“In the barn. He was just looking out. There he is now.”
Bob caught sight of Noddy’s head as he quickly dodged out of sight.
“Never mind,” said Bob, “we’ll be on the lookout for him after this.”
Noddy Nixon did not seem to care to be seen by the motor boys. As it developed, after the part he had played in the capture of Bob and in inducing the gang of Mexicans, Bill Berry and others to follow on the trail of the searchers after the lost city, the young rascal had kept pretty well under cover. But, being tired of a roving life and keeping so far away from home Noddy had written to his father.
Mr. Nixon had called on Mr. Baker, and had humbly apologized for Noddy’s actions, promising to see that his son did no more mischief. On these conditions, of which Mr. Baker said nothing to his son or the other boys, Noddy was allowed to come home, it being agreed that he would not be prosecuted for his crimes. He had reached his house that very day, though the rumor of his coming had preceded him.
In anticipation of the arrival of the motor boat the boys had built a float and dock on the edge of the river fronting on a piece of land belonging to Mr. Baker. This plot adjoined one owned by Mr. Nixon, who had a small boathouse where were kept a rowboat and a small sailing craft.
The boys had hired a carpenter to erect for them a good sized shelter where their motor boat might be kept, but it was not quite finished. The big box was soon unloaded and opened.
“Ain’t she just a dandy!” cried Ned.
“A regular beauty!” exploded Jerry.
“Finest thing in the country!” came from Bob, his desire to eat now forgotten. “It’s worth every cent we paid for it. I only hope it will go all right.”