“Say, fellows!” exclaimed Jack, as his eyes lit on the manufacturer’s name plate, “this is a good little motor, no doubt of that. You know that any engine these people put out is bound to be first class, don’t you?”
“That’s true enough,” agreed Paul, “but the best engine ever built can be ruined by carelessness and neglect.”
“Yes,” assented Walter, “but there may not be so much the matter with this chugger after all. First thing to do is to turn the old engine over and see how it sounds.” He had already put in some oil and gasoline.
“A fine idea,” panted Jack after applying all his strength to the flywheel without result. “The trouble is that it won’t turn at all.”
“Here,” said Walter, taking it from his hand, “let me try. Only you mustn’t mind if I pull the whole engine out of the boat. I’m mighty apt to if I really let myself go, you know.”
“Listen to Samson talking!” gibed Cora.
“Go ahead,” said Jack. “Look out for flying splinters, Paul. Sampson is going to tear things wide open.”
“He’s mighty strong,” mocked Paul. “He doesn’t ask you to prove it. He admits it.”
There were no flying splinters, however, for in spite of all Walter’s exertions, the engine remained immovable.
“Well, that proves that she’s a good solid boat to stand the strain,” grinned Walter, at last giving over the attempt.