The lads looked up to see the weather-beaten countenance of
Captain 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