It was the case also with Skipper Ed and Jimmy.

Skipper Ed, from the first, called Jimmy his partner, and talked to him and treated him very much as he would have done had Jimmy been a grown-up.
From the very beginning Bobby had his escapades, which usually included adventures.

During the first summer after his arrival he fell into the water with due regularity, but always, fortunately, within reach of Abel's or Mrs.Abel's strong arms.

Once he climbed into the big boat, undid the painter, and the tide had carried him well out to sea before his plight was discovered and he was rescued by Abel in the skiff.

And once he was lost for a day in the forest, with Abel, Mrs.Abel, Skipper Ed, and Jimmy searching frantically for him.