At last the captain of the house-boat was actually casting off the lines.
Little Bobby Lyons almost danced with excitement.
“Jack, Jack—don’t forget that letter you’re going to send me,” he called. “And, Jack, be sure to—oh, dear, there’s something else I wanted to say to you, and—I can’t think of it.”
“Send a message by wireless,” laughed Joe. “Everything clear, Jack? That’s good! Now start ’er going.”
“Looks like Miles Standish’s cabin,” remarked a bystander.
“Them there lads has plenty of go,” said another.
“That’s more’n the boat will ever have,” grinned a third.
It was an interesting moment. Captain Jack’s hand rested on the fly-wheel, and he looked at his chums.
“Quick, give it a turn!” cried Joe, with suspense in his tone.
Jack obeyed, and a series of rapid reports immediately followed, bringing forth a round of cheers.