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Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence. Louis Arundel
Читать онлайн.Название Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence
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Автор произведения Louis Arundel
Жанр Зарубежная классика
Издательство Public Domain
“And you threw him overboard, sir?” asked Jack.
“That was the easiest part of it,” replied the other, calmly. “You see I used to be a great athlete in my day, when Rube knew me; and the fellow wasn’t anticipating running up against a lodger. I just gave him a neat push, and you ought to have heard the splashing that followed.”
“Wow! I’d have liked to, first rate!” declared Josh, in ecstacy.
“But he managed to climb out again, of course, Mr. Spofford?” Jack asked.
“Oh! yes, after a lot of floundering around. I saw him climbing that spile yonder, dripping at every move. And I’ve had no trouble since.”
“Then we owe you a vote of thanks for helping us out in this way,” declared George, warmly. “Only for your guardianship something serious would have happened to our boats; and you can understand, sir, that they are precious to all of us, after serving us so well on that Mississippi cruise.”
“I want to hear all about that at the first chance, boys. But now I’ll move out, and give the rightful owners possession. This is a very well named boat, Herbert. I give you credit for knowing how to get full enjoyment out of a trip. Now, that speed boat doubtless pleases George, but you see it would hardly do for a fellow of my heft. I’m going to get the builder of this outfit to put me one up that will be a dream, a fat man’s paradise.”
“Hold on, Mr. Spofford,” said Jack, who knew he was voicing the sentiments of the entire club when he spoke as he did; “we are going to stay around here until another morning, for we’ve got a lot to do, stowing our stores, you know. And tonight, if you can do so, we invite you to a little dinner, to be held on this boat. We hope you will please us by coming; and let me tell you we’ve got the boss cook among us, who can tickle your palate the best ever.”
All eyes were turned toward Josh, who got up and gravely bowed, pushing back Buster, who had impudently been in the act of accepting the honor himself.
“I’ll do it on one condition, boys,” said the lawyer, as he started to deposit his bulk in the boat Herb was holding to the side of the Comfort.
“What is that, sir?” demanded Jack.
“That you promise to read to me the log of your last trip, when you went down the big river; also tell me the many adventures that I’m sure must have come your way during those glorious weeks.”
“Done!” cried one and all, as they shook hands with the jolly retired lawyer, and Herb started to paddle him to the dock.
“What time is dinner hour, fellows?” sang out Mr. Spofford, just as heartily as though he might be one of the youngsters.
“Six sharp; but we’ll wait for you any length of time you say, sir,” replied Jack.
“Look for me before that time; and remember, boys, I’m a man of some size, so be warned,” laughed the other, waving his hand.
“Oh! we know all about that, sir; because, you see, we’ve got a shining example of the same with us,” called Josh, motioning toward Buster.
“That’s so; but I’m afraid you mean a horrible example; for we fat fellows are to be pitied,” floated back to their ears.
Nick sank back on his seat, looking plainly troubled.
“Oh! my, if I thought there was any danger of my ever getting like that I’d – I’d, well, I don’t know what I’d do; but something pretty desperate – skip a meal once a week, perhaps,” he remarked to George.
The other was already trying to draw his own boat alongside, so that he might aboard; for naturally each skipper had thought of the craft that was dearest to his mind; and Herb returning, both Jack and Jimmie used the rowboat to reach the anchored Tramp.
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