“Perhaps you’d like to go out a few days, sir, with us,” remarked Herb, quite overwhelmed by the cordial ways of the retired lawyer. “This boat is roomy, you see, and we might get along. The only difficulty would be about sleeping quarters.”
Poor Nick held his breath in suspense. If so be Mr. Spofford accepted, he believed he saw his finish. But the other only laughed heartily.
“That’s awfully kind of you, Herb, but I couldn’t think of accepting,” he said; and Nick breathed easy again. “When I go out, I shall have a boat that is suited to my heft. Every time I move here, something seems to groan, and threaten to give way. I guess you will have all you can manage with my friend, Buster.”
And after the hearty meal was finished they made themselves as comfortable as possible, while Jack read the official log of the other cruise, for the particular benefit of Mr. Amos.
The latter asked a thousand questions, and in this way managed to get a comprehensive history of all the stirring adventures that had fallen to their lot between their home town on the great river and the Crescent City.
It was quite late when he left them, giving to each a squeeze of the hand that would not soon be forgotten.
“If I can only find a boat suited to my size, boys,” he said, as he left them; “I’m going to get afloat this very season. But at any rate another year will find me fully prepared for the season, with the greatest motor boat you ever struck. Goodbye, you fine and dandy fellows! My heart will be with you all along. Think of me sometimes, won’t you, Buster?”
He chuckled as he fancied he heard a hollow groan from Nick; as if the memory of Mr. Spofford’s tremendous girth could ever long leave the troubled mind of the fat boy.
A quiet night followed. Jack advised that they keep on the alert, lest some peril drop in upon them; but fortunately his fears were not realized, and morning coming found the little fleet all serene.
“Look, there he is!” said Nick, as they were gathered on the Comfort enjoying one of Josh’s little spreads, that included some of the lightest flapjacks ever put before hungry campers.