It cleared off in the morning, and when the boys and Mr. Snodgrass arose they looked out on a scene of beauty. The island lay in the middle of a large blue lake that was fringed all around with big trees, the green foliage of which looked fresh and clean after the shower.
“It’s your turn to get breakfast, Bob,” observed Jerry. “Skip ashore and start a fire.”
“I was just going to ask you to do me the honor to take breakfast with me,” put in Mr. Seabury, coming on deck. “I’d be very pleased to have you.”
Ned was going to refuse, as he thought the addition of four to the eating accommodations of the Wanderer might prove too great a strain, but Mr. Seabury anticipated him.
“I am not altogether unselfish in asking you,” he went on. “I am anxious to have you look at our engine. Ponto doesn’t seem to be able to find out what the trouble is, though usually he can fix it. So if you’ll stay to breakfast and then look at my motor I’ll be very much obliged.”
“We will!” exclaimed Bob, before any of the others could answer.
“Then I’ll go below and see that the girls have things in readiness,” said the owner of the houseboat. “We are living unconventionally here,” he added. “I find the climate is very good for my nerves, which are more at fault than my general health.”
While breakfast was being prepared the boys looked over the Wanderer. They found it a first-class houseboat, with many improvements and conveniences.
“We’ll give Bob a chance to fix the motor, he was so anxious to stay,” said Ned to Jerry. “I’d like to see him sweating over it.”
“You’ve got to help,” stipulated Bob. “You’re just as anxious to stay to breakfast as I am, only you’re afraid to say so. Come on, there’s the bell!”