He ran to the road and intercepted him. "Mr. Pray," he said. "Well, Brandon?" "I want you to arrest Dean Dunham." "What am I to arrest Dean Dunham for?" asked the constable in surprise. "He took my boat from me by force, like an impudent young loafer as he is, and is out in the boat rowing." "Yes, I see him. Tommy Boyle is with him. How does that happen?" "He went over to the island and took him off." "I don't understand. How came Tommy on the island?" "I took him there." "You took him there? Did he want to stay?" "No, I left him there—as a joke." "You left the poor little boy there to get off as he could!" said the constable, indignantly. "It didn't do him any harm," said Brandon, sullenly. "There are no wild animals there that I ever heard," he added sarcastically. "And Dean Dunham took your boat to go after him?" "Yes, he did. He took it away from me without asking my permission." "He did perfectly right. Would you have had him leave poor Tommy there?" "Why didn't he take his own boat, then?" said Brandon in a sullen tone. "Because he didn't want to leave Tommy there any longer than was necessary. He has only done what you ought to have done." "He had no business to steal my boat. I want him arrested." "I am more likely to arrest you for kidnapping the boy." "You don't seem to know who I am, Mr. Pray," said Brandon angrily. "Oh yes, I do. You are Brandon Bates, but you are not so important a person as you suppose." "If I am not, my father is, and he'll have you turned out of your office." He expected the constable to show dismay at this threat, but Mr. Pray, who was very independent, only laughed. "All right," he answered. "I am glad you let me know what's going to happen. I'll see what else I can find to do. How soon do you think I shall lose my place?" Brandon turned from the constable in disgust. Everybody seemed to be in a conspiracy to insult him. Dean was now very near shore, and Brandon's attention was called elsewhere. The constable remained, a little curious to witness the interview between the two boys. Perhaps because he could not find words to express his feelings, Brandon did not say a word while Dean was landing his young passenger. As he jumped out himself he held out the rope to the angry owner. "I have brought back your boat safe," he said. "You'll pay for this, Dean Dunham," said Brandon, as he took the rope with a red face. "Can I help you put the boat into the boat-house?" asked Dean calmly. "I want none of your help. Never dare to touch my boat again!" "Then don't play any more such dirty tricks on my friend Tommy! Tommy, I wouldn't advise you to go out rowing with Brandon again." "I won't," said Tommy, fervently. "You won't get a chance, you dirty little brat!" snarled Brandon. "Come away, Tommy. When you want a boat ride come to me. I'll give you a ride any time." "It's a great privilege riding in your old scow," sneered Brandon.