"Dirty, of course," she commented disgustedly. "Have you any sand-paper?"
He found a bit after more fumbling, and watched her while she scrubbed the metal points until they were bright. Then she replaced the plug and screwed it into position with a vigorous twist of the wrench.
The boatman had settled back in his place. After that she found a screw-driver and removed the cover from the float-chamber in the carbureter. A brief inspection of this mysterious compartment satisfied her.
"Now spin that fly-wheel," she said abruptly, rising from her knees and moving aside to make room for him.
The boatman spun the fly-wheel, not once, but many times. Twice the engine started, only to stop after a few revolutions.
"It’s abominable!" exclaimed the passenger. "What do you propose to do?"
"Nothing, I guess," replied the boatman. "You’ve done more things now than I ever knew could be done. Don’t suppose you damaged anything, do you?"
She glared at him, then turned her scorching glance out upon the river.
The boatman followed the line of her pointing finger and discerned the lights of a craft that was bearing rather closely toward them.
"Do you think they will help us?" she asked.
"They must! I can’t stay here all night. Hail them!"
He put two fingers between his lips and sent forth a shrill whistle.
"Do you call that a hail?" she exclaimed, rising to her feet. She made a miniature megaphone of her hands and flung a vigorous "Ahoy!" across the water.
The boat was closer now. Presently there was an answering voice.
The question affected the boatman like a shock of electricity. He started from his seat, leaned over the gunwale, and squinted through the gloom.
"Breakdown," called Miss Chalmers. "What boat is that?"
Before Miss Chalmers could answer a voice at her ear boomed out:
She turned in amazement upon the boatman, who was now on his knees in front of the engine, his face hidden from her.
The jingling of a bell from across the water interrupted her. Then she heard the churning of a propeller, and the dark outline of the yacht began to move again.
"How could you! How _dare_ you! Are you mad? Do you think—"
She broke off and sent another hail in the direction of the yacht. But that craft had disappeared in the night, and there was no answering call.