"No, I'm not," said Brandon, shortly. "Be off with you, if you know what's best for yourself, or I may take it into my head to thrash you."
"I am ready—any time, except now. I have something else to do."
Brandon Bates was standing with the boat rope in his hands, preparing to draw it into the boat-house. He was by no means prepared for what was coming. Dean with a quick movement snatched the rope from him, jumped into the boat, seized the oars, and before the owner had recovered from his astonishment, was two lengths away, rowing in the direction of the island.
"Come back here, you rascal!" exclaimed Brandon, almost purple with rage, and stamping in his fury.
"I have no time," answered Dean, coolly.
"What do you mean by stealing my boat?"
"Your boat is safe, I have only borrowed it."
"I never saw such impudence! I will have you arrested!"
"Do so if you want to. I am going to rescue the poor little fellow you have left on the island."
"Then take your own boat."