“Oh, let’s wait here until it’s fixed,” suggested Belle. “We want to arrive in style. It won’t take long, and to go on we’d have either to hire another boat or go by wagon.”
“All right,” Cora agreed.
The repairs took longer than they anticipated, and it was not until late afternoon that they were able to go on. This time they arrived safely at Riverhead, shortly before dusk, which was the time they should have been there the previous evening.
The man who was to dock the Corbelbes was on hand and took charge of the craft. He also directed the party to the big waiting buckboard, in charge of a driver, that had been sent by Mr. Floyd to meet the girls and boys.
“You’re a little late,” said the man. “Not that I mind, but we’ll have to make a night drive of it.”
“We don’t care,” Cora said, “as long as the roads are safe.”
“Oh, they’re safe enough.”
“What about supper?” asked Jack.
“Mrs. Floyd said she’d have it ready for you,” the driver stated.
“I’ve got some sandwiches and a box of candy,” observed Bess.