d of the
boat. Perhaps it would have been foolish for him to do so, as he was as
securely caged as though he had been locked up in the Clinton County
jail.

Dory finally decided that the only thing for him to do was to open the
cabin-doors, and thus secure the aid of the officer. But Pearl was
watching him as a cat eyes a mouse. Whether the ruffianly passenger
would permit him to open the doors was now the question. The skipper got
his hand on the key in his pocket, though he did not venture to take it
out. At a favorable moment, if any such was presented, he intended to
make a rush to the forward deck to effect his purpose.

"There is a steamer bound to the north," said he, pointing to a vessel a
mile to the windward of the Goldwing. "Perhaps she would run over, and
pull the Missisquoi off the shoal."

"I don't want any thing more of the Missisquoi; and she may lie where
she is till she rots," replied Pearl, without taking his gaze from Dory.

"Do you know what boat that is, Mr. Hawlinshed?" asked the skipper, very
anxious to induce his companion to look away from him, even for an
instant.

"I don't know what steamer that is; and I don't care, unless you should
happen to go too near her. In that case, I should object," answered
Pearl, without looking at her.

"Are you afraid of her, Mr. Hawlinshed? She looks peaceful enough,"
added Dory.

"You needn't talk any more. I know what you are trying to do; and you
won't do it," said the passenger.

Dory saw that it was no use to wait any longer. Pearl was determined not
to take his eyes off the skipper. Dory fussed a moment with the sheets,
trying in this manner to distract the attention of the villain. Finally
he let go the jib-sheet, and it ran out. With the key in his hand, he
rushed forward, as if to secure the rope, but really to unlock the
cabin-door.

Before he could reach the doors, Pearl threw himself upon his victim.
Dory went down into the bottom of the boat in spite of his best
exertions to save himself. His right hand was firmly grasped by his
assailant, and the key wrenched from his hand. It was done almost as
quick as a flash, and Dory was as powerless in the hands of the villain
as though he had been only an infant.

Pearl did not offer to use any more violence than was necessary to
obtain the key. When he had secured possession of it, he hurled his
victim from him.

CHAPTER XX.

MR. PEPPERS FINDS THE TABLES TURNED.

Dory Dornwood ga