“Hasn't done it?” she repeated. “You mean—why, this boat cannot go without gasolene, can it?”

“Not very well; no.”

“Then—then what are we going to do?”

“Anchor and wait, if I can.”

“Wait! But I don't wish to wait. I wish to be taken home, at once.”

“I am sorry, but I am afraid that is impossible.”

I was on my way forward to where the anchor lay, in the bow. She rose and stepped in front of me.

“Mr. Paine.”

“Yes, Miss Colton.”

“I tell you I do not wish you to anchor this boat.”