CHAPTER XII

Produced by Charles Keller. HTML version by Al Haines.

THE GO AHEAD BOYS AND THE RACING MOTOR-BOAT

BY

ROSS KAY

Author of "Dodging the North Sea Mines," "With Joffre on the Battle

Line," "Fighting in France," "The Go Ahead Boys on Smugglers' Island,"

"The Go Ahead Boys and the Treasure Cave," etc. etc.

Preface

Every normal boy loves a motor-boat, but words fail to express his

enthusiasm when that boat is also a racer. Behind the events recorded

in this story are certain facts, so that the tale is largely true. The

author will be glad if the account of life in the open, the adventures

and fortunes, good or ill, the contests and exciting experiences

interest his readers even partly as much as they did the boys who

shared in the actual occurrences. I have tried to write a story filled

with action, but devoid of sensationalism and false representations. If

my boy friends enjoy the company of the Go Ahead boys I shall feel

repaid for my labor.

Ross Kay

CONTENTS

I THE START

II ON THE WAY

III JOHN DISAPPEARS

IV THE LOST IS FOUND

V THE MISSING BAG

VI IN THE TAVERN

VII AN UNWELCOME PARTY

VIII THE COMING OF THE CALEDONIA

IX A FRIEND IN NEED

X IN TROUBLE

XI RESCUED

XII A BATTLE WITH ARMS AND LEGS

XIII A SURPRISE

XIV A SURPRISING PASSENGER

XV AN UPSET

XVI THE RESCUE

XVII SENDING FOR SAM

XVIII A TEST

XIX THE LOST FISH

XX SAM'S WARNING

XXI THE SUMMONS IN THE NIGHT

XXII A COLLISION

XXIII THE CALL IN THE NIGHT

XXIV THE MAN IN THE BOAT-HOUSE

XXV THE OWNER OF THE BOND

XXVI CONCLUSION

THE GO AHEAD BOYS AND THE RACING MOTOR-BOAT

CHAPTER I

THE START

"Here we go!"

"We're off!"

"Look quick, or we'll be out of your sight."

The long, low motor-boat glided smoothly out from the dock to which it

had been made fast. Behind it the water boiled as if it had been

stirred by some invisible furnace. The graceful lines of the boat, its

manifest power and speed, formed a fitting complement to the bright

sunshine and clear air which rested over the waters of the Hudson River.

On the dock, which the Black Growler was leaving so rapidly behind her,

were assembled various members of the families represented by the four

boys on board the motor-boat. Younger brothers and sisters, two uncles,

several aunts, not to mention the various fathers and mothers united in

a final word of farewell. Handkerchiefs were waved and the sounds of

the last faint call came across the intervening waters.

The Black Growler was leaving Yonkers to be gone more than a month. The

trip was one to which the Go Ahead boys had looked forward with

steadily increasing interest.

In the first place the boat belonged to Fred Button, one of the

quartet. Fred now was at the wheel and the expression of pride on his

face as he occasionally glanced behind him at his companions was one

that indicated something of the feeling in his heart. And indeed there

was a substantial basis for Fred's pride. Among the many boats on the

river the Black Growler moved as if she belonged in a class of her own.

People on board the cat boats or yachts, and even the passengers on a

great passing steamer, all stood looking with manifest interest at the

dark-colored little boat which was speeding over the waters almost like

a thing alive.

Fred Button, the owner and present pilot of the swift motor-boat was

the smallest, or at least the shortest, of the four boys. His age was

the same as that of his companions, all of whom were about seventeen.

His round body and rounder face were evidences that in time what Fred

lacked in length he might provide in breadth. Among his companions he

was a great favorite and frequently was called by one of the several

nicknames which his comrades had bestowed upon him. Peewee or Pygmy,

the latter sometimes shortened to Pyg, were names to which he answered

almost as readily as to his Christian name.

