"I'm engineerin' this deal, Kinky," said Ross sharply. "Do as I say, or else take to the woods and let me do it alone."
Kinky got up and staggered ashore. Although he worked awkwardly, yet he finally succeeded in releasing the painter and throwing the rope aboard. Then he scrambled back into the boat himself.
Ross, meanwhile, had been starting the engine. He proceeded in a way that proved he had some knowledge of motors.
Turning the Sprite, Ross sent her slowly toward the mouth of the creek, peering sharply ahead as they moved through the water.
"There she is," muttered Ross, shutting off the power.
As the Sprite came to a halt, Ross reached over the side and caught the gunwale of another boat.
"We'll tow our boat behind, Kinky," announced Ross. "Climb into her and make sure the oars are safe inboard, then fasten her painter to the stern of the Sprite."
This rather difficult operation was safely accomplished, and then, with the rowboat in tow, the launch glided out of the creek into the Catfish, and down the Catfish toward Fourth Lake.
How was that voyage to end for Motor Matt?