But, as often happens, the danger assumed a different shape from what he anticipated. To explain the evil which befell him, it is necessary to say that Jack Rodman had not forgiven our hero for the signal and public manner in which he had defeated him in the contest already recorded. He cherished a malignant hatred against Harry, and longed to do him some harm. He was bound to get even with him, so he said to himself. It was some time before an opportunity presented itself. But at length one came.
Harry was leaning over the side one evening, thinking over his position, when Jack Rodman’s attention was drawn to him. He looked around him hurriedly. Nobody was looking. A terrible impulse seized him. He crept stealthily behind Harry, lifted him from his feet, and in an instant threw him into the sea.
“Help!” exclaimed Harry, in loud, clear tones.
Tom Patch heard, and recognized the voice. Instantly he threw a plank overboard, calling out:—
“Keep up, my lad, and we’ll help you.”
The captain was just coming out of the cabin. Tom ran up to him, and hurriedly announced that Harry had fallen overboard.
“If he’s careless enough to fall overboard, let him take care of himself,” said the captain, coolly.
“Won’t you put out a boat?” asked Tom, anxiously.
The only answer was an oath, and a savage command to go about his business.