Laura shot a grateful glance at kindly Hiram Driggs. The scow moved forward, cruising among the paddles until all of them had been recovered.
"Now, Mr. Driggs, won't you stop a moment?" asked young Prescott. "It will be a bit humiliating to be towed into dock. Wait, and let us get into the canoe. We'd rather take it ashore under our own power."
Laura hoped Hiram Driggs would veto the idea, but he didn't.
The canoe was brought alongside, and five boys stepped carefully into it, seating themselves.
"Room for one young lady in here, if we can find a fair way of drawing lots between them," suggested Dick playfully.
"They won't step into the canoe, just now, if I can prevent them," Driggs declared flatly. "You boys want just a few minutes' more practice at your new game before you risk the lives of these girls."
"You're right, I'm afraid, Mr. Driggs," Dick Prescott admitted with a smile. "But, before long, we hope to take out as many of the high school girls as care to step into this fine old war canoe."
"I hope you won't forget that," Belle Meade flashed at him smilingly.
"We won't," Dave promised her. "And you and Laura shall have the first invitation."
"I shall be ready," Laura replied, "just as soon as you boys feel that you can take proper care of us in the canoe."