Here was something more to concern them. Frank Allen knew he did not dare go far down the river without lights, for the many islands in the river and the tortuous path it followed at times would put their own safety at risk, while anything that might be floating in the stream would be an additional risk. On top of all would be the risk to themselves and to others should they meet a motor boat or a rowboat coming upstream.
“Here, take the wheel and hold her in the middle of the river,” he directed Lanky, as he threw the engine out of gear with the drive and started to seek for the trouble.
Fifteen minutes passed without any degree of success, and actual darkness was on them.
“Put her nose over to shore, Lanky. No use taking any chances. We’ve got to find the trouble.”
Whereupon Lanky did his duty, and the Rocket was soon tied to the bank, the engine was stopped, and the two boys began their search for the trouble. They started at the battery end to trace out the wiring.
Doing the work carefully, not dodging about after one connection or another, working methodically, as was Frank’s wont in all things, they came across a grounded connection which was causing the trouble.
“What has always got me,” said Lanky, as Frank declared it was a ground, “is that you call that kind of a connection a ground, or you say the current is grounded, when there’s no ground near the boat.”
“Simple as can be to a high-class, first-grade, expert electrical engineer such as yours truly,” declared Frank, poking out his chest and striking an attitude.
“Yes, like I’m a good jeweler!”
“Now, little playmate, wilt thee kindly cast off the vessel from yonder coral reef?” Frank continued his attitude.