The two men threw themselves upon the ruffian and managed to deprive him of his ugly weapon, throwing it into the water. Then some strong cord was obtained, and the fellow, in spite of his struggles, was tied securely.
“You are the cause of all this!” he exclaimed, glaring at Ben. “Now tell me who you are. Haven’t I met you before?”
“Yes,” answered Ben.
“Where?”
“When I last saw you I was looking out of a third story window at midnight.”
“By gum, I thought so. And it was you that peppered me with bird shot.”
“Yes; but I wouldn’t have done so if I hadn’t felt obliged to.”
“And to think I’ve been foiled twice by a kid!” exclaimed Tom Tidd with an expression of disgust. “I’ll get even with you yet.”
“What does he mean?” asked Grant Griswold, the occupant of the stateroom.
Ben explained.