But Tom, bounding across the tracks and over the ground, hardly heard him. The young skipper had but one thought at this moment—to get aboard and have his craft under way at the earliest possible second.
As Halstead neared the pier he saw Joe and Jed seated on the deckhouse, while Mr. Crane, the Dunstan lawyer, arrived on the train, was walking along over the boards.
“Joe, get the engine started on a hustle!” bellowed Tom, using both hands to form a trumpet. “Jed, on the pier with you and stand by the stern-line, ready to cast off!”
Both boys leaped to obey such crisp commands. Lawyer Crane, having reached the boat, turned on the pier to look inquiringly at the racing young skipper.
“Get aboard, sir, as quickly as you can, if you please,” requested the young skipper all but breathlessly.
“May I inquire——” began the lawyer slowly.
“Yes, sir; when we’re under way. But we haven’t a second to lose in starting. Get aboard, sir, if you please.”
In his eagerness Tom almost shoved the legal gentleman over the side. Mr. Crane, not a little astonished at the hasty procedure, looked as though about to resent such treatment, but fortunately changed his mind.
Tom himself seized the bowline and threw off. He and Jed sprang aboard, fore and aft, at about the same instant. The “Meteor’s” engine was already chugging merrily.
“Slow speed ahead, Joe,” bellowed down Captain Tom, and the “Meteor” swung gracefully out. “Now work her up to good speed,” he called, a few moments later. “We’re on the grand old chase!”