“All right, if you insist upon it,” laughed Ross. “That’s easy enough to do now, but some day we’ll have a race, and then it may be a little tougher job.
“Here it comes now!” he exclaimed a moment later, as the engine gave a few preliminary barks.
The sparking was fitful at first, but it soon settled down into a smooth steady buzz.
“Listen to that music,” cried Ross jubilantly. “Richard is himself again!”
He started the boat, and she darted ahead like a bird. He tested the steering gear and it worked perfectly.
“Capital!” cried Fred delightedly.
“Hurrah!” echoed Teddy.
60“She’s a pippin!” exclaimed Bill enthusiastically.
Ross flushed with pleasure at the praise of his craft.
“Well,” he called, “I owe it all to you fellows that I’m on board of her to-day. I hope you’ll never get into similar trouble, but if you do, I only hope that I’m on hand to help you out.”