Button.
Fred's grandfather chanced to be in the boat-house when they
arrived and in response to his inquiry concerning the motor-boat,
Fred briefly related the story of the accident.
"Who was steering?" demanded Mr. Button sharply. "That's what
comes of letting a lot of boys run such a delicate piece of work
as that motor-boat. I told your father, Fred, that he ought not
to get you any such plaything as that. I'll warrant that you were
steering and not paying any attention."
Fred laughed as he said, "The fact is, Grandfather, that I was on
the lookout but the other boat never whistled nor gave us any
sign of their coming."
"Did you let them know that you were coming?"
"Why, no, we didn't whistle."
"Then I don't see that you have any one to blame but yourselves,"
said Mr. Button tartly. "It's just as I said."
"But we're not so sure that it was an accident," persisted Fred.
"No," laughed Mr. Button. "I suppose you think that other boat
was hiding behind the rock ready to jump out at you the way a
pickerel starts for a minnow."
"If that was the only thing," explained Fred, "we might agree
with you. But the trouble is that we're afraid somebody wants to
injure the Black Growler."
"Why?" demanded Mr. Button, turning abruptly upon the boys as he
spoke.
"To put her out of the race."
For a moment Mr. Button stared blankly at his grandson and then
said quietly, "Don't you believe it.
Pages:
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177