"Den I fix you, you rat!" He made a rush for the boy, but 'Frisco Kid led him a lively chase from cockpit to bowsprit and back again.

A sharp capful of wind arriving just then, French Pete abandoned the one chase for the other.

Springing to the tiller and slacking away on the main-sheet,--for the wind favored,--he headed the sloop down upon Joe.

The latter made one tremendous spurt, then gave up in despair and hauled in his oars.

French Pete let go the main-sheet, lost steerageway as he rounded up alongside the motionless skiff, and dragged Joe out.
"Keep mum," 'Frisco Kid whispered to him while the irate Frenchman was busy fastening the painter.