boxed at the freight station in St. Augustine, and came on up north,
trusting that the Dartaway would arrive in due season, and in good
condition.

They had been home a week now, and as there was no news of their boat,
Jerry had become rather anxious and had written to the railroad
officials in St. Augustine. In response he got the telegram which
brought consternation to the hearts of the motor boys.

"It doesn't seem possible," remarked Bob, as the three lads hurried on
toward the freight office.

"I guess it's good-bye to the Dartaway this trip," said Jerry. "Too
bad! she was a fine boat."

"Well, we'll make the railroad pay for it, and we'll get a better
boat," spoke up Bob.

"We couldn't get any better boat than the Dartaway, Chunky," said Ned.
"We might get a larger one, and a more powerful one, but never a
better one, She served us well. To think of her being crushed under a
lot of freight cars! It makes me mad!"

"No use feeling that way," suggested Jerry. "Just think of the good
times we had in her, not only on this last trip, but on the previous
cruises."

"This last was the best," remarked Bob, with something like a sigh.
"It was lovely down there in Florida."