His most intimate friend of the four was John Clemens, whose nickname,

"String," indicated what his physique was. He was six feet three inches

in height, although his weight was not much more than that of the more

diminutive Fred. "The long and the short of it" the two boys sometimes

were called when they were seen together.

Grant was the one member of the Go Ahead boys who easily led in

whatever he attempted. His standing in school was high and his time in

the hundred yards dash stood now as a school record. His fund of

general information was so large that some years before, in a joke he

had been dubbed Socrates. That expressive name, however, had recently

been shortened to Soc.

George Washington Sanders, one of the most popular boys in his school,

frequently was referred to as Pop, by which designation his friends

indirectly expressed their admiration for one who, even if he bore the

name of the Father of his Country, was laughingly referred to as the

Papa of the Land. This nickname in the course of time had been

shortened to Pop.

Already the four Go Ahead boys had had several stirring experiences in

their summer vacations. One of these had been spent at Mackinac Island

where their adventures had been chiefly concerned with Smugglers'

Island. Together they had made a voyage to the West Indies where their

experiences on a desert island have been already recorded.[1] Together

they had investigated the mysteries connected with an old house near

George's country home, a place shunned by the country folk because of

its reputation of being haunted.[2] Another delightful summer had been

spent by the boys in a camp in the Canadian woods.[3] All these

experiences had only prepared the way for the days which now were

confronting them.

Every one was confident that the Black Growler would give a good

account of herself in the motor-boat races which were to be held on the

St. Lawrence River. The grandfather of Fred Button, who was the

fortunate owner of an island in the majestic river, had invited the

boys to spend a month with him in his cottage. Incidentally he had

explained that their visit would be at the time when the boat races

occurred, which he had no question they all would greatly enjoy. He was

unaware that Mr. Button had already purchased a motor-boat of marvelous

speed, although at the time he had no thought that it would be entered

in any contest or races.

Yielding to Fred's persuasions at last his father had somewhat

reluctantly given his consent for the boat to be entered, as well as

for Fred to invite the other three Go Ahead boys to spend the coming

weeks together on the island.

All these thoughts were more or less in the minds of the Go Ahead boys

when the Black Growler swiftly started on her long voyage.

"Are you going to keep her going like this all the time?" demanded John

as the swift little boat steadily continued on her way.

"She doesn't like to slow up," replied Fred glancing behind him as he

spoke.

"She had better slow up than blow up," retorted John.

"No danger of that," laughed Fred. "The first thing you know we'll be

in the canal."

"I hope not," laughed Grant. "It will be a great day when the Go Ahead

boys learn how to use the English language. You don't mean 'in' the

canal, you mean 'on' the canal."

"Perhaps he means what my grandfather used to call the 'ragin'

canawl'," suggested Grant.

"Maybe we'll be both IN it and ON it," laughed Fred. "If we should

happen to strike a rock or bump into another boat it wouldn't be very

hard to understand what would follow."

"That makes me think," said Grant solemnly. "Are you sure that you know

how to steer? If we were traveling on the Erie Canal as they used to go

soon after it was opened--"

"When was that?" broke in George.

"1825. The Erie Canal extended from Albany to Lake Erie and was

constructed chiefly because DeWitt Clinton worked for it with might and

main from 1817 to 1825."

"Good for you!" laughed George, "It's pretty hard to trip up old Soc

when it comes to figures. Now, I myself happen to know how long the

canal is and so I shall be able to tell whether you reeled off your

figures, depending upon our ignorance or whether you gave them because

you knew what they are. How long is the Erie Canal?" he added slowly.

"Three hundred and fifty and one-half miles, though I find some

authorities give it as three hundred and fifty-two miles," laughed

Grant.

"Splendid! Splendid!" retorted George solemnly. "I suppose you know all

about all the other great canals too."

"I have looked them up," replied Grant simply. "I don't believe in

starting off on a trip like ours without finding out some of the facts

connected with it."

