Archie did not answer, for he knew it would only add fuel to the fire; for Charles's actions indicated that he was bent on getting up a quarrel. He had determined to make another attempt to "settle accounts" between himself and Frank.
"I'll bet you fifty dollars," said Charles, "that there are not half a dozen boats about the village that can beat that sloop."
"I'm not in the habit of betting," answered Archie; "but, if you will find a boat about the village that can't beat her, I'll eat your sloop."
"You are green, indeed," said Charles. "Now, what do you suppose that sloop cost me?"
"Well," answered Archie, thrusting his hands deep into his pockets, "I think ten dollars would foot the bill."
Archie said this in so comical a manner that Frank and the others could not refrain from laughing outright.
Charles was angry in an instant, and, quick as thought, he sprang forward and seized Archie. But he soon discovered that he had undertaken more than he could accomplish; for his antagonist, though considerably smaller than himself, was possessed of enormous strength, and was as active as a cat, and he glided like an eel from Charles's grasp, and, seizing him by both wrists, held him fast. After a few desperate, but ineffectual, attempts to free himself, Charles shouted to the Rangers, who had been bustling about in a state of considerable excitement, but very prudently keeping in the background,
"Help, help, you cowards!"
But nothing could induce them to attempt the rescue.
At this moment a boat, which had entered the creek unnoticed by the boys, drew up to the dock, and a strong, cheery voice, called out,