The engine broke into a regular, steady run, and a thin streak of smoke issued from the exhaust pipe above the water line. Don’s cheerful face appeared above the rim of the companionway.
“Jeepers, it works!” he exulted.
Jim nodded. “It sure does. Nice work, old man. Want to let it run?”
“Yes, let it go for awhile. It needs a little breaking in; I notice it’s stiff in spots.” He climbed up alongside his brother and wiped his moist brow. “Wow, that was quite a job while it lasted.”
“I’ll bet it was. Nothing to stop us from taking our cruise, now.”
“You are right there. But the question is: who are we going to take along with us? Dad wants us to take at least one other fellow. He thinks just the two of us won’t be enough. I’ve thought of most of the fellows round here, but either they have summer jobs or they are away. Who do you think we ought to take?”
“What time is it?” Jim asked, casually.
Don looked at his watch. “Half past three. What has that to do with who we’ll take on a cruise with us?”
“Maybe a whole lot!” Jim answered mysteriously. “Want to take a walk?”
“Where to?”