that all of us know something about machinery. Our experience with our
motor-cycles will come in good play now. And here's Jerry been studying
up on the running of an automobile with that retired chauffeur, Garrison,
who's teaching Andy Lasher how to run a car."

"Yes, but, Frank, how about you taking lessons about the engine of a
motor-boat? I know you've got several books on the subject since your
father half promised to put a little craft on Lake Camalot next season,"
remarked Jerry.

"Well," laughed Frank, fairly caught, "between the lot of us it'll be
strange if we don't know how to handle that dandy boat of Cousin
Archie's--the _Jessamine_ he calls her."

"Three cheers for the _Jessamine,_ then!" said Bluff.

They were given with a will, after which the boys separated. Since this
would be their last night at home for two weeks they had sensibly
decided to spend it in the bosom of their families. Everything was done,
at any rate, so that it was useless to bother about that matter any more.

In spite of Frank's warning it is very unlikely that any one of the four
slept very soundly. The near future beckoned to them with such grand
possibilities concerning the sport they loved, that they could not get it
out of their minds; and innumerable plans for the happy times ahead kept
their brains busy the major portion of that last night under the parental
roof-trees.

Finally the morning dawned, with a light snow falling. There was a bustle
in at least four homes that day, and presently the intending travelers