But this was afterward. At the moment, the Scouts merely nodded in an embarrassed manner and set about the task of shoving the launch into deep water, despite an almost irresistible appeal from the campers to wait for a treat of strawberries and cake and lemonade.
"Well," remarked Roundy, when Shadow Island once more lay astern, "I'm glad we were there when we were needed. Just the same, I'm afraid we've lost out. I'll talk to the engine, but we can't go any faster than just so fast."
"There's time yet," Bunny insisted; "there must be time yet."
Far and faint across the two-mile stretch of water came the sound of a bell. It pealed from the tower of Harrison City's big church: four chimes—half-past ten.
Two miles of water and a mile of land to cover in twenty minutes! The Scouts looked despairingly at the steadily throbbing engine.
"It can't be done!" muttered Roundy. "It can't be done!"
FOOTNOTE:
[2] See "The Boy Scouts of Black Eagle Patrol."