Then Scootsy tried it, crawling up, protecting his head by ducking it under his elbows, holding meanwhile by his hand.

Tod's blows fell about his back, but the boy struggled on until Archie reached over the gunwale, and with a twist of his wrist, using all his strength, dropped the invader to the sand below.
The success of this mode of attack was made apparent, provided they could stick to the plank.

Five boys now climbed up.

Archie belabored the first one with the pole and Tod grappled with the second, trying to throw him from the rail to the sand, some ten feet below, but the rat close behind him, in spite of their efforts, reached forward, caught the rail, and scrambled up to his mate's assistance.

In another instant both had leaped to the sloop's deck.
"Back! back! Run, Toddy!" screamed Archie, waving his arms.