"Don't ask me! Don't ask me!" protested John quickly. "I haven't been

looking them up, so I don't know."

"I didn't say I was going to ask you," retorted Grant. "I told you I

was going to inform you. I looked them up for the benefit of my

benighted companions. Now there's the Cape Cod Canal," he added. "I

don't believe there's one of you that knows anything about it."

"If we don't stop you, there won't be one of us that doesn't know ALL

about it," said John, pretending to be discouraged by the attitude of

his friend. "I suppose we'll have to have it," he added solemnly, "so

the sooner we get it out of the way the better. Tell us and have it

over with."

"The Cape Cod Canal," said Grant as he looked sternly at John, "is

eight miles long, it is twenty-five feet deep and one hundred feet

wide."

"My, now I am almost ready to go back home!" said George solemnly. "I

cannot imagine finding out anything more important than that. Have you

noticed these Palisades we have been passing? Did you ever see anything

more beautiful than the river? Pretty soon we'll come to the Highlands

and to West Point and I want to say to you right now, Soc, that I would

rather know about these things than I would to hear about a ditch that

is one hundred feet wide and twenty-five feet deep and eight miles

long. What's the good of knowing that anyway?"

"I shall try to improve your mind before we come back home," said

Grant, shaking his head.

"You don't expect to accomplish much in just a month, do you?"

interposed George.

"Not much more than to get ready to prepare to begin to start to

commence on the contract."

"My, what a fluent talker my friend is!" said George. "He never is at a

loss for a word. It doesn't make any difference to him whether he knows

what it means or not."

"Never mind your old facts and figures," spoke up Fred. "I want you to

notice that big! black yacht yonder. Isn't she a beauty?"

"She is that," replied Grant with enthusiasm. "I can almost make out

her name," he added as he looked through the field-glasses. "There it

is C-a-l-e-Caledonia," he added quickly.

"They have got quite a good many people on board," suggested George as

he noticed a group of boys and girls near the rail, who apparently were

as deeply interested in the motor-boat as the Go Ahead boys were in the

big, black yacht.

"Let's have a race with her," suggested George. "Start her up, Fred,

and see if the yacht will try to keep up with us."

Fred laughingly complied with the request, although neither of his

companions had any suspicion of the many experiences they were to have

with the passengers and crew of the Caledonia before either vessel

returned to New York.

[1] See "The Go Ahead Boys and The Treasure Cave."

[2] "The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House."

[3] See "The Go Ahead Boys and the Island Camp."

CHAPTER II

ON THE WAY

The proposed race, however, did not take place. The graceful Caledonia

steadily continued on her way without increasing her speed. There were

calls from the deck where the boys noticed several young people

standing near the rail. It was plain that there was great admiration on

each boat for the beauty and speed of the other. There were calls and

cheers, and waving of handkerchiefs to express their feelings. Perhaps

it was in part due to this fact that the Black Growler soon began to

pull away from the larger boat and not long afterward the Caledonia was

left far behind.

"That's the kind of a boat I'm going to have when I get rich!" said

George enthusiastically. "I should like to spend about four months a

year on board a craft like that."

"That's all right," spoke up Grant, "but I think after about two months

of it you would want something else. You see I know you better than you

know yourself."

"Yes, I see," retorted George sharply. "You make me think of what Josh

Billings said that 'it's a good deal better not to know so many things

than it is to know so many things that ain't so!'"

"Never you mind, fellows," spoke up Fred. "This boat suits me all

right. You wait until you see that cup the Black Growler is going to

win."

"I hope we shan't have to wait too long," said John dryly.

"You'll wait until the race comes off," declared Fred. "I'm not taking

any cups before I win them, but when the time comes you wait and see me

run away from any boat that tries to keep up with us. I have been on

the St. Lawrence before and unless there is something a good deal

better than I have ever seen there, we shall simply show our heels to

any motor-boats on the river. And they say there are more motor-boats

between Clayton and Ogdensburg than anywhere else in America."

