This narrow part was
not, however, very long, and beyond it the creek broadened out again.
Mr. Bobbsey and Captain White had just finished fastening the ropes
from the boat to some stakes driven into the ground, when Mrs.
Bobbsey, who had come up from the dining-room, called out:
"Oh, look, Richard!"
"What is it?" asked her husband.
"That man! See! I'm afraid he is going to give that boy a whipping.
And see, it's Will--the boy who gave Bert the fish!"
Mr. Bobbsey looked to where his wife pointed, and saw, coming out of
the barn, a grizzled farmer, leading by the arm a boy whom Mr. Bobbsey
at once recognized as Will Watson. Keeping a tight grip on the lad's
arm with one hand, the farmer raised his other hand, in which was a
long horsewhip.
Then he cried:
"I'll teach you to waste your time goin' fishin'! I'll teach you! Th'
idea o' fishin' when I set you to hoein' corn! Wastin' my time! I'll
learn you!"
"Oh, but, Mr. Hardee!" cried poor Will. "I only fished in the noon
hour when I'm not supposed to work!"
"Not supposed to work!" cried the mean man, as he brought the whip
down on Will's shoulders. "You're supposed t' work here all th' while
I tell you--'cept when you're asleep! I'll teach you!" and again the
cruel whip swished down.
"Oh, Richard!" cried Mrs.
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