The boy could now be seen walking along the water's edge, as he
pulled the motor boat by the bow rope. The girls were quick to
follow Ben to the landing, and there all three, with Ben, got
aboard.

The girls helped Cora light the port, starboard and aft-lights; then
they were ready to start.

"Better let me run her," said the man, "as I know all the spots in
this here lake. Besides," and he touched the engine almost fondly,
"there ain't nothin' I like better than a boat, unless it's a fish
line."

"This is a very simple motor," explained Cora, showing how readily
the gas could be turned on and how promptly the engine responded to
the spark.

"It's a beauty," agreed Ben, as the "chugchug" answered the first
turn of the flywheel.

Belle and Bess sat in the stem and Cora went forward. It was a
delightful evening and, but for the urgency of their quest, the
first night sail of the Petrel on Cedar Lake would have been a
perfect success.

"Isn't that a light?" asked Belle, loud enough for Cora to hear.

"Yes. Ben see, there is a light. Do you suppose that is on Jim's
boat?" asked Cora.