“No, an’ guess it won’t,” said the agent in drawling tones. “I got word last night that some boat that was comin’ heah was all busted to pieces in a freight wreck!”
“The Dartaway smashed!” exclaimed Jerry, and the hearts of all the lads sank at the news of such a misfortune.
[CHAPTER IX]
NEWS OF NODDY
For several seconds no one spoke. The boys stood staring at one another and the agent started to go away, evidently believing he had done his part.
“Can you give us any particulars?” asked Jerry at last. “Where is the boat? Perhaps we can have it fixed.”
“It’s at Longwood, about ten miles from here,” the agent replied, “but there’s no trains to-night. Yo’-uns will have to wait until mornin’.”
“I’ll never sleep a wink,” declared Ned. “Think of the Dartaway being smashed!” And he gave something like a groan.
“If she is smashed the railroad company will have to pay heavy damages,” declared Jerry. “They’ve spoiled our whole vacation trip! Can’t you give us any particulars?” he went on, turning to the agent. “Maybe we could hire a carriage and drive to Longwood. We’ve got to find out something about our boat.”