Dick put out his hand, but the captain merely nodded.
"Is everything ready for the trip, captain?" asked Tom.
"Yes, sir."
"You had the boat cleaned up?" said Sam.
"Yes, sir."
"We'll look her over," said Dick.
"Yes, sir."
They walked over the houseboat from end to end. The craft was certainly a beauty and as clean as a whistle. There was a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and eight sleeping rooms—four of the latter downstairs and four upstairs. Each sleeping room contained two berths. There was also a bunk room below, for the help, and a small room for the captain. In the living room, was the piano and also a bookcase containing half a hundred choice novels.
"This is certainly great," said Tom.
"Better than I thought it would be," answered Sam. "It's a perfect palace."