This invitation was a bombshell in the crowd. They all looked at Frank for an answer.
“Sorry, Minnie, but all of us have agreed to make a little trip of exploration to-morrow to try out the Rocket, and we won’t be able to go. If it were the next day, now——”
“It can’t be the next day. I can’t change my arrangements, and you can change yours.”
“Well, the other boys may do as they see fit, though I think they feel as if they are bound to make this trip, but I am going to make it, whether or no.”
Frank’s position rather startled Minnie. She was not accustomed to having people attempt to alter her plans.
Just at this moment Fred Cunningham walked over to the crowd.
“I say, fellows, surely you will be there. I want to get away on a business trip the day after. Surely your trial of the Rocket can wait another day.”
“I am afraid it has waited too long.”
“Going to hunt up the place where you had your two hours of engine trouble?” Cunningham shot covertly at Frank.
“No. But I’m going to find the rowboat that gets in the way at nighttime and learn where it keeps its boxes that it carries aboard.” Why Frank made such a remark he was never able to explain. But Cunningham went as white as a sheet.