good six feet from the dock, and between lay a stretch of dark,
murky water the sight of which made her shiver. What if she
should fall in? She felt that she would surely be drowned.

But as Mrs. Goss came closer her terror increased. She felt that
if she was caught she would be treated more harshly than ever for
having attempted to run away.

"I'll take the chances!" she though, and leaped as best she
could. Her feet struck the very edge of the string piece beyond
and for an instant it looked as if she must go over. But she
clutched at a handy rail and quickly drew herself to a place of
safety.

And yet safety was but temporary, for Mrs. Goss followed her in
her leap and struck the dock directly behind her.

"Come back, you minx!" she cried, and caught Dora by the skirt.

"I won't come back! Let me be!" screamed the girl, and tore
herself loose, ripping her garment at the same time. Then she
started up the dock as swiftly as her trembling limbs would carry
her.

But fate was against her, for as she gained the very head of the
dock, Bill Goss appeared, followed by Baxter and Mumps.

"Hullo, who's this?" cried the sailor. "The gal, sure as you are
born!"