k groaned as the
steely hug drove the air from him; he felt a hand loosen, and kicked
frantically for Brad's legs, then Brad's free hand caught him behind
the ear, stunning him. Rick slumped to the floor fighting for breath
and consciousness. Across the room, the seamen had Scotty, grabbing
for his flailing arms while Red Kelso stood back and shot punches at
him. Then the seamen got a firm grip and held him fast. Kelso's open
hand slapped, back and forth, until Scotty's head sagged.

Carrots crawled into the room, his face contorted, one hand on his
ribs. He got to his feet and walked unsteadily over to Scotty. He
swung a roundhouse right. Scotty's head moved an inch. Carrots
missed, and the force of his swing spun him around and he almost
fell.

Rick laughed gaspingly.

Carrots' face turned scarlet. He walked over to where Rick was
struggling for wind and drew his foot back. "I'm goin' to kick your
teeth right down your throat," he grated.

Cap'n Mike's voice came from the doorway. "I'd call that mighty
impolite!"

Rick turned on his side and stared unbelievingly. The old sea captain
stood rock steady in the door, and at his shoulder was Carrots' rifle.

He spoke calmly. "Only got one shot in here. You could get me before I
had time to pump it up again. Found it on the porch and took me a few
minutes to figure it out. Almost put a slug through my foot doing it.
But I got it in hand now. Got one shot. Who wants it?"

Marbek took a half step forward and the muzzle swung to cover him.
Cap'n Mike's finger tightened. "You, Brad?"

Marbek stepped back.

"Come toward me, both of you," Cap'n Mike said. "Rick and Scotty."

Rick crawled forward, under the line of fire. Scotty, suddenly
released, dropped to the floor and did the same.

The smugglers stayed where they were, frozen by the calm threat of the
old man's voice. "Been eel fishing," he said. "Saw that young reporter
skate around the corner with two men after him. Then I noticed Scotty
and Rick looking out, and I thought I better take a hand. Didn't know
just what to do until I spotted this BB gun in front of the porch."

His voice hardened as Red Kelso shifted position. "But now I know what
to do."

Far down Million Dollar Row, Jerry met the State Police cars. And as
Rick grinned up at the Captain, he heard the welcome sound of sirens.

CHAPTER XX

Read All About It!

Jerry Webster came out of the pressroom with a bundle of papers under
his