Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/91

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ON THE THAMES

my boat, and if you don't mind squeezing a bit——"

"Phew!" exclaimed Billy. "Do they supply you with those dinguses? Guess I'll transfer to the submarine branch and get me one."

The car was a handsome affair of a world-famous foreign make. Their new acquaintance laughed.

"No, I had that and brought it with me. We're about three miles from town and it's a long way to walk. What do you say? Want to take a ride?"

"Surest thing you know," agreed Billy. "Who gets in first?"

"I do. One of you can sit on the seat and the other on the floor, Don't drag your feet, though, it tears up the road. All right? Here we go then."

The blue car chugged demurely enough down the street and took its place with a dozen other vehicles before the ferry slip. The driver shut off the engine, since the boat was only just entering, and turned to Nelson, who was in the seat, while Billy sat on the floor, with his knees hunched under his chin, and observed the world with a cheerful grin. "How long have you been this way?" asked the owner of the car.

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