But the engine refused to sputter or cough and the boat lay as calmly on the water as though it had been anchored.
"It's half-past twelve," said Larry, glancing at his watch. "I suppose we might as well have a bite to eat and then go at it again."
Polly reached out her hand for the lunch boxes, but to her surprise, he stopped her.
"I never go without some rations," he said. "And there is drinking water. But if you don't mind plain fare, I think you'd better eat my grub. Save that stuff in the boxes, because it is wrapped up and will keep."
"My goodness, to hear you talk, you'd think we were going to spend the summer on the Clara," Margy said lightly. "I'm so thirsty I could drink a barrel of water."
Larry brought out a store of cheese and crackers and passed them around, and when they had finished eating, he gave each one a small cup of water.
"Next time you can have more," he said gravely. "If we don't get started, food and water will keep you cheerful and it's better to go up in the world than to come down."
By this he meant that it would be easier for them to eat the plainer food first than to eat the best and then be forced to come to less attractive rations.
"But we won't have any time to stay at Blackberry Island, if we don't get there pretty soon," said Margy, after lunch.