“I just happened to hit it right that’s all,” he declared modestly.
“Well, mebby so, but I wish I could happen to hit something like that once in a while. Usually the more I tinker with this old tub the worse she runs. But we’re awfully obliged.”
“You’re very welcome, I’m sure. Any time you get stuck again just call out, but I may not be so lucky next time.”
The two boys unfastened the boat and headed it down the lake after bidding Jack good-bye and again thanking him, and Jack walked slowly back toward the hotel. He had reached the porch steps when the front door opened and his brother Bob stepped out.
“Hello, there, sleepy head. Had your breakfast.”
“Breakfast nothing. But what you been doing?”
“Oh, Cherub’s engine balked again and I fixed it for him. Timing lever was bent.”
“Cherub has more trouble with that old two cylinder of his than Mrs. Murphy had with her pig,” Bob Golden laughed.
“I guess that’s about right. But if you’re ready at last we might as well start for the cottage.”
“Just as soon as I get a couple of pounds of sugar. I won’t be but a minute.”