now, and we can go on little excursions.

Ned's harmless trick to get the party to a shady spot was successful.
The professor headed for the little clump of trees looking, the while,
for a horned toad, but he saw none of the queer creatures.

"My, but it's hot!" exclaimed Bob, as he sat down on the ground.

"Oh, it will be worse than this, some days," said Rose. "We are
getting used to it. But suppose we go down to the seashore? It's not
far, and there is a very pretty view."

"Perhaps I can get a horned toad there," put in the professor
hopefully.

After a short rest in the shade the little party headed for the beach.
As they came in sight of it from a small hill, the boys uttered
exclamations of delight, for a beautiful expanse of water was
stretched out before them,-- the Pacific ocean sparkling blue in the
sun.

"Oh, for our motor boat!" exclaimed Jerry. "Oh, for the Dartaway!
Couldn't we have fine sport in her, out on that bay!"

"Don't speak of it!" said Ned with a groan.

"What, is the Dartaway lost?" asked Rose.

"Gone! Busted! Smashed!" exclaimed Bob, and the boys all tried to talk
at once, telling of the disaster that had befallen their craft.