“When do we start, fellows?” asked Jack that afternoon when he had filled out the entry blanks and they had been mailed by Heiny Dill.
“The Electric Monarch is ready to go this minute,” said Tom. “I was just talking to Joyce.”
“Then what do you say about to-morrow?” asked Jack.
“Suits me,” said Ned, who wanted nothing better than to be riding in the Electric Monarch again.
“Me, too,” said Tom. “I’m tired of being on terra firma.”
So it was arranged that the start for the Portstown Fair should be made the next morning. Professor Chadwick was still too weak to attempt to accompany the boys, but he wished them all sorts of luck and a good time.
“We’re sure to have a good time, anyhow,” Tom assured him.
Till late that night the boys worked on stocking up the larder of the Electric Monarch with all manner of canned foods. Heiny Dill, who was as fond of good things as most boys, watched these preparations with glittering eyes. He smacked his lips visibly as he stowed away the provisions on shelves in his domain.
The boys slept little that night, awaking early to find it a slightly overcast morning with a promise of fair weather later on. There was but little wind, however, and everything appeared to be propitious for a speedy, uneventful voyage to Portstown.