're all chums, an' it's
the Motor Boat Club we do be represinting. Along the coast we're
bound, on a long cruise, by the same token."

The young fellow appeared interested at once.

"Say, that's nice," he remarked. "I bet you'll have a bully good time
of it, too. Headed up or down, may I ask?"

He sat there, as much at his ease as though on an ocean steamer,
instead of a frail little machine that sprawled upon the heaving waves
very much as Jack had seen a big "darning needle," known also as a
"mosquito hawk," do on occasion.

"Florida, by the inside route, and then perhaps along the gulf to New
Orleans," replied the skipper of the _Tramp_, in as careless a voice as
he could command, just as though a voyage that might cover a thousand
or two miles was hardly worth mentioning.

The owner of the hydro-aeroplane whistled, to indicate his surprise.
His whole manner showed the keen interest he immediately took in such a
glorious prospect; and Jack guessed instantly from this that he
possessed the true love for outdoor life and sport.

"That's simply immense," remarked the other, with what might seem like
an envious sigh. "I can see where your little crowd have a mighty fine
time ahead. Wish I could get off to accompany you; but even if I had
an invite, my contracts with the company would not allow me. But later
on I am to give some exhibitions in the South; and wouldn't it be
strange now if we happened to meet up with each other again?"

Jack rather liked his looks, and of course immediately expressed the
hope that circumstances might throw them together again some fine day.

"I'd be glad to see more of you, and learn something about your
experiences, for ten to one you've seen some rough times in your air
journeys," he remarked, as he leaned on the side of the _Tramp's_
cabin, and let his wondering eyes travel over the peculiar mechanism of
the queer air and water craft combined.

"Well, rather," smiled the other, nodding his head in a friendly way,
as though possibly he had been taken just as much by the frank and
fearless face of the motor boat skipper as Jack was by his countenance
and bearing. "Might I ask what your names are, in case we ever do run
together again?"

He had a notebook and pencil in his hands while speaking, and Jack
quite willing to oblige, called off the roster of the Motor Boat Club,
with the names of the three craft included.

"This is a great pleasure to me, I give you my word, J