"I want to sail down to Martinton and have this boat taken back here. If you'll undertake the job I'll give you a dollar."
"I'll go you," returned Ralph promptly. "I can put off looking for another situation until to-morrow."
"Then jump in."
Parkhurst ran his boat close to the bridge, and Ralph sprang down on one of the seats. Soon the two were moving down Silver Lake at all the speed the little craft commanded.
It was a splendid day, with a stiff breeze blowing, and by noon Martinton was reached. Then, giving Ralph directions as to where the boat was to be left in Westville, Roy Parkhurst quit the boat, and, having eaten the lunch, the boy started on the return, never dreaming of the excitement in store for him.
CHAPTER XIV.
A STORMY TIME.
Like his father before him, Ralph had always liked the water. He was perfectly familiar with the handling of all manner of small craft, and, had it paid, would have liked nothing better than to follow a life on the lakes.