They all looked off and saw a dory advancing from the direction of the lighthouse.
"That's Tolman, the light-keeper!" explained Dick.
"Who cares for Tolman, the light-keeper?--Boy," said Billy Dawes, turning to Dave and shaking a dirty fist insultingly, "we don't want anything to do with you."
"You may be glad to have my help," replied Dave.
"No help from babies. Remember that," said Billy.
Dave's face was red with wrath. What would he do? He was in no danger, for close at hand was Toby Tolman, a champion of no mean size, and the rowdies stupidly gazed at him rowing his boat with all the ease of a strong, skilled oarsman.
"All ready!" exclaimed Dave, advancing to meet the light-keeper's boat. "Good-bye, Dick."
"Oh--oh--take me!" sobbed Bart.
"What does that booby want?" asked Reese.
"He wants to go to the lighthouse," explained Sam.