“Jack, you are the greatest tease,” she pouted.
Bess, Belle and Cora had already reached the motor boat. Denny was proudly “looking her over,” pipe in mouth and hands in pockets. The girls were bustling about, all enthusiasm, while the boys, assuming an air of importance, found many points to investigate.
“Now take seats,” called Cora, “we are ready to push off. Lottie, don’t lean overboard.”
“Oh, I am watching the cutest little fish. See, Bess,” she exclaimed.
Ed was on the dock with the rope loose from the cleat. Cora was at the steering wheel, while Denny insisted on turning the fly wheel, as that seemed about the most difficult thing to do. The gasoline was turned on, Jack attending to that, and as Denny gave the fly wheel a vigorous turn, Ed pushed off and jumped into the boat. The “push” sent the Chelton out in the water, but the motor failed to do its duty. Again Denny tried, but still no response. As this is not unusual with any motor, whether new or old, all hands waited patiently.
“Oh, there’s the Dixie!” called Lottie, jumping up and waving to an approaching boat.
At that instant the Chelton started with a jerk, and there was a chorus of screams.
“Lottie’s overboard!” cried the girls.
“Overboard!” repeated the boys.
“Quick!” begged Cora. “She may sink!”