"I can give him a plate of beef stew," she answered.
"Guess that would just about fit in his locker," spoke Sig, with a grin. "I'll take it out to him."
And presently the wanderer was gratefully eating the hot bowl of stew as he sat on the bench beside Sig, who had again started work on making the boat. Sig was going to give the boat to Rick when it was finished.
"Live around here?" asked the life guard of the tramp.
"No. Just drifted in. I've had hard luck ever since I lost my dog."
"Lost your dog!" exclaimed Sig, and a queer feeling came into his heart. "What kind of a dog did you have?"
"He was sort of reddish—a setter I guess he was. Got washed overboard one night just about off this coast I reckon. We were wrecked ourselves right after that, and I haven't had any luck since. I figger I lost my luck when I lost my dog. Wish I could get him back!"
Sig looked sharply at the ragged man. Could he be after Ruddy?
CHAPTER IX
RUDDY HELPS SALLIE
Eagerly and hungrily the ragged man ate the bowl of meat and broth. Sig watched him until he had finished and set the bowl down on the bench beside him.