“The honor is mine,” smiled the Judge.
The skipper and his “first mate” cast off the lines. A great churning of water quickly followed. A hearty farewell cheer came from the whaleback’s deck, as the two vessels swung clear, and the “Fearless” seemed to leap away from the monster’s side.
Captain Bunderley consulted a railroad time-table.
“I suppose you are anxious to reach Milwaukee as soon as possible, Judge?” he asked.
“I am, indeed,” affirmed the passenger.
“Well, I find that we should arrive in Kenosha too late for you to catch the next express. That means an hour or more lost.”
“Too bad,” said the Judge.
Captain Bunderley swung around and faced Bob Somers.
“If you two chaps shouldn’t turn up at the hotel just when your chums expect, are they the sort to raise an awful howl or sit down and blubber?” he asked.
“Not much,” laughed Bob. “They’ll know it’s all right.”