The others laughed at Tom’s discomfiture.
“He had you there, Tommy,” said Bob.
“I’ll bet Tommy won’t challenge any one else in a hurry,” Nelson laughed.
“Oh, well, what’s the good of having a boat like that, anyway?” asked Tom disgustedly. “Even if it does go fast there isn’t room to sit down in it comfortably. It’s a fool thing!”
Shortly afterwards they were off Point Judith, and in spite of the fact that the weather was calm and the ocean smiling there was a sea there that made the Vagabond cut all sorts of capers. Barry, who had been asleep on the cabin roof since breakfast, now descended to more comfortable quarters. But even in Bob’s lap he didn’t seem wholly happy and after a while he jumped down and disappeared into the cabin. Ten minutes later Nelson, who had been below to look at the engine, came back smiling broadly.
“Have we any lemons, Tommy?” he asked.
“Yes,” was the reply. “In the cupboard. Want one?”
“Not for myself, but Barry needs one.”
“Barry!” exclaimed Bob. “What’s the matter with him?”