They spent one day in St. Augustine, buying provisions and a supply of gasoline for the Dartaway. The boat, too, needed soaking in the water to close the seams which had dried open on the journey overland.
Bright and early one morning the three boys and the professor, having placed all their baggage on board, took possession of the Dartaway.
“We’re off!” cried Jerry as he gave a long toot to the compressed air whistle. “Now for the manatees, Chunky!”
“Let up on manatees!” pleaded Bob. “Can’t you forget ’em?”
“Yes, but think how disappointed Andy will be,” and Jerry laughed as he gave the wheel a turn, shoved over the gasoline and sparking levers, while Ned cranked the engine.
There was a sort of sigh from the Dartaway’s motor, a cough, a wheeze, and then a series of throbs that told that the engine was in working order. A mass of foam appeared at the stern where the screw was churning the water, and the boat moved out of the harbor of the historic city.
It was a beautiful day and the boys were in excellent spirits over the successful start of their trip. The engine was working to a charm, and the Dartaway seemed like a thing alive, so well did she answer to the slightest turn of the steering wheel.
“Isn’t this glorious!” exclaimed Jerry, as he sat in the bow. “Can you beat this, fellows?”
“Not in a thousand years!” cried Ned enthusiastically. “Let Noddy Nixon have his cocoanut groves, but give me a motor boat and a trip to Florida!”
“Wait a minute! Hold on! Stop the boat!” cried the professor suddenly.