“Well, we’re going to have a moonlight ride on the Harrapin to-night—provided there’s a moon,” laughed Frank, as he came hurrying back to the Rocket and found Lanky stretched out astern, viewing the sky.
“Good enough, only it’s going to cost someone something to eat when we get back to town, for I’m as hungry as one of those bears they talk about.”
“I think father ought to be the one to buy it. What do you say if you come on to the house and we’ll have a snack laid out for us that will improve conditions in the department of the interior.”
“That’s the most sensible thing you’ve said since we started—so far as I can recall.”
In the meanwhile Lanky pulled his frame up from the stern seat, stretched, jumped to the landing, cast off, and the Rocket was ready to go. The stream slowly turned the boat’s nose downward as Frank threw the wheel over. A moment later the motor was going, the gear shifted, and the Rocket started on its homeward journey.
“Better get the lights going, Lanky. And while you’re at it, get the searchlight uncovered and start it. Might as well have all the light we need. This is the first time we’ve navigated at night, and there are about two hours of it to do.”
Lanky took up his task, whistling the while, but suddenly ceased the music and cried:
“Say, Frank, there’s not a bit of juice. What’s the big idea? Can’t light one of them.”
“Throw the main switch on.”
“I have, but not a bit comes through. The line’s dead.”