“I was thinking of that,” answered the owner of the Ripper. “I heard from my friend, Rose,” and he looked at the girl, “that you boys had had some experience with motor boats. I had rather hire mine out to some one who knew about machinery, than to persons who would have to learn. So, if we can make some deal, you may have a chance to run this boat. I’ve got to go to San Francisco in about a week.”
“We’ll take the boat,” said Jerry quickly, “that is—”
“Oh, you needn’t be afraid I’ll ask too much money for her,” interposed Charlie. “All I want is enough to pay for any possible damages, and for reasonable wear and tear. We’ll talk it over later.”
“Say, isn’t that glorious!” whispered Ned to Bob. “Think of having a motor boat, and cruising on the Pacific! We’re getting to be like Sinbad the sailor, making voyages all over.”
“Yes, but maybe he’ll want a small fortune for the hire of the Ripper,” objected Bob. “We haven’t any too much money, for this trip was rather costly.”
“If we could get damages for the Dartaway, we—”
“Yes, but ‘if’ is a big word, even though it only has two letters,” replied Bob quickly. “However, we’ll do our best to get the Ripper during our stay here, and we’ll take the girls out for some nice rides.”
“That’s what we will.”
Charlie speeded his boat about the bay for some time longer, and then; as the girls said they thought they had better go home, he put back, picked up the anchored boats, and the motor boys and their hosts were soon rowing to shore.
“Come over any evening, Charlie,” called Rose.