When he was almost there he saw the man break cover, almost directly opposite, and could even note the look of disappointment on his face as he discovered how the boy had eluded his clutches.
He shouted out something which neither of them wholly understood; but there could be no mistaking the ugly manner in which that fist was shaken toward them.
"Don't notice him, and he'll go away soon. It's getting dusk already, you know, and cold enough to freeze his red nose."
Maurice proved to be something of a prophet, for sure enough presently the man, finding that his derisive words met with no response, concluded that lingering in the vicinity did not pay.
"There, he's gone," announced Thad, finally.
"A good riddance of bad rubbish," echoed his chum.
"I hope we don't have visitors in the night," remarked Thad.
"Um; so that is what was on your mind. Well, now, I hardly think that fellow, or any of his crowd will have the nerve to come here and try to swim out to us; and you see they can't get aboard any other way, having no boat. Still—"
"You mean that we had better be on the safe side, and keep watch?" suggested Thad.
"I was just going to say something along that style. It wouldn't be a bad idea, you know."