?"

"Our engine is broken down," replied John.

"Aren't you the same boys we towed through the Erie Canal yesterday?"

"Yes, sir," replied John.

"You seem to be in trouble most of the way," retorted the captain. "It
seems to me the best thing we can do is to take you up and send you
back to your mothers. You aren't fit to be out here on Lake Ontario all
alone. What do you want us to do?"

At that moment the owner of the yacht again appeared by the captain's
side and taking the speaking trumpet from that officer he called to the
boys, "Are you in trouble?"

"Yes, sir," replied John, who still was the spokesman for the Go Ahead
boys.

"What can we do for you?"

"If you will take us on board, or give us a tow until we can land
somewhere we shall be very grateful to you."

"What's the trouble?"

"That's just what we do not know," said John.

"Have you got plenty of gasoline?"

"Yes, sir. It's something wrong with the machinery this time."

Fred now was sitting erect and gazing interestedly at the people on the
deck of the Caledonia. His face was still ghastly in its color but the
opportunity to secure help apparently had aroused him from the
semi-stupor into which he had fallen.

"I think the best thing will be to take you on board and tow the boat.
We're going to put in for the night right here and if there isn't
anybody there who can fix up your machinery then you'll have to stay
until to-morrow morning when we can take you on to Sacket's Harbor. I
think it will be better for all you boys to come aboard," he added. "In
a sea like this there's no knowing what may happen to a boat in tow."

"You fellows go on board," said Fred. "I'll stay here and look after
the boat."

"You'll do nothing of the kind," retorted John promptly. "If you stay I
shall stay with you."

It finally was agreed that the four boys should be taken on board the
Caledonia and that one of the crew of the yacht should take his place
on board the Black Growler and do his best to see that she was guided
aright while she was being towed by the larger boat.

The big yacht was drifting steadily nearer the motor-boat and in a
brief time it was possible for a rope to be cast. The boys succeeded in
making this fast and then the yacht swung around so that the Black
Growler was in the lea.

In spite of the rough water the boys succeeded in making their way to
the deck of the yacht while one of the crew took his place on board the
Black Gro