By this time Dick had decided that it would be anything but an easy task to get Arlington away from his companions while in such a condition. He could not return and tell June, and he was wondering what could be done when suddenly, without the least warning, he was struck to the ground by some one who had noiselessly approached from behind.
CHAPTER XV.
A FRIEND IN NEED.
Bound hand and foot, Dick Merriwell lay on the floor of the deck of Mrs. Arlington’s yacht and heard Chester giving orders which indicated that he meant to put out from the wharf and leave the harbor as soon as the engineer could get up steam.
Dick had been carried there by his captors, who, after striking him down, bound him firmly before he could recover and resist.
Chester came and stood near him, swaying a little as he looked down at the unlucky youth.
“Got you this time, Merriwell,” he declared thickly. “So you were sneaking around and looking into the windows, were you? Well, you made a bad mess of it. Where’s Lazaro?”
“Here, sir,” answered a voice, and a man approached.
“Lazaro, you’re all right!” asserted Chet. “Lazaro, you’re a dandy! How did you happen to spot him, Lazaro?”
“I saw some one standing near the window. The light shone on him. He seemed to be listening and watching. I crept near. Then I saw it was the fellow you had pointed out to me. I hit him with my sand bag.”
“Good boy, Lazaro—good boy!” cried Chet. "I hit him with something harder than a sand bag a short time ago, but he has a hard head. Can’t knock him out very easy. We’ll give him a little sea voyage. I’m dry.