A DESPERATE ATTEMPT
Doright was standing near the door. Rowdy's excitement now increased to a high pitch. He dashed madly to and fro in the cabin.
"I saw the fellow's face for a minute," cried Jack. "Open the door, Doright, and let Rowdy out. He wants to meet his friend."
"Go on, dog!" whispered Doright, obeying Jack's order.
Quick footsteps sounded on the wharf. A man was running away. Rowdy lost no time in scrambling on deck and from there to the wharf. In a moment came a shriek, followed by a shot. The boys shivered in apprehension. Their pet was alone in the dark and a shot had been fired. It seemed as if they must go to his assistance.
Not many minutes passed before the boys felt the Fortuna rock as a body landed on the deck. Rowdy burst into the cabin.
"Look at the boy!" shouted Arnold. "Good old Rowdy! Good dog!"
"What's that he has in his mouth?" inquired Charley.
"That, my friend," explained Arnold, who sat near Rowdy, "is what every dog gets when he runs fast--pants."
"Stop your joking, Arnold," cautioned Jack. "Look at that bloody ear of Rowdy's. He's been shot. That's some of Lopez's work."