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Updated: May 1, 2025
Then they got aboard of the Dartaway, and with Tom at the wheel, and Dick with a pair of field glasses to his eyes, swung in several circles about the neighborhood. "No use," declared the oldest Rover boy, at last. "It is getting late. We might as well return to college. We can do nothing here." "Haven't we got time to go to Hope?" asked Sam, a bit wistfully.
"We couldn't get any better boat than the Dartaway, Chunky," said Ned. "We might get a larger one, and a more powerful one, but never a better one, She served us well. To think of her being crushed under a lot of freight cars! It makes me mad!" "No use feeling that way," suggested Jerry. "Just think of the good times we had in her, not only on this last trip, but on the previous cruises."
"Must be one ahead," was the answer. "I fancy " Dick did not finish, for at that moment came a blast of air stronger than any that had gone before. The Dartaway spun around, left the railroad tracks, made a semi-circle, and then came back again. As it made the final turn there was a crack like that of a pistol. "What was that?" cried Tom. "Was it the engine?"
Had this occurred the machine would have dropped like a shot and most likely all of the boys would have been killed. But Sam was on guard, and worked his levers like lightning. As quickly as she had tipped, the Dartaway righted herself, and then they shot upward on a long slant. "Phew! that was some escape!" muttered Tom. "Dick, can't you see any open field where we can land?"
"Say, isn't that glorious!" whispered Ned to Bob. "Think of having a motor boat, and cruising on the Pacific! We're getting to be like Sinbad the sailor, making voyages all over." "Yes, but maybe he'll want a small fortune for the hire of the Ripper," objected Bob. "We haven't any too much money, for this trip was rather costly." "If we could get damages for the Dartaway, we "
"More than likely the sheriff is out, hunting for Crabtree and the others," answered Dick. "But I'll tell you what we might do if the weather stays good," he added, suddenly. "Sail to Plankville in the Dartaway?" queried both of the others. "Yes, if Doctor Wallington will give us permission." "He ought to since we are so much interested in this case," returned Tom.
Hitter the telegram. "What's that? The Dartaway smashed!" the agent exclaimed, reading the message. "Come now, that's too bad! How did it happen?" The boys explained how they had shipped the craft north. "Of course the accident didn't happen on the line of railroad I am agent for," said Mr. Hitter, after reading the telegram again. "If it had, we'd be responsible." "What can we do?" asked Bob.
The youngest Rover boy now had to give the Dartaway all of his attention. The breeze was coming in fitful gusts, sending the biplane first to one side and then to the other. They struck a "bank," and he had to use all his wit and courage to bring the flying machine to a level keel once more. "Better go down!" cried Tom. "This is getting dangerous." "Don't go down here!" sang out Dick.
In response he got the telegram which brought consternation to the hearts of the motor boys. "It doesn't seem possible," remarked Bob, as the three lads hurried on toward the freight office. "I guess it's good-bye to the Dartaway this trip," said Jerry. "Too bad! she was a fine boat." "Well, we'll make the railroad pay for it, and we'll get a better boat," spoke up Bob.
As they came in sight of it from a small hill, the boys uttered exclamations of delight, for a beautiful expanse of water was stretched out before them, the Pacific ocean sparkling blue in the sun. "Oh, for our motor boat!" exclaimed Jerry. "Oh, for the Dartaway! Couldn't we have fine sport in her, out on that bay!" "Don't speak of it!" said Ned with a groan.
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