"May we land here?" asked Frank.
"Well, I dunno," said the boy, doubtfully. "Ye see, these bo'ts are to let. Might let yourn if some folks come along an' wanted it."
The boy grinned as he finished speaking.
"We might come back and want our boat only to find it gone," said Hodge. "Let's not leave it here, Merriwell."
The boy gave a jump.
"What's your name?" he almost shouted, looking straight at Frank.
"It's Frank Merriwell," was the reply.
"Frank Merriwell!" yelled the boy, dancing up and down. "Whoop! I heard you was in Rockland! My goodness! won't the fellers be tickled to see you in this town! There ain't a chap here that don't know all about ye! Jest you let me have yer painter! I'll take care of that bo't, an' there don't nobody touch it, you bet!"
"Thank you," laughed Frank. "I will pay you for your trouble."