So they were really to move away from Beaufort! This was the secret. Ned found out a lot of things before supper was finished, and as soon as he could he rushed out to tell. He went up to Hal’s—and Hal was tremendously astounded. Hal and he went over to Tom’s—and Tom was astounded tremendously. And all three talked at once.
“My folks say I can have you up to visit me, right away as soon as we get settled,” announced Ned.
“I’ll come if I can,” agreed Hal.
“So will I, you bet,” agreed Tom. “I’ve never been in Chicago—at least, since I was big enough to remember.”
“You can have the whole scull-boat, now, Hal,” said Ned.
“I don’t want the whole of it. That wouldn’t be fair. You can take it with you,” proposed Hal.
“But I can’t take it—and that wouldn’t be fair, either,” declared Ned.
“I’ll tell you! You give your half to Tom!” cried Hal.
“That’s so!” exclaimed Ned. “Good idea, Hal! You can have my share, Tom. I’ll make you a present of it.”
“Oh, you’re fooling!” asserted Tom, staggered at the thought of owning part of the famous craft.