It was impossible for any of the boys to see the face of the guide, who at the time was bending low over a box which contained the fishing tackle. It was only later when John reminded the other boys of the strange coincidence between the excitement of the captain and the inability of all to see the face of the guide in Mr. Button’s boat, that they recalled it.
“There isn’t any fishing here,” again shouted the captain.
Apparently Mr. Button was not greatly impressed by the knowledge of the captain, for ignoring his words, he seated himself in the stern of the skiff and prepared to begin his trolling.
Meanwhile the Gadabout was belying her name, as now she was only drifting slowly with the current.
“Come on, Captain,” called Fred at last. “We’re ready to start.”
“Better start,” retorted the commander of the motor-boat. “There’s no fishing here and I told that man there wasn’t, but he doesn’t seem to pay no attention.”
“That’s his own fault,” laughed Grant. “Go on with us.”
Still manifestly reluctant the captain at last started the engine but the Gadabout had not gone more than a few yards before he again stopped the boat and said, “We might as well try it here as anywhere.”
“But you said the fishing here wasn’t any good,” protested Fred.
“It’ll do no harm to try it.”