Jack laughed, and so did the others.
“It’s as good a name for him as any other,” said Fred.
And so the matter was settled.
“Now we have a mascot and an engine,” said Jack. “Hooray! I can hardly wait for the chug-chug to begin.”
CHAPTER II
THE ENGINE
Next morning, bright and early, the boys again met at the house-boat. The weather still continued hot, with scarcely a breeze to ripple the surface of the river. The glassy expanse reflected the clear blue sky above; occasionally tugs and other passing craft sent long swells rolling shoreward, to break with a complaining gurgle against the sides of the boat. Smoke and steam drifted lazily upward; and the glare of sunlight made any bit of shade refreshing.
Jack Lyons and Dave Brandon had each brought with him a package, Dave’s quite long and Jack’s square. These excited a great deal of comment.
But, with a stubbornness that aroused their companions’ curiosity to the highest pitch, both refused to divulge the nature of their contents until the house-boat was entered. Then, as they stood in the cabin, Joe Preston spoke up:
“For goodness’ sake, fellows, let’s see what you have.”