The boy warmed to the snap of adventure.
“But do you know how to run one?” came his next query. “I’ll go myself and run her for you.”
Pawlinson cast an interrogative glance at Hallins.
“No,” declared the father decidedly. “He’s a bit young for his spurs yet, Mr. Pawlinson. But, by all means, take the launch. Anything we can do to right matters, and to——”
“Why, of course! Why didn’t I think of it before?[Pg 50]” interrupted my companion. “You, Grey, are up on motors. Yesterday proved that; and I’m glad now I kept you—even after to-day. Come, lad, lead us to that speed boat of yours; and, take my word for it, you won’t lose by it.”
A five-minutes fast run brought us to the waterside; and there, moored cleverly in a sheltered nook behind some piling, lay a slim, gray craft of which that boy builder might well be proud.
Pawlinson and I clambered into the cramped cockpit, and luck favored us in that I was familiar with the make of engine.
I immediately took hold and started her.
“Good! You know ’em!” chuckled the boy; and I felt the genuine compliment.
“How far to Trawly’s Rock, lad?” cried Pawlinson, taking the wheel.