“A few more of those, and the body of the boat will be complete. But there’s a lot more to be done, and we’ve got to keep at it.” Ransom stopped, went to a far corner, and poked among some old boards; he finally picked out one, and showed it to the boys.
“I move that we make this our motto. All those in favor will signify as much by saying ‘aye.’”
Four “aye’s” rang out vigorously.
“Contrary minded will signify by saying ‘no.’
“It is moved and carried, that this shall be our motto, and we’ll nail our colors to the—the—woodshed.”
“Hear! Hear!” laughed the three at the end of Ken’s speech; but when he nailed up the board bearing this motto in clear letters:
KEEPING EVERLASTINGLY AT IT
BRINGS SUCCESS,
there was a cheer that cleared the air amazingly, and chased away the gloom that had bid fair to settle over the company.
“I believe that my father will be able to convince your people that our trip is feasible,” said Kenneth from his place on top of a ladder. “Anyhow, let’s get to work. For ‘keeping everlastingly at it brings success.’” Soon all the noises the young shipbuilders made seemed to voice that motto.