"If you touch me you'll get hurt," said Joe, his eyes flashing. "Leave
me alone and I'll leave you alone."

"Bah!" snarled the other, and struck out awkwardly. He wanted to hit Joe
on the nose, but the boy dodged with ease, and Sam Cullum fell sprawling
over the rowboat.

"Hi! what did ye trip me up for?" spluttered the half-intoxicated man,
as he rose slowly. "Don't you do that ag'in, do yer hear?"

"Then don't try to strike me again."

There was a moment of silence and then Sam Cullum gathered himself for
another blow. By this time a small crowd of boys and hotel helpers began
to collect.

"Sam Cullum's going to fight Joe Bodley!"

"Sam'll most kill Joe!"

With all his strength the man rushed at Joe. But the boy dodged again
and put out his foot and the man went headlong.

"Now will you let me alone?" asked our hero, coolly.

"No, I won't!" roared Sam Cullum. "Somebody give me a club! I'll show
him!"

Arising once more, he caught up an oar and launched a heavy blow at