The girls were very much interested in the craft and asked all
sorts of questions about how the engine operated. Tom explained
as clearly as he could how the gasoline exploded in the cylinders,
about the electric spark and about the propeller. Then, when he
had finished, Miss Haddon remarked naively:

"Oh, Mr. Swift, you've explained it beautifully, and I'm sure if
our teacher in school made things as clear as you have that I
could get along fine. I understand all about it, except I don't
see what makes the engine go."

"Oh," said Tom faintly, and he wondering what would be the best
remark to make under the circumstances, when Miss Nestor created a
diversion by looking at her watch and exclaiming:

"Oh, girls, it's lunch time! We must go ashore. Will you kindly
put about, Mr. Swift--I hope that is the proper term--and--land
us--is that right?" and she looked archly at Tom.

"That's perfectly right," he admitted with a laugh and a glance
into the girl's brown eyes. "I'll put you ashore at once," and he
headed for a small dock.

"And come yourself to take lunch with us, added Miss Haddon.

"I'm afraid I might be in the way," stammered Tom. "I--I have a
pretty good appetite, and--"

"I suppose you think that girls on a picnic don't take much