Tom Swift and His Motor-Boat, or, the Rivals of Lake Carlopa by Victor [pseud.] Appleton
page 45 of 183 (24%)
page 45 of 183 (24%)
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He and Ned ran on for a few miles, the CARLOPA in the meanwhile
disappearing from view around a bend. Then Tom and his chum turned around and made for the Swift dock. "She certainly is a dandy!" declared Ned. "I wish I had one like it." "Oh, I intend that you shall have plenty of rides in this," went on his friend. "When you get your vacation, you and dad and I are going on a tour," and he explained his plan, which, it is needless to say, met with Ned's hearty approval. Just before going to bed, some hours later, Tom decided to go down to the dock to make sure he had shut off the gasoline cock leading from the tank of his boat to the motor. It was a calm, early summer night, with a new moon giving a little light, and the lad went down to the lake in his slippers. As he neared the boathouse he heard a noise. "Water rat," he murmured, "or maybe muskrats. I must set some traps." As Tom entered the boathouse he started back in alarm, for a bright light flashed up, almost in his eyes. "Who's here?" he cried, and at that moment someone sprang out of his motor-boat, scrambled into a rowing craft which the youth could dimly make out in front of the dock and began to pull away quickly. |
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