Leo was now allowed to assume control, and, by
dint of much coaxing and encouragement, at length succeeded in leading
him to Mr. Gordon's barn. The wagon was here unloaded, after which Leo
leaped into it, crying, "Come on, old fellow; that's all!" And Winkie,
shaking his mane, as if felicitating himself that the disagreeable task
was over, started off with much satisfaction.
"I'll be back again this afternoon," his little master shouted to the
others as he drove away; "but--I think I'll walk!"
For the next fortnight the lads spent the greater part of the time in
the Gordon barn. Such a hammering and sawing as went on there! At
first the proceedings were enveloped in an air of mystery. Jack's
father suspected that they were preparing for an amateur circus
performance. His mother wondered at the interest manifested in the
repair of the chicken-coops. Some experiment was in progress, she was
sure; but what? At last the secret came out. They were building a
boat!
Jack and Rob did it all. "The little boys"--as they were accustomed to
call Jim and Leo, much to the chagrin of the latter--were not permitted
to have anything to say.
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