"Um," grunted Jerry, not altogether pleased that a young fellow with a
motor boat should come along, and claim the girls who, of course,
would naturally prefer a power craft to one propelled by oars.

Rose waved her handkerchief and, in answer the captain of the Ripper
sent out three shrill blasts as a salute.

"Oh, isn't that fine! He's coming over here!" exclaimed Rose. "I'll
introduce you boys to him."

Neither Ned nor Bob looked very pleased at the prospect of meeting a
youth who might be a rival in entertaining the girls, but there was no
help for it.

On came the Ripper, and, as she approached, the motor boys could not
help admiring her. The craft was powerful and swift, much more so than
the Dartaway had been. It was considerably larger, too, and had an
enclosed cabin.

"That's a dandy!" exclaimed Jerry in spite of himself.

"It's a peach!" was Ned's half-spoken comment.

"All to the mustard!" came Bob's characteristic comment.

"Want a ride, or a tow?" called Charlie Farson, when he got within
hailing distance, and he slowed down his craft.

"I guess we'll ride, if you'll tow our boats," replied Rose, for she
knew the young fellow fairly well.