He leaped up and dashed to the boat, rapidly unfastening the chain from where it was secured to a stump.
Dexter had needed no further telling, for he had caught sight of two men at the same time as Bob; and as it was evident that they were running toward the fire, and as Dexter knew intuitively that he was trespassing, he sprang up, leaving half his chub, and leaped aboard, just as Bob sprang from the bank, seized an oar, and thrust the boat away.
It was pretty close, for as the stern of the boat left the shore the foremost man made a dash at it, missed, and nearly fell into the water.
Chapter Thirty Three.
The Life of the Free.
“Here,” cried the man, as he recovered himself, “it’s of no use. Come back!”
Dexter was so influenced by the man’s words that he was ready to go back at once. But Bob was made of different stuff, and he began now to work the boat along by paddling softly, fish-tail fashion.
“Do you hear!” roared the man, just as the other came trotting up, quite out of breath.