"
"No, for the weather might not always be as calm as it is now. The
barometer is falling, and that means a storm, sooner or later,"
spoke Mr. Vardon. "And these lake storms can be pretty had when
they try."
It was found that the collapsible boat was dry enough to patch up,
and by means of a rubber cement the hole in the side was closed.
The leaky intake valve was also repaired, and then, when the
peculiar craft was blown up and tested, it was found to be all
right.
"Now we'll have another try at fixing that rudder," said Dick, as
he and the aviator started once more to paddle to the stern of the
aircraft.
This time all went well. No water came in the rubber boat, and by
standing up in it the two were able to learn the cause of the
trouble with the rudder.
It was simple enough--a broken bolt making it impossible to turn it
in a certain direction. As Dick had plenty of spare parts aboard,
a new bolt was soon substituted for the fractured one, and then they
were ready to proceed again.
"I've a suggestion to make," said Lieutenant McBride, when Dick was
about to give the word to mount into the air again.
"What is it?" asked the young millionaire.
"Why not try your boat over the water? While it is not exactly a
hydroplane, yet it has those attachments, and you can probably skim
over the surface of the water as well as float on it. And that
might come in useful in winning the prize.
"Of course the conditions call for an air flight from New York to
San Francisco, but I believe, in case of emergency, a short water
trip would not count against you? And you might have to make it
some time.
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