"And that's just what you do. I suppose that was their boat thatthey were looking at? Must have cost something."

"Yes, it looked like it," carelessly. "You don't have to spend a lotof money to get fun out of a boat, however. Some fellows' boats costthem about fifty cents a mile, but this won't."

"H'm! I must look out that mine does not," laughed Dick. "I am agreat fellow for spending money. Guess if I had to earn it I'd bemore careful of it. That's what the governor is always saying, butI get it just the same."

When the childs were on their way back to the wharf they met Herringand Merritt in the motorboat they had seen, Herring shouting out withhis usual sneer and a contemptuous look:

"We'll race you for twelve dollars, Percival, if you think you can trustyour helper. Two to one we'll beat you arms down."

"This happens not to be my boat," said Percival, "and I would not racewith you if it was."

"Ah, go on! You can't make us believe that Sheldon can earn money tobuy a motor-boat by picking fruit!"