“Well, we’ll think about it,” agreed Jerry, as he guided the boat on her homeward course.
With this new thought to occupy their minds the boys found plenty to talk about, varying their remarks occasionally with references to the clay-diggers.
“Jerry,” began Ned, diffidently, “if you’re short of cash, you know—I mean if your mother’s investments—oh, hang it! Say, if you want a loan, you know where to come for it!” he cried.
“Say, count me in on that!” added Bob, with energy.
“I’ve got my mining stock,” went on Ned, “and you know if it hadn’t been for you we wouldn’t have that! So call on me for all you want, Jerry!”
“And me, too!” interjected Bob.
“That’s awfully good of you fellows,” spoke Jerry, his voice a bit husky. “But it isn’t as bad as that. I have my stock, too, when it comes to that. But I don’t imagine we’ll go to the poor house this year. I appreciate your offers just the same.”
The boys were in receipt of comfortable sums of money from a gold mine they had helped an old miner to recover, as told in a previous volume.
Winding in and out, along the devious channel of Cabbage Creek, the motor boat finally reached the broader river that led to the dock near Jerry’s house. As the craft approached the little pier the boys saw a small crowd assembled on it.