"Noisy thing," grunted Ben, without moving.
"It's aiming this way," Pudge said, "right for our landing."
"Going to have visitors? Thought nobody ever came here."
"Wouldn't think many folks would, with the signs the Manatee Company have stuck up," chuckled Pudge. "Say!"
"Say it," grunted Ben.
"Only one man in the launch, an' I see something flash. Yes," Pudge gurgled, "I bet it is!"
"What's the matter with you?" grumbled Ben, finally sitting up. "You talk like a frog. What d'ye see?"
"He's got a badge," the fat boy said, solemnly. "I wish I could see his face."
"What d'ye mean?" Ben was now vastly and suddenly aroused. "Is it a constable? Where's Joe? He knows everybody 'round here—or he ought to."
"Joe's asleep."