“Give us a ride!” they cried.
“It’s Andy Rush, Sam Morton, Alice Vines and Mollie Horton,” said Ned. “Shall we take ’em in, Jerry?”
“Sure,” was the reply. “I’ll slow down. Steer over toward ’em.”
The speed was lessened and Ned threw the wheel around until the Dartaway was headed toward the small craft.
“Look out! Don’t run us down! We’ll upset—I can’t swim—save the girls—don’t blow up the engine—throw us a life preserver—back water—back pedal—put on brakes!” cried one of the boys.
“Oh Andy Rush, you’re enough to give any one a headache!” exclaimed Alice Vines. “No wonder your name is Rush!”
“Stop rowing and we’ll come alongside. Pull in the oars!” cried Jerry, and Ned skillfully put the Dartaway close to the smaller boat. While Bob steadied it against the motor craft the occupants got into the cockpit.
“Shall we tow your boat?” asked Jerry, “or leave it tied up on shore?”
“Better tow it,” said Sam, “we hired it for the afternoon and have to return it.”