"Don't cry, little girl; I will do what I can for you," said Noddy, warmly. "I can lick those boys, if I can't do anything more."
"Thank you!" replied the afflicted daughter. "If I can only get him down to the vessel, I shall be so glad!"
"Want to fight?" shouted the young ruffian, whom Noddy had upset, coming as near the party as he dared.
"I'll give you fight, if you come near me again," replied the champion of the poor girl.
"Come on, if you want to fight," cried the little bully, who had not the pluck to approach within twenty feet of his late assailant.
The crowd of boys still shouted, and some of them carried their hostility so far as to throw sticks and stones at the little party; but as long as they kept at a respectful distance, Noddy did not deem it wise to meddle with them, though he kept one eye on them, and stood ready to punish those who ventured too near.
"Come, Captain McClintock," said he, as he attempted to lead the drunken father, "let's go on board."
"Heave ahead, my hearty!" replied the captain, as he pressed forward, though his steps were so uncertain that his two feeble supporters could hardly keep him on his feet.
The remarkable trio passed down Fleet Street, and, after many difficulties and much "rough weather," reached the head of the wharf, where the little girl said her father's vessel lay. They were still closely followed by the merciless ragamuffins, who had pelted them with stones and sticks, until the patience of Noddy was severely tried.
"Come, my boy, now we'll—hic—now we'll go and—hic—go and take something 'fore we go on board," said the drunken captain, suddenly coming to a dead halt in the middle of the street.