Giving a powerful pull, he lifted the stranger half out of the water. Twenty seconds later they both were free, and tumbled, panting, on the deck.
For a full minute Johnny lay motionless. When at last he sat up he said to Dave:
“Hang onto that gun. You may need it.”
Turning to the swarthy stranger he demanded:
“What were you doing on this boat?”
“I was just a-passin’ by, and took a notion to climb aboard,” the stranger muttered.
“You are lying,” said Johnny. “You were spying into things! Why?”
“I wasn’t spying! I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said the man.
“I don’t think he’s a spy,” said Dave. “He’s just some native.”
“Native, my eye!” snapped Johnny. He had noted the outline of a long knife, showing through the fellow’s wet garments.