Page:Bedford-Jones--Boy Scouts of the Air at Cape Peril.djvu/128



When Turner and the boys reached the beach skirting the fishing settlement, a group of about twenty men were inspecting the booty stretched out on the sand. Among the spectators stood the bandy-legged Cap'n Buffum, who, getting wind of the adventure, had waddled down to gloat over the prize with his own eyes.

Loud plaudits greeted the arrival of the intrepid heroes. Cat in particular was the object of attention, and, undrr the admiration, swelled like a pouter pigeon. It was the proudest moment of the near six thousand days of his eventful life.

"Here's my hand to all of ye," said Buffum, with heartfelt pleasure, suiting the action to the word. "I never had no use for them flyin' ships befo', a-droppin' bombs and scrap iron to mess up good seaworthy vessels, but if they kin light and scavenger the ocean o' varmints like these 126