“The boat will do eleven, all right,” nodded Joe. “That’s pretty good as fresh water launches run.”
“Three hours to luncheon,” said Halstead, musingly, looking at his watch. “You spoke of going out this afternoon, Mr. Tremaine. Would you care about going now?”
“No,” said the owner. “I’m going inside soon to write some letters.” Mrs. Tremaine shook her head when Tom glanced at her.
“I’ll go out with you, Captain Halstead,” cried Miss Silsbee, rising. “Almost anything is better than sitting idly here.”
“Do you want to go out again, Joe!” asked Halstead, looking at his chum.
“I would if I were needed, but you can handle the boat all right, old fellow.”
“Come on, then, Captain, since you and I are the only ones who are energetic enough to start,” cried Ida, gayly.
“I’ll ring for Ham, and have him tell Mr. Dixon that there’s a seat for him in the boat,” proposed Mrs. Tremaine.
“If you do,” retorted Miss Silsbee, in a low voice, “I’ll stay ashore. Mr. Dixon is very pleasant and attentive, but it’s a pleasure to go some places without him.”
Tom, who was going slowly down the boardwalk, did not hear this. Ida ran nimbly after him.