"It's pretty hard to say it, but I really believe you're right, Jack,"
answered Frank holding out his hand. "'You are right."
"Thank you," said Jack. "I believe this thing will come out all right
without any serious harm to your chum or to us."
If Jack could only have looked into the future he might not have spoken
so confidently nor have believed his own words so much.
The run back to the harbor occupied but little time. Arrived there Jack
at once went ashore to arrange for hauling out and repairing the
Fortuna. He found the marine railway without difficulty but was unable
to secure accommodations for his motor boat at once. Every berth was
full but one would be empty later in the day.
When Jack reported again aboard the Fortuna the boys agreed that the
best thing to do would be to wait for their chance at the ways.
All felt that it would be far safer to replace the plank through which
Wyckoff had put the auger hole in his dastardly attempt to turn the boys
from their course.
"It will give us a chance to examine her bottom," Jack argued, "and we
can see how the barnacles like her. I believe that I'll get some copper
paint and give the hull a coat while she's out."
"Hurray," joyfully cried Arnold. "Then I can say truthfully that I'm a
marine painter! Won't that be fine."
"There are many things you might say truthfully," agreed Harry in a
tantalizing tone. "Of course I emphasize 'might.'"
"Boys, boys," cautioned Jack. "Have a joke, but don't let it go too far.
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