"How many?" inquired John.

"I have been told that there are more than a thousand."

"Well," said George, "I'm deeply impressed by the modesty of Peewee. He

simply thinks this boat will outclass nine hundred and ninety-nine

others that will be madly chasing him all summer long, trying to keep

pace with him."

"But he hasn't won the cup yet," said Grant quietly.

"That's right. That's right," spoke up Fred, pretending to be annoyed

by the bantering of his friends. "There are always some people that try

to take the joy out of life. I heard of an old man the other day who

was so disgruntled that when he met a friend on the street who saluted

him with a hearty 'good morning' this old man looked all over the sky

to make sure he couldn't find a cloud somewhere and say that it wasn't

a 'good' morning."

"What did he do if he didn't find any?" laughed George.

"Why he put his hand on his stomach as if he had a pain and shook his

head and closed his eyes and groaned out, 'Yes, it's a fine day, but I

am sure it is a weather-breeder. We'll have rain to-morrow.'"

"Do you know there are a lot of people like that?" said George. "I met

an old woman up near our farm one summer who always said when anybody

asked her how she was that she 'enjoyed' poor health. And I guess she

did. I never knew any one who took such pride in her aches and pains as

she did. One day when the doctor had been to see her she had told him

all the pains she suffered and the poor old doctor had to sit there and

listen to her for almost an hour. Finally, when he left she started out

of the house after him calling to him to come back because she had just

thought of another ache that she hadn't told him about."

The boys laughed and silence for a time rested upon the little boat.

The Black Growler was moving swiftly and still was attracting attention

from every boat she met. Following the channel they kept well out in

the river, but the towering hills and the attractive shores were all

within sight and manifestly did much to impress the Go Ahead boys.

"Tell me, Fred," spoke up John at last. "Do they have these races on

the St. Lawrence every summer?"

"They have had for the past few years and they have had water sports

too."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, they have swimming, tilting contests, canoe races, diving and I

don't know what all."

"Did you ever go in any of them?" inquired John.

A solemn expression came over Fred's face as he said, "Yes, once."

"What did you go into?"

"I tried to walk the greased pole. There was a silver cup on the end of

it and the fellow who could walk out and take it could claim it."

"Did you get the cup?"

"I did not," replied Fred shortly.

"I'm surprised, Peewee. I don't know a fellow in all my acquaintance

that I think could walk better on a greased pole than you."

"Huh," muttered Fred. "You ought to have seen me. That pole was a part

of a telegraph pole. It stuck out from the dock about fifteen feet. It

was covered with grease and the grease had been rubbed in."

"How many times were you allowed to try?" asked George.

"Five."

"And you couldn't go in five trials?"

"I didn't go. The first time I stepped on the pole my feet flew out

from under me and I sat down on the river about six or seven feet

below. I sat down hard too."

"Did you enjoy it?" laughed John.

"I did not," replied Fred slowly, "but the people on the docks and

along the banks seemed to have a fine time."

"What did you do next?" laughed George.

"I tied some old sacking on my feet and tried to wipe up the grease as

I went along."

"And didn't that work?"

"Nay, verily it didn't work. I took my seat that time on the pole and

then when I slipped, I tried to throw my arms around it. But for some

good reason I didn't delay very long, before I dropped with a splash

into the St. Lawrence."

"I hope they will have those things this summer," spoke up John.

"You would be a good one to walk on a greased pole," said George

soberly. "You wouldn't take much space and if you could once get a

footing you could reach forward almost to the end and grab the cup."

"If I did," retorted John, "you can rest easy that I wouldn't let go of

it."

"How soon do we come to West Point?" inquired Grant.

"In about an hour," answered Fred.

"Do you know, I sometimes think I should like to go there," said George.

"Couldn't be done, my son," spoke up John.

"Why can't it be done?"

"Because a fellow that enters West Point has to pass an examination."

