"They are actually going to tour the lake with us," declared Ed.
"If that isn't nerve!"
"Don't complain," cautioned Cora, "perhaps the longer the run the
lighter the fine. And we are just waiting for our next allowance."
"And, being a pretty motor-boat, they will make it a pretty fine,"
mused Walter. "I would like to dip that fellow."
"Yes, they are going to let us tour the lake hitched on to the
police boat! The situation is most unpleasant. But there is no way
out of it," said Ed, sullenly.
"Suppose they won't take a fine, and want to lock us up?" asked
Belle.
"If it were only one night in jail, I'd take it just to fool the man
who wants the money, but I am afraid it might be ten days and that
would be inconvenient," Jack remarked, as the police boat steamed
off with the Petrel trailing. "They call this law. It may be the
law but not its intention. We were almost landed, and just about to
light up. I tell you they just need the money."
When they reached the bungalow, where judge Brown held his court,
the three young men entered with the inspector, and when the judge
had satisfied himself that he could not ask more than five dollars
and costs for this "first offence" the fine was paid and the matter
settled. Belle and Bess were greatly relieved when the culprits
came back to the Petrel. They had a hidden fear that something else
disgraceful might happen; perhaps the judge would detain the boys,
or perhaps the girls would have to go in to testify.
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