During the morning that followed the boys who handled the engines of those three little power boats found occasion to bless the makers of the staunch motors that stood up so valiantly under this severe test.
They had taken on an additional supply of gasoline while at the Soo, and there was little danger of this giving out. Still, as Nick said, this energy was all wasted, and reminded him of soldiers “beating time.”
Now and then the boys were able to exchange remarks, especially the three who were not kept busy during this time.
Jack listened to what was said, and while he made no attempt to break into the conversation, he gathered from it that at least Nick, Jimmie and Josh were about ready to call the westward cruise off, and turn around.
So he made up his mind that the matter must be threshed out the very next time they could gather around a fire on shore. As for himself, Jack was thinking along the same lines, and ready to go back to Mackinac Island’s quiet waters, in the straits between Lakes Huron and Michigan.
Noon came along, to find them still buffeting the waves; but there had been a considerable change by then.
“After we’ve had a bite,” called out Jack, at which Nick instantly showed attention; “I think we’d better make a start out of this. The waves you notice no longer break, and while your boat would roll more or less, George, I don’t think you’d be in any great danger of turning turtle, do you?”
“Oh! I’m only too willing to put out,” came the answer. “Anything but this horrible marking time. I like to see the chips fly when I use an axe. I want to see results. And here, this blessed little motor has been churning away for hours, without getting away from our old stand. Yes, let’s eat and run.”
“That would be bad for digestion,” spoke up Nick. “I don’t believe in hurrying over meals. I was warned against doing it, unless I wanted to waste away to skin and bones like Josh here.”
“Oh! you can take as long as you like,” said Herb; “only get busy now, and dish up anything you can find. There’s some cold baked beans handy; and open some of that potted beef; it ought to be tasty with the crackers and cheese.”