"So you've given up the bicycle for the motor-boat," went on the young lady.
"Yes," replied Tom with a smile, shutting off the power, "and I haven't had a chance to save any girls since I've had it."
The two boats had drifted close together, and Miss Nestor introduced her two companions to Tom.
"Don't you want to come in and take a ride?" he asked.
"Is it safe?" asked Jennie Haddon, one of the trio.
"Of course it is, Jennie, or he wouldn't be out in it," said Miss Nestor hastily. "Come on, let's get in. I'm just dying for a motor-boat ride."
"What will we do with our boat?" asked Katie Carson.
"Oh, I can tow that," replied the youth. "Get right in and I'll take you all around the lake."
"Not too far," stipulated the girl who had figured in the runaway. "We must be back for lunch, which will be served in about an hour. Our church and Sunday-school are having a picnic."
"Maybe Mr. Swift will come and have some lunch with us," suggested Miss Carson, blushing prettily.