Instead of showing excitement, it was calm as a morning in May. Buck sat on the railing of the craft, with his back toward the shore, pointing out the beauties of the landscape to Rube, who was standing not far away.
They both turned face about when the noise made by the boys in climbing to the deck attracted their attention, and advanced to meet them with hands extended.
“This sure is a sight good for sore eyes!” cried Rube, and the greeting of Buck was not less friendly.
“Now, will you explain just how the Esmeralda come to be here?” Jule said, after greetings had been exchanged. “We left her a long way upstream.”
“And how is it that we find you here, out of reach of the Rambler, and walking across country?” asked Buck.
“That’s just the point,” Alex answered grimly, “we haven’t seen the Rambler for several hours, and are walking across country to try and head her off!”
The boy thought he saw a quick glance of understanding pass from Rube to Buck, but he could not be certain.
Then he explained about the fishing trip and the flight of the motor boat. Rube and Buck listened attentively, but with the air of men who had heard all that story before.
“And so,” Buck said, at the completion of the narration, “you want to catch the Rambler?”
“That’s precisely the idea,” answered Jule. “But you haven’t told us yet why you are here. You must have passed us on some dark night, when there was no one on watch.”