"Say, what is this--a swimming race?" asked Paul, as he tossed Dick
a rope, a like service being performed for Mr. Vardon by Innis.
"Looks like it--doesn't it?" agreed the young millionaire. "I
should have tested that boat before we went out in it," he added,
as he clambered up, Grit frisking and barking about him in delight.
"Yes, that's where we made the mistake," agreed Mr. Vardon. "That
rubber must have been cut as it was packed away. Well, we can
easily mend it, so no great harm is done."
By means of the cable, the sunken boat was pulled to the airship,
and when the water was allowed to run out it was hauled aboard.
Then it was examined, the leak found, and the craft was placed out
in the sun to dry, after which it could be mended.
"Well, we can't do anything but wait," said Dick, after he had
changed into dry garments. "The break is out on that part of the
rudder that's over the water. We can't reach it without the boat."
"Then, while we're waiting let's have a swim," proposed Paul. "It
will do us all good."
"And then we can do some fishing," added Innis. "I'd like some nice
broiled fish. Did you bring any tackle along, Dick?"
"No, I'm sorry to say I didn't."
"Then I'll have to rig up some. I'll use some cold canned chicken
for bait."
"What about a hook?" asked Lieutenant McBride, with a smile.
"Well, anybody who can build an airship ought to be able to make a
fish hook. I'm going to call on Dick for that," went on Innis.
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