
+that awaits you--some delightful intelligence, in fact."
+
+Paul paused to let the half-dazed lad drink in the meaning of his words.
+
+"Oh! Mr. Singleton!" he began.
+
+"No, from this hour let it be Paul--Cousin Paul, in truth. You know, I
+said I wanted you to look upon me as an elder brother, but now it seems
+that we are actually related, and that I am your full-fledged cousin."
+
+"My cousin! Oh! what can you mean?" gasped the bewildered Darry.
+
+"I'll tell you without beating around the bush, then. You are no longer
+the poor homeless waif you used to believe yourself."
+
+"No, that is true, thanks to dear old Abner and Nancy," murmured Darry,
+loyal to his good friends in this hour.
+
+"But there is someone who has a better claim upon your affection than
+either Abner or Nancy, kind-hearted though they undoubtedly are. It is
+your own mother, Darry!" exclaimed the young man, leaning over closer as
+he said that word of magic.
+
+"Mother! My mother! How sweet that sounds! But tell me how can this be?
+Who am I, and where is she? How did you find it out, and, oh! Paul, are
+you _sure_, quite sure? A disappointment after this would be hard to
+bear."
+
+"Have no fears, Darry, there is no longer the slightest shadow of a
+doubt. The minute my aunt set her eyes on that crescent-shaped mark on
+your arm she knew beyond all question that Heaven had granted her
+prayers of years, and in this marvelous way restored her only child to
+her again. She saw you leap overboard to save that little child, and she
+recognized in your face the look she remembered so well as marking the
+countenance of her husband, now long since dead. She says you are his
+living picture as a boy."
+
+"I remember some lady seizing hold of my arm after they dragged me
+aboard the lifeboat, but at the time I believed it must be the mother of
+the child, and I was anxious to get back to my place, for the boat might
+upset with one oar missing. And that was--my mother?"
+
+How softly, how tenderly, he spoke the word, as though it might be
+something he had only dared dream about, and had difficulty in realizing
+now that he could claim what nearly all other boys had, a parent.
+
+"Yes, that was my dear Aunt Elizabeth. I wired her away down in South
+America, where she was visiting cousins, and it has taken her quite a
+while to get here. She had to change steamers twice, and meant to come
+back here from New York by rail, when a strange freak of fortune sent
+that vessel upon the reef, and placed you in the lifeboat that went to
+the rescue. After this I shall stand in awe of the mysterious workings
+of Providence, since this beats anything I ever heard of. I could see
+something familiar in your looks, and after hearing your story sent for
+her on a chance. That was why I dared not tell you any more than I did.
+If I had only known about the history of that scar on your arm I would
+have been positive. She asked me immediately about it, and when I told
+her it was surely there she fainted again."
+
+"My mother! how strange it seems. Go on please, Paul," murmured the boy,
+reaching out and possessing himself of the other's hand, as though its
+touch gave him assurance that this was not one of his tantalizing
+dreams.
+
+"I went in search of you, and one of the men told me he had seen you
+walking down the beach, as though attracted by the light which he
+believed was a lantern carried by a wrecker, perhaps the feared Jim
+Dilks. I engaged him to accompany me, and securing a lantern we hurried
+along. And Darry, we found you just in time, for the sea was carrying
+you out. I believe that wretch must have cast you into the water just as
+he did the body of the passenger."
+
+"Then I owe my life to you--Cousin Paul?"
+
+"If so it only squares accounts, for I guess I'd have gone under out
+there on the sound only for your coming in time. But Darry, do you think
+you feel strong enough to see your mother? I forced her to lie down in
+the little room beyond, but she cannot sleep from the excitement."
+
+"Yes, oh! yes. Please bring her. I shall be a long time understanding it
+all, and trying to realize that I am truly awake. To think that I
+really have a mother!"
+
+Darry drew a long breath, and followed Paul with eager eyes as he went
+through the doorway into the other room.
+
+It was dawn now.
+
+In more senses than one the day had come to Darry.
+
+He heard low voices, and then someone came through the door, someone
+whose eyes were fastened hungrily upon his face.
+
+Darry struggled to sit up, and was just in time to feel a pair of arms
+around his neck and have his poor aching head drawn lovingly upon the
+bosom of the mother whom he had not known since infancy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+Later on, in fragments, Darry learned the whole story. It was all very
+wonderful, and yet simple enough.
+
+The old man whom he remembered so well, and who had told him to call him
+uncle, was in reality a brother of his mother.
+
+He had quarreled with his sister Elizabeth's husband, after abusing his
+kindness, and to cancel what he called a debt, had actually stolen the
+only child of the man he had wronged and hated.
+
+An old story, yet happening just as frequently in these modern days as
+in times of old, for men have the same passions, and there is nothing
+new under the sun.
+
+Everything that money could do was done to find the man and the little
+boy he had kidnapped, but he proved too cunning for them all, and
+although several times traces were found of his being at some foreign
+city, when a hunt was made he had again vanished.
+
+So the years came and went, and the child's mother was left a widow.
+
+Hope never deserted her heart, though it must have grown fainter as time
+passed on, and all traces of the wicked child-stealer seemed swallowed
+up in mystery.