"Don't you think I could pass it?" demanded George as his friends

laughed.

"It depends on what it is," answered John.

"If they would examine you about the old Meeker House and running tin

tubes from the kitchen into the front room and a few other things like

that maybe you would pass."[1]

"That's all right," spoke up George promptly. "I know something about

what a fellow has to do before he passes the West Point examinations

anyway and that's more than some fellows I know can say."

"What do you know that we don't?" inquired John.

"How old does a fellow have to be to enter West Point?" demanded George.

"I don't know," replied John somewhat foolishly. "I suppose he has to

be about eighteen, at least I suppose a fellow eighteen could enter."

"Could he enter if he was twenty-one?" inquired George.

"He could," spoke up Grant. "A fellow has to be between seventeen and

twenty-two years of age before he can take the preliminary

examinations. But there's another qualification almost as necessary,"

he added. "He has got to be free from infirmities."

"No hope for Pop then," said John solemnly. "He has too many

infirmities."

"What, for example?" demanded George.

"His appetite is abnormal, his confidence in himself colossal, his

willingness to condescend to the level of his superiors is--"

"You're getting all mixed up," interrupted George. "A fellow has to

pass a good physical examination and that is all there is to it. Of

course if he has too long a tongue or too small a head it might shut

him out."

"Of course," assented John. "How does a fellow get a chance to try the

examination anyway?"

"He has to be named by his congressman. Most of them, I guess, have a

preliminary examination for all the boys that want to enter and then

select the one who passes the best examination. But even if he passes,

his troubles have only begun, for they make every fellow work his way."

"The government appropriates some money for every cadet, doesn't it?"

inquired John.

"Yes," replied George, "$709.50 per year. That is supposed to cover the

necessary expenses. It is not only hard work but the boys don't get but

one leave of absence in all the course, and even that isn't given until

after the first two years."

"But they have vacations, don't they?" inquired John.

"If you want to call them vacations," laughed Grant. "From about the

middle of June to the end of August the cadets go into camp. They are

busy every day."

"What does a fellow have to pass an examination in in order to enter

West Point?"

"English grammar, English composition, algebra through quadratic

equations, plane geometry, descriptive geography, physical geography,

United States history and the outlines of general history."

"I think I'll go if that's all," laughed John, who was well known to

have troubles with most of his examinations in school.

"Look at that boat over yonder!" suddenly interrupted Fred, pointing to

a motor-boat about one hundred feet away. "It looks to me as if it was

trying to pass us."

"That's just what it is trying to do," said Grant eagerly.

"Don't you let them do it, Peewee."

"That's just what I intend not to do," said Fred resolutely.

In a moment the speed of the Black Growler was increased, but it was

also manifest as the boys glanced behind them that the boat they had

noticed was in swift pursuit.

[1] See "The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House."

CHAPTER III

JOHN DISAPPEARS

The rival boat was distant about one hundred feet, moving in a line

nearly parallel with that which the Black Growler was following.

"I believe I have seen that boat before," muttered Fred. "Can any of

you fellows make out the name?"

George hastily took the field-glasses and gazed earnestly at the

swiftly moving boat. "I can make out some of the letters, Fred," he

said slowly. "I can see V--a--r, the next letter looks like n."

"What's that?" demanded Fred abruptly.

"I can't make out the whole of it yet," answered George. "I don't see

what Varn spells anyway."

"You better look again," suggested Fred. "I think I know the boat. I

guess it's the Varmint."

"That's it," said George quickly. "Only there's something right after

the word. I can't just see what that is."

"Here, let me take those glasses," said Grant quickly. "I don't believe

you can find anything. Your mother told me that she doesn't want any

better evidence that your clothes are hanging in the right places in

the closet than for you to say that you had looked for them and they

aren't there."

"Listen to the words of our modest friend," said George as he handed

the glasses to his comrade. "Grant is a good boy. The only difficulty

with him is he doesn't realize how good he is."

