Uncle Gerald smiled, reflecting that, since manual training does not
begin with boat-building, they would soon discover the task so
confidently undertaken to be a far greater one than they realized. He
made no comment, however; and the boys started for the barn-loft, where
they selected the wood best suited to their purpose, and carried it
down to the yard, where Leo had dragged out the pony wagon.

"Here," said he, "you may stow the boards into this; and I'll lend you
Winkie to draw them home, if you'll promise to let Jim and me see you
build the boat."

Jack's brother Jim was a year older than Leo; but the two chummed
together, and were accustomed to stand up for each other, and thus hold
their own against the big boys, who were sometimes rather too much
inclined to adopt a patronizing tone toward them.

Jack and Rob now exchanged significant glances, which said plainly that
they would prefer the loan of the pony without any conditions. It
would be annoying to have the little fellows "tagging after them." But
there was no help for it. The pony belonged to Leo, and they could not
take it without his permission.

"Oh--ahem--I suppose so! Hey, Rob?" said Jack, shutting one eye
expressively.

"Well--yes," agreed Rob, appreciating the situation.

They went round to the front of Winkie's stall. Immediately a shaggy
head protruded through the window-like opening, a pair of bright eyes