"
Arnold now prepared the table for dinner and calling his companions to
eat he introduced them to Carlos as they entered the cabin. Jack
remained at the wheel while the others ate.
All the boys tried to make pleasant conversation for the newcomer but he
greedily devoured the food set before him in a ravenous manner. His
conversation was little better than monosyllables. At last the boys in
despair gave up the effort of entertainment and fell to discussing their
situation amongst themselves. They recounted the incidents of their trip
down the Great Lakes, through the Erie Canal and down the Hudson River,
their pleasant run down the east coast of the United States to the
Florida Keys, past the Dry Tortugas and up to Mobile.
To all of their conversation Carlos listened intently, eating in
silence, but keenly alert to every word that was said. Finally as the
talk lulled to an occasional remark he looked up and said:
"What are you here for, anyway?"
"I told you," replied Arnold, "we're here for a pleasant vacation trip.
We'll be joined later by the father of the boy at the wheel and then we
expect to go on up the Mississippi to our home at Chicago. Didn't you
believe me at first?"
"No," bluntly replied Carlos, "I didn't."
"All right," laughed Arnold, "we'll forgive you this time."
To relieve the tense situation Tom sprang to his feet saying that he
would go and relieve Jack at the wheel while his friend ate.
Once in the pilot house he was met with a questioning look from Jack who
was holding the wheel with one hand and Rowdy with the other.
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