tain Job
Hudgins, one of the characters of the vicinity. He was a former
whaler, and lived on a small island some distance from Hampton. On his
little territory he fished and grew a few vegetables, "trading in" his
produce at the Hampton grocery stores for his simple wants. He,
however, had a pension, and was supposed to have a "snug little
fortune" laid by. His only companion in his island solitude was it big
Newfoundland dog named "Skipper."

The animal stood beside its master on the dock and wagged its tail at
the sight of the boys, whom it knew quite well from their frequent
visits to the captain's little island.

"Hullo, captain!" shouted Rob, as the veteran saluted his three young
friends. "Where's your boat?"

"Oh, her engine went--busted, and I had to leave her at the yard below
fer repairs," explained the captain. "I wonder if yer boys can give me
a lift back if yer goin' near Topsail Island?"

"Surest thing you know," rejoined Rob hastily. "Come right aboard.
But how are you going to get off your island again if your motor is
laid up here to be fixed?"

"Oh, I'll use my rowboat," responded the old mariner, clambering down
into the Flying Fish. "Say, this is quite a right smart contraption,
ain't she?"

"We think she is a pretty good little boat," modestly replied Rob,
taking his place at the wheel. "Now, then, Merritt, start up that
engine."

"Hold on a minute!" shouted Tubby. "We forgot the dog."

Sure enough, Skipper was dashing up and down the wharf in great
distress at the prospect of being deserted.

"Put yer boat alongside that landin' stage at the end of the wharf,"
suggested his master. "Skipper can get aboard from there, I reckon."

Rob steered the Flying Fish round to the floating landing, to which an
inclined runway led from the wharf. Skipper dashed down it as soon as
he saw what was happening, and was waiting, ready to embark, when the
Flying Fish came alongside.

"Poor old Skipper, I reckon yer thought we was goin' ter maroon yer,"
said Captain Job, as the animal jumped on board with a bark of "thanks"
for his rescue. "I tell yer, boys, I wouldn't lose that dog fer all
the money in Rob's father's bank. He keeps good watch out an the
Island, I'll tell yer."

"I didn't think any one much came there, except us," said Rob, as the
Flying Fish headed away from the wharf and began to cut through the
waters of the inlet.

"Oh, yes; there's others," responded the old man.