“What’s wanted?” asked Buck.
“Want to come aboard,” was the reply.
“Are you alone?” was the next question. “Stand out where I can see you.”
The stranger moved to a position where the rays of light fell full upon him, revealing a slender man of twenty-five or under. He was neatly dressed in black, and wore a slouch hat.
“Why do you want to come on board?” Buck demanded.
“To get out of the rain,” was the answer. “My shoes are wet through, and I’m chilled to the bone.”
“Shall we take him aboard?” Buck asked.
“Sure thing!” said Rube, who was the only other person on the deck, the three boys being in attendance on Clay. “I reckon we can handle one man! Besides, the fellow really looks civilized. Anyhow, we’ll give him a chance to tell his story.”
“All right!” Buck shouted back. “We’ll give you a chance to dry out, but you’ll have to swim for it.”
“I fail to see how I could get any wetter than I am now!” answered the stranger, plunging into the river and striking out for the boat. “In fact, I think the river water an improvement over rain water.”