"Now, what do you suppose that sloop cost me ?" "Well," answered Archie, thrusting his hands deep into his pockets, "I think ten dollars would foot the bill." Archie said this in so comical a manner that Frank and the others could not refrain from laughing outright.
Charles was angry in an instant, and, quick as thought, he sprang forward and seized Archie.

But he soon discovered that he had undertaken more than he could accomplish; for his antagonist, though considerably smaller than himself, was possessed of enormous strength, and was as active as a cat, and he glided like an eel from Charles's grasp, and, seizing him by both wrists, held him fast.

After a few desperate, but ineffectual, attempts to free himself, Charles shouted to the Rangers, who had been bustling about in a state of considerable excitement, but very prudently keeping in the background, "Help, help, you cowards!" But nothing could induce them to attempt the rescue.
At this moment a boat, which had entered the creek unnoticed by the boys, drew up to the dock, and a strong, cheery voice, called out, "Hang on to him, little fellow--hang on to him.

We've got a few little matters to settle up." And Leo Powell came running toward them, with half a dozen of his ragged followers close at his heels.
"Oh, let me go," cried Charles, turning very pale, and writhing and twisting in the strong grasp that held him; "I'll be civil to you after this, only don't let them get hold of me; they will half kill me." Archie accordingly released his captive, but the Hillers were so close to him that Charles dare not run, and he remained close to Frank for protection, while the rest of the Rangers beat a precipitate retreat.
"Here, Pete, hold my coat," said Lee, tossing his tattered garment to one of his companions; "I'll show this Cap'n Regulator that some folks are as good as others." And he advanced toward Charles, and commenced rolling up his sleeves.
"No, Lee," said Frank, placing himself before the frightened Ranger, "you mustn't touch him." "Mustn't touch him!" repeated Lee, in surprise.

"Why, wasn't he jest tryin' to wallop your friend here ?" "Oh, he's able to defend himself," answered Frank.
"Then he's all right.