“If our gasoline is gone,” said Grant, “we’re likely to be out here on the lake for some time.”
“Yes, and if a storm comes up,” added Fred, “we’re going to have troubles of our own.”
“Don’t begin to borrow troubles,” said Mr. Button in a tone of irritation. “They may come, but it will be time enough to face them when we have to.”
“But what are we going to do?” demanded Fred.
“I’m going to have one of you boys get into the skiff with me and I’m going to try to find out if anything is the matter with the blades.”
“I’ll find out,” said George, “what the supply of gasoline is.”
Taking his place on board the skiff, which was in tow, John seized the oars while Mr. Button seated himself in the bow.
In a brief time the motor-boat was motionless and then pushing the bow of the skiff against the stern of the Gadabout, Mr. Button, who had taken off his coat, rolled back his sleeves and began to investigate the condition of the blades.
“There,” he said abruptly, “it is what I feared. There’s something wrong there.”
“What can we do?” inquired John.