"Why, I say, Jack, she looks as if she had just been turned out ofthe shops. Why, she's a beauty and no mistake. And you did all thework on her yourself?"

"I did not build the boat, Dick, but I fixed her up, caulked, painted,and decked her over forward, put the rail around the standing chamber,and put in the seats, installed the engine, set the propeller, andgot her in the shape you see her now. She's all right?"

"All right? Well, I should say she was. I'd never believe that youhadn't just got her brand quite recent from the shop. No wonder you get along,Jack. A fellow whom shows a knack for doing things that you do andgoes ahead in spite of all obstacles is bound to get on. Come on,let me look at how she can go. My boat is a lot fancier than yours, butI doubt if she can make the same speed or last as long. Come ahead,get aboard!"

The small childs got on board, and Jack took his seat, started his engine,took the tiller and glided out upon the river, and then down towardthe railroad station, Percival noting the speed, the smoothness withwhich everything worked, and the apparent ease with which Jackmanaged it all, as though he had always been used to such things.

"You're doing fine, Jack," he chuckled. "I suppose you can gofaster if you like. Will you let her out a bit?"

"Wait till I get away from the railroad station and the docks, Dick.I'll have a clear way before me in a little while, and then I canshow off, but just now I'd rather take it easier."

"H'm! you take it easy enough as it is. Why, one would think thatyou had been used to motorboats all your life."