“There are two boats!” cried Ned, as he and Jerry, in the lead, came in sight of the club house.
“Yes, one is Mr. Wakefield’s Iris,” said Jerry, who knew every boat in the club. “And the other is Mr. Wood’s Eel.”
“Which one’ll you take?”
“The Eel, I guess. She’s faster, though not so easy to handle. Pile in! Do you see anything of him?”
“Yes, there he is, just going up to the reading room,” spoke Ned, for there was a separate building from the boathouse where the club members could read, or get a light lunch. “Shall I call to him?”
“No, just run up and explain things to him,” suggested Jerry. “I’ll be getting his boat in shape for the chase. I’ll have to light the lamps and see if there’s gas enough. Andy and Bob will help me. We’ll be ready to start when you come back. I know Mr. Wood will let us take the Eel.”
Ned raced off to catch the club member, and quickly explained what was wanted. Mr. Wood was an enthusiastic motorist, and had taken an interest in our heroes ever since they rode their first bicycle race under the club auspices, and had won motorcycles.
“Take my boat?” he cried. “Of course you may! She’s full of gasoline and all ready for a fast run. Go as far as you like! That Noddy Nixon again; eh? You fellows will have to teach him a lesson!”
“We have, but it doesn’t seem to do much good,” complained Ned, as he turned back to rejoin Jerry, who was busy getting the Eel in shape for the pursuit.