But Pete was not to be cheated of his rescue. He got a firm grip with the hook on Noddy’s clothing and then, walking along the side of the dock, towed the bully ashore. In the excess of his zeal, Pete moved him so fast that half the time Noddy’s head was under water, and he was in no amiable frame of mind when he staggered ashore, the water dripping from his Sunday suit.
“I’ll—I’ll have the law on you for this!” he cried.
“What? Because you took a notion to jump into the river?” asked Ned. “I guess it would be a queer jury that would award you anything. Will you come into the boat house and dry off?”
“I wouldn’t go in your boat house for a hundred dollars!” cried Noddy. “But I’ll get even with you!”
“He’s rather mad, for such a wet lad, but never mind that, I’ve got his hat,” said Pete, and, with a skillful motion he speared Noddy’s head-covering with the boat hook.
“Don’t you spoil that hat!” cried Noddy.
“Now Noddy don’t you worry, though I was in a hurry. It only has a little tear, it’s better than before to wear, because it lets in lots of air,” sung Pete, inspecting the hat, which had a small hole in it.
Noddy walked up on the dock, the water sloshing from his shoes at every step. He picked up his wet hat, jammed it down on his head, and, with an angry look at the other boys started off. As he did so a figure burst through the bushes and ran toward the group on the dock. At first the boys thought it was a tramp. They looked closely at the man.
“Why it’s Bill Berry!” exclaimed Jerry. “I thought you said he was a hundred miles from here, Noddy.”