Frank looked doubtful as to the wisdom of that course. Meanwhile the men were busily preparing to tow the whale away out to sea in their powerful motor boat.
“If my father was only here,” began Bob, “he would know what to do, and what our rights were. There are certain laws about whales and things found at sea, and he’d make these fellows skip out if they were in the wrong.”
“Of course they’re in the wrong!” cried Andy. “Didn’t we see the whale first, and didn’t we tow it home?”
“But they say they harpooned it,” said Bob.
“Yes, and there was only one iron in it, Andy, when it broke your boat,” added Frank. “Now there are two harpoons in the back. One might be theirs. I’m going to notify Justice Fanchard and see what he says.”
“Lively now, men!” called Bill, as Frank started off.
There was another movement on the outskirts of the throng, and someone pushed his way in.
“It’s dad!” cried Bob. “Hey, dad!” he shouted. “These men are going to take our whale! We just towed it in, Frank and Andy Racer and me! Can these men take it?”
“Of course we can, kid!” cried one of the fishermen. “Get out of the way, if you don’t want to be knocked down.”
“Oh, it’s you, is it, Jack Kett!” exclaimed Captain Trent. “And Bill Lowden and his crowd. Well, you fellows would take anything, whether it was yours or not. Now jest hold on a bit. Luff up and let’s see where we’re at. Maybe you’re on the wrong course and need new clearance papers. Avast there, and let me know the particulars.”