“It’s going to storm all night,” Tom broke in. “It won’t do us no good to wait.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Mary gave in reluctantly. “I’ll get the things ready.”
She went to the kitchen, returning in about ten minutes with a package which she dropped down on the table.
“There’s enough food to last us a couple of days if necessary,” she informed her companions.
“Then I guess everything’s ready,” Tom said with a critical glance about the room. “The motorboat is loaded with gas and is a raring to go. She’ll ride this storm like a bird.”
Now that the time of departure had arrived, Tom Tozzle was in high spirits. The storm held no terrors for the veteran riverman, but rather offered a challenge which he was eager to accept. Mary and Bud Mason did not share his enthusiasm for the adventure.
As Nancy Drew thought of what was in store for her, she shuddered. She knew that it was dangerous to attempt a journey on the river during the storm, and the reckless gleam in Tom Tozzle’s eye told her that he would probably prove a foolhardy pilot. Her unpleasant meditation was rudely interrupted as Bud grasped her by the shoulders and pulled her to her feet.
“Hold on there,” Tom cried. “We can’t take her that way. She’ll let out a yell the minute she gets outside.”
“Gag her,” Mary directed.
“Oh, please don’t put that thing in my mouth again,” Nancy pleaded. “I promise I won’t cry out for help.”