Judge Swan came forward to the young skipper. At the same time Tom saw Mr. Dunstan and Mr. Crane at the rail, among the boat’s passengers.
“How soon before you’ll be under way, Captain Halstead?” asked his honor.
Now, Joe being fast asleep, Halstead had to answer for his friend.
“Then tell the captain of the steamer you’ve no passengers to transfer,” directed his honor, next starting aft once more.
“No passengers to transfer, captain, thank you,” Tom answered.
“All right, ‘Meteor.’ Wish you good luck!” A moment later, after both craft had whistled, the passenger steamer continued on her way.
Now, it was too bad, of course, but noon came and found the “Meteor” still unable to proceed. Soon after that Jed appeared, setting up a table in the cockpit. A cloth was laid, and a pleasing luncheon spread before the delayed judge. Joe came to at the first mention of food, and the three members of the crew ate forward.
“It’s a mean thing to have such a break out on the open,” Joe complained, as he finished eating. “However, I’ll do the best I can for you.”
The afternoon began to slip by. It was considerably after three o’clock when Joe thrust his head up through the hatchway to say:
“Captain, if you’ll be satisfied to go at slow speed, I think we can make a start now.”
“Then start her, and keep to whatever speed your judgment decides upon,” Tom replied. Making his way aft he informed Judge Swan.
“I am delighted to hear it, of course,” replied that gentleman. “I must, however, give you credit for commanding a boat aboard which a very pleasant day of idleness can be enjoyed.”
The “Meteor” was soon going at a speed that seemed lame and halting for her. She made the harbor at Nantucket, however, at 4.20, and landed her distinguished passenger. Judge Swan shook hands with all three boys, thanking them for his pleasant day.
Knowing that Mr. Dunstan was not at Wood’s Hole, Tom decided to make the run straight to the home pier. Leaving Jed at the wheel, after they were out of the harbor, the young skipper went below.
“Joe,” he asked soon, “what was wrong with the engine?”
“Why, you see,” Dawson replied calmly, “after the speed stopped I disconnected the vaporizer and put it in one of the lockers. Then, somehow, I forgot all about that vaporizer for some hours. When I thought of it I got it out of the locker, wiped it off on some waste, connected it again—and then the engine began to behave fairly well.”