"I don't believe it is, a bit," said Olivia. "Everyone thinks the
Pacific ocean is very peaceful, because the name indicates that. But
old fishermen here have told me there are terrible storms, which come
up quite unexpectedly, and that at times there are dreadful fogs."

"Well, we're not afraid," boasted Bob. "Are we fellows?"

"Oh, I guess we can manage to run the boat," replied Jerry, who was
critically examining the machinery. "If you girls want to go for a
spin, I think I can guarantee to get you safely back."

"Oh, we're not afraid on a day like this," replied Nellie. "There's no
sign of a storm. Come on girls."

She and her sisters got in, followed by Ned and Bob. Jerry was already
in the small cabin, set aside for the engineer. He was testing various
wheels and levers, seeing that the oil feed cups worked well, and
looking to the sparking system.

"All ready?" he asked.

"Let her go, Captain Jerry," called Bob, as he cast off the lines, and
the Ripper, with her new commander and crew, started off.

Jerry found he could manage the engine about as well as the one that
had been in the Dartaway. He soon had the motor going almost at full
speed, and the way the boat cut through the water was a revelation to
the boys. They had never ridden so fast in a motor boat before.
Straight out to sea Jerry headed the craft, and the weather was so
pleasant, the water so calm, and the sense of swift motion so