Tom seemed to hesitate.
“Do you think I could?” he suddenly asked with a strange enthusiasm.
“Could what?” broke in Mac.
“Only a little errand,” explained Bob pretending to yawn. “We are out of matches and we want those fish for dinner. We can’t have a fire without matches. Since we haven’t any, we’ve got to go and get some.”
“That’s it,” said Mac, shaking his head as he bit out the words. “Go and get some! This is a fine campin’ expedition. Why we ain’t even got a boat. Mebbe, you’re goin’ to swim.”
“Come with us,” said Bob, still laughing. Puzzled and growling, Mac followed Tom and Bob around the little cove to the bay beach where the aeroplane rested on the sand. As they approached the beautiful airship, Mac forgot his grouch and darted ahead.
“Don’t be in such a hurry,” called out Tom. “You’ll have plenty of time to see it. You’re goin’ with me.”
“With you?” exclaimed Mac.
“Yes. You and I are goin’ to fly over to Tarpon Springs for a box of matches.”