“Well he won’t get her,” declared Tom, boldly.
“What can we do against that man?” demanded Ruth, anxiously. “I’m afraid of him myself. Let’s try to get ashore.”
“Yes, before he catches us,” begged Helen. “Do, Tom!”
There was no hope of the wind helping them, and the man in the rowboat was pulling strongly for the becalmed Jennie S. Tom instantly dropped her sail and seized one of the oars. He could scull pretty well, and he forced the heavy boat through the quiet sea directly for the lighthouse landing.
The three girls were really much disturbed; Crab pulled his lighter boat much faster than Tom could drive the Jennie S. and it was a question if he would not overtake her before she reached the landing.
“He sees me,” said Jane Hicks, excitedly. “He’ll get hold of me if he can. And maybe he’ll hurt you folks.”
“He’s got to catch us first,” grunted Tom, straining at the oar.
“We’re going to beat him, Tommy!” cried Helen, encouragingly. “Don’t give up!”
Once Crab looked around and bawled some threat to them over his shoulder. But they did not reply. His voice inspired Tom with renewed strength–or seemed to. The boy strained at his single oar, and the Jennie S. moved landward at a good, stiff pace.
“Stand ready with the painter, Ruth!” called Tom, at last. “We must fasten the boat before we run.”