Only a glance was needed at the bulky, powerful frame of the unknown to
make it appear certain that the latter could swim two rods to the young
engineer's one.
Harry decided instantly to stand his ground and to make the most valiant
fight possible on so slippery a footing as that presented by the top of
the retaining wall.
"Ha, ha! Ho, ho!"
It was as though the black unknown sought to terrify his intended victim
with his repetitions of that harsh, discordant laugh. Harry braced himself
and waited.
Then, off shoreward, came the sound of "put-put-put." The motor boat,
"Morton," was putting out at last.
"If I can keep this fellow busy for a few minutes, I can have all the help
I want," flashed through Hazelton's mind. So he opened his mouth, raising
his voice in a long, pent-up hail.
"R e---e---e a d e! To---o---o---om R e a d e! Quick! Hazelton!"
"Ha, ha!" jeered the unknown black.
Then, suddenly, he leaped---not unexpectedly, however, for Harry had been
watching, cat-like.
The unknown threw out his arms, seeking to wrap them around Hazelton.
Not in vain had Harry been trained, season after season, on the athletic
ground of one of the best high school elevens in the United States.
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