this reckless battle on the deck of a small boat. He thought he now
had the advantage. If he could only settle his hateful passenger with
one swift blow all would he well. With this thought in mind he tore
himself from the grasp of his antagonist, but he had forgotten the
slippery deck. His foot shot out from under him, and he went down in a
heap, falling heavily on one shoulder. The stranger sprang upon him,
and now it was the ungrateful passenger who had the advantage and was
mercilessly pushing him with both arms toward the edge of the boat.
Slowly Tom gave way, inch by inch. He was conscious of a racking pain
in his shoulder. He tried to raise his right arm; then a feeling of
faintness swept over him, he reeled, and, before Madge could move to
his help, Tom Curtis fell backward into the water.




CHAPTER XII

A BRAVE FIGHT

"Bring her to!" cried Madge imperiously, starting toward the stranger,
who now stood by the tiller.

"I can't bring her to, I'm no sailor," answered the young ruffian
coolly. "I didn't push your friend overboard; he fell. You had better
sail the boat yourself instead of standing there giving me orders."

Madge regarded the stranger with horrified eyes. "You did push him
overboard," she accused. "I saw you do it. If he drowns, you will be
held responsible."