CHAPTER V
DISQUIETING NEWS
There was a singing in Dick's ears. He seemed to be on a heaving, rolling sea, and he dimly wondered how he happened to be back on board a boat. Then he felt a dash of water on his face—cold, stinging water,—and he half imagined himself back on the raft with a sea breaking over him. Next he felt some one lifting him to his feet, and he heard the murmur of voices.
"That was a nasty blow."
"Yes. Who did it?"
"Shall we send for the doctor?"
"I'm—I'm all right," protested Dick feebly, as he opened his eyes. He came back to earth with a shock, and the boatlike motion suddenly ceased. "I—I——"
"Are you sure you're all right?" asked Paul anxiously.
Dick put his hand up to his head. A big lump was beginning to form, and was tender to the touch. His head started to ache and hum.
"That was my fault," contritely confessed Hal Foster, of the scrub. "I was trying to stop you from making that tackle, when my feet slipped from under me, and shot right at your head, Hamilton. I hope you're not much hurt. I'm awfully sorry."