+
+Paul had known of her great trouble, and it was the remarkable
+resemblance of Darry to a picture he had seen of his uncle Rudolph as a
+boy that first startled him.
+
+Then came the story about the waif, and this gave him strong hopes that
+by the wonderful favor of Providence he had been enabled to come across
+the long-lost boy, his own cousin.
+
+Their happiness was subdued, for there had been lives lost in the storm,
+a number of passengers and crew having been swept from the deck of the
+steamer by the giant waves before the coming of the life savers.
+
+As the storm subsided by noon, our little party, increased by Abner's
+presence, was enabled to cross the still rough sound in the staunch
+motor-boat of Paul, and to Nancy's amazement appeared at her humble
+little home.
+
+She heard the story of Darry's great good fortune with mingled emotions,
+for while she could not but rejoice with him in that he had found a
+mother, still, in a way, it seemed to the poor woman as though she had
+been bereaved a second time, for she was beginning to love the boy who
+had come into her life to take the place of Joe.
+
+Still, the future appeared so rosy that even Nancy could not but feel
+the uplift, and her face beamed with the general joy as she bustled
+around and strove to prepare a supper for her guests.
+
+In the village they had heard news.
+
+Jim Dilks and several of his cronies were in the hands of the United
+States authorities, having been arrested on serious charges.
+
+Later on they were convicted of using false beacons in order to lure
+vessels on the reefs for wicked purposes, and of robbing the dead cast
+up on the shore.
+
+A more serious charge could not be proven, though few doubted their
+innocence.
+
+Darry, or as he was compelled to call himself now, Adrian Singleton,
+being summoned to give evidence, helped to send the big wrecker to his
+well-earned solitude by telling what he had seen on the night of the
+last storm, and as some jewelry was found in his possession, which was
+identified by the wife of a passenger who lost his life, and whose body
+was washed up on the beach later on, there was no difficulty in securing
+his conviction.
+
+As for his profligate son, he was not long in following the elder Dilks
+to confinement, being caught in some crime that partook of the nature of
+robbery, and was sent to a reformatory, where it is to be hoped he may
+learn a lesson calculated to make him a better man when he comes forth.
+
+Since these happenings took place only a few years back, young Jim is
+still in confinement; his boon companions Sim Clark and Bowser vanished
+from Ashley and doubtless sought congenial surroundings in Wilmington,
+where they could pursue their destiny along evil lines until the long
+arm of the law reached out and brought them to book.
+
+True to his word, Paul saw to it that Abner Peake was placed in charge
+of the big farm he owned, not a great distance away from Ashley, and
+here the former life saver and his family have every comfort their
+simple hearts could wish for, so that they count it the luckiest day of
+their lives when the cabin boy of the lost brigantine, _Falcon_, was
+washed up on the beach out by the life-saving station.
+
+About once a year Abner visits his old chums out on the beach, spending
+a couple of days in their company and reviving old times, but on such
+occasions they often see him sitting by himself under the shelter of
+some old remnant of a former wreck, his calm blue eyes fixed in an
+absent-minded fashion upon the distant level horizon of Old Ocean, and
+at such times no one ventures to disturb him, for well they know that he
+is holding silent communion with the spirit of poor little Joe, who went
+out with the tide, and was seen no more.
+
+Somewhere upon that broad, lonely ocean his little form has found a
+resting place, and so long as he lives must Abner drop a tear in his
+memory whenever he sets eyes upon his watery shroud.
+
+But the Peakes are happy, and the twins are growing up to be buxom
+children.
+
+There is another little laughing Peake now, a boy at that, and at last
+accounts Darry--it is hard to call him by any other name--heard that he
+is destined to be christened Joseph Darry Peake.
+
+After all, Paul and Darry did have a chance to spend some part of the
+winter cruising together on the sound, although our hero later on
+decided that he must start in to make himself worthy of the position
+which was from this time to be his lot, and enrolled at an academy where
+his fond mother could be near him, and have a home in which he might
+find some of the happiness that fate had cheated him out of for so long.
+
+No one who knows the youth doubts that he has a promising future before
+him, and many prophesy that he will eventually make a more famous
+lawyer than his father was before him.
+
+Often Darry loves, when by himself, to look back to the days that are no
+more, and at such times he thinks with gratitude of the friends whom a
+kindly Providence raised up for him in his time of need.
+
+Among these he never fails to include Captain Harley, the skipper of the
+_Falcon_, whose widow Darry had communicated with while he was still
+under the roof of the life saver's home, and whom he later on met
+personally, as she came on to hear all he could tell about her lost
+husband.
+
+And the brave life savers on that desolate Carolina beach have not been
+forgotten by the grateful mother of the boy they had adopted, for during
+each winter there always comes a huge box filled with such warm clothing
+as men in their arduous and dangerous profession greatly need.
+
+At Christmas holidays Darry, Paul and Mrs. Singleton make it a point to
+spend a week at Ashley, during which time they live again the stirring
+scenes of the past, and find much cause for gratitude because of the
+wonderful favors that were showered upon them in that locality.
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Darry the Life Saver, by Frank V. Webster
+
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