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Page 43
As soon as Phil had her victim fast, she rushed back into the sitting
room. She found Eleanor on her feet, engaged in untying the
handkerchief from Lillian's face and cutting the twine that was bound
about her swollen wrists.
"I've caught the enemy and he is ours," declared Phil cheerfully. "I
have him tied to the side of the boat. I can't say how long it may
take him to get away, and he may climb back on the boat and try to eat
us up. But, at least, we can get ready for him."
The robber was doggedly working at the rope that bound him. "I am
going to get back at you," he yelled savagely.
"Oh, why doesn't some one come?" cried Eleanor. "I am so afraid he'll
get away."
There was a cheerful whistle at the top of the embankment. It turned
to one of horrified amazement as the artist, Theodore Brown, took in
the situation.
"What has happened?" he called out as he ran down the hill, swinging a
small stick in his hand. "I heard your screams away over in the
fields. What have you got there?"
Phil told the story, "What shall we do with our prisoner, Mr. Brown?
We can't be bothered with him. We must get ready for our tea party,"
she concluded.
"I don't know what you wish to do with the young rascal," rejoined Mr.
Brown, "but I know very well what I intend to do." The artist's face
was set and stern. His eyes gleamed with righteous anger. Then he
began calmly rolling up his sleeves. He went forward to the prisoner.
"I am going to give you a taste of this," he declared, swinging his
stick through the air. It hit Phil's captive with a swish, once,
twice, three times. Mr. Brown was just warming up to his work.
"Leave me alone," the fellow howled. "Aren't you a coward to hit me
when I can't get at you!"
"You were not troubled about being a coward when you tried to terrorize
three girls and got pretty badly left," Mr. Brown answered coolly,
giving the youth another cut.
The bully groaned. The girls could not endure it. If the lad had
taken his medicine like a man they might have borne the sight of his
punishment. But there is nothing more sickening than the fear of a
coward.
"Please stop now, Mr. Brown," entreated Lillian. "I am sure you have
punished the boy enough. Make him give up the money he has stolen, but
don't beat him any more."
"No, please, don't beat him any more," echoed Eleanor.
Phil could have endured to see the thrashing continue a little longer.
But she did not wish to appear hard-hearted.
"Just as you like," answered Mr. Brown. "I am enjoying myself, but I
will quit if you say so. Don't you think I had better turn him over to
the police?"
"No," Phil protested. "He won't trouble us again, now he knows we can
look after ourselves. Next time he wouldn't get off so easily."
The youth vowed never to come within the range of the houseboat if he
were permitted to go free this time. As he got out of sight he stopped
to shake his fist at the distant houseboat, and he vowed to be revenged
for the punishment he had received if it cost him his life.
The girls begged Mr. Brown to say nothing to their chaperon of their
encounter. Miss Jenny Ann was already dreadfully nervous about them
and, besides, it would spoil Madge's home coming.
By the middle of the afternoon Eleanor had made another caramel cake
and Lillian another plate of fudge. The farmer boy had come down after
luncheon, and had scrubbed the decks of the houseboat to the last
degree of cleanliness. The girls had hung flags everywhere, and on the
outside of the cabin, facing the water, Phyllis had hung a piece of
white bunting with the word "Welcome" stamped on it in large letters.
This was the first thing Madge would see as she came within sight of
the houseboat.
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