"My
arms are nearly pulled out of their sockets."
"All right, my hearties, take your time now. I just wanted to get into
clear while the others went past us," replied Lopez.
In a short time the boys were amongst the shipping on the river. Here
they were directed to row alongside a deserted wharf. Lopez guarded them
while they made the boat fast and then prepared to take them up into a
rough looking quarter of the town. Just as they were preparing to leave
the wharf a boat was heard approaching from down stream. Lopez stopped,
then gave a peculiar whistle.
What was the boys' surprise to see Doright row up alongside the wharf,
make fast his boat and come ashore.
"Doright," Lopez commanded. "Youall come with me while I fix these young
rascals and then I want you to come back here and take that shipyard
man's scow back to him and take that skiff back to the shipyard, too.
Somebody might want them boats again."
"Yaas, sir, Boss," was Doright's unvarying reply.
The boys were marched a short distance up the deserted street to a
disreputable looking shanty. Here they were forced inside and compelled
to enter an inner room.
"Doright, get a piece of rope and tie these young fellers."
"Haint got no rope, Boss," announced Doright. "No rope here."
"What'll we tie 'em with?" inquired Lopez.
"Don't know, Boss," replied the darky. "Dey don't need tyin'."
"Oh no, they don't," Lopez replied sarcastically. "They didn't need it
up in the woods, neither.
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