“How did your boat happen to spring a leak?” he asked.
“I don’t know. But I noticed a bit of water coming in when I rowed over to Yonkers. It wasn’t much, and I thought it had merely splashed over the side. Coming back, though, it got worse and I finally decided that if any one was within hearing distance I needed his help.”
“Glad we heard you,” said Bob, heartily.
Progress with the other boat in tow was very slow, and the boy’s arms began to ache. He cast many a glance over his shoulder, to note the position of the “Gray Gull,” which was revealed by the lanterns.
“Hard work, eh?” remarked Norman. “Let me give you a hand.”
But Bob shook his head and pulled away, while the perspiration poured over his face.
“Listen!” he exclaimed presently. “Listen!”
A steady chug-chug suddenly started up, and the faint lights began to slowly move toward them.
“Isn’t that great?” panted Bob, gleefully. “Hooray! We’ll just wait for ’em on the bosom of the rolling deep.”
“Good idea,” assented the other.