"If he doesn't," spoke up John, "it isn't because he doesn't try."

"Keep still, fellows," said Grant, waving his hand at the other Go

Ahead boys. "I'm just about to find out what the name of that

motor-boat that is beating us--"

"'Beating' us nothing!" interrupted Fred. "Can't you see that she isn't

gaining a foot?"

"I can't even see her name yet," said Grant. "You had better slow up a

bit, Pygmy. That will give you a good excuse."

In response, Fred increased the power of the fast moving motor-boat.

"I have it. I have it," called Grant exultantly a moment later. "It is

Varmint II."

"It is what?" demanded Fred quickly as he glanced behind him for a

moment.

"Varmint II, that's what it is," said Grant positively. "What do you

know about that?"

Fred was silent a moment before he replied. "Two years ago when I was

visiting at my grandfather's I saw the Varmint run away from all the

boats in the race. This must be a new one and if she's swifter than the

other one then there will be some race, let me tell you. I'm going to

try her out a little now."

In accordance with his words Fred changed the course which the Black

Growler was following until he was nearer the rival boat. It was plain

now that the crew of the Varmint II were deeply interested in the Black

Growler. They were watching her movements and eagerly talking to the

man at the wheel.

For several minutes the race continued and then abruptly the Varmint II

shut off part of her power and speedily dropped behind.

"I told you what would happen," said Fred exultantly. "I would like to

run away from that boat in a race. There isn't a boat on the St.

Lawrence I would like better to beat."

"But you don't even know she is going to be on the St. Lawrence or in

that race," suggested John.

"That's right. That's right," said Fred dolefully. "There's always

somebody taking the joy out of life. You mark my words, that boat is

going to the St. Lawrence and we'll find her in the race when we leave

the stake."

"I hope so," said Grant. "It will be a great race if she's in it! But

honestly, Fred, if you knew a little more about steering a boat I think

you could win from her. How would it do for you to get somebody to

steer, the day of the race?"

"That's right," spoke up George quickly. "All the Black Growler needs

is a pilot."

"That--is--most--certainly true," said John slowly, winking at Grant as

he spoke.

"Huh," spoke up Fred. "It's a pity there isn't enough gray matter

somewhere in this crowd to spell me at the wheel. I have run all the

way from New York and I'm tired and yet there isn't a fellow here who

is able to steer this boat."

"Beg your pardon," said John. "Ill steer her with great gladness."

"I don't doubt your 'gladness,'" said Fred. "What I'm afraid of is your

ability. If it was Grant now steering and we struck a rock he would

never own up that that wasn't the very place he was steering for.

However, String, take hold here awhile and give me a rest."

"Where are we going to stop for dinner?" inquired George. "This mad

race has brought on an attack of hunger with me."

"That's all right," laughed Fred. "I think the only thing you can say

is that you are less hungry some times than others. We can stop

anywhere you want."

"Then I say we stop at Poughkeepsie," said Grant.

"Poughkeepsie will do for me all right," said John soberly.

A half-hour later the graceful little motor-boat was lying alongside a

dock at Poughkeepsie. Two of the boys had remained on board to guard

their possessions while two had gone to a restaurant to purchase a

luncheon with which they were to return to the boat.

John and George had volunteered their services for the latter purpose

and about fifteen minutes after their departure George was seen

returning to the dock, his arms well laden with packages of fruit and

sandwiches.

"Where's String?" Fred asked as his friend stepped on board and

deposited his packages.

"I don't know. I lost him up here."

"Poor John. Lost in Poughkeepsie. I'm afraid we'll have to advertise."

"There's one thing we won't do though," said Grant.

"What's that?" inquired Fred.

"We shan't wait for him to come before we begin operations."

"It does my heart good to hear you speak so truthfully," said George,

as at once he opened the packages and passed the various articles of

food which he had obtained.

So busily engaged were the boys that time passed rapidly and a

half-hour later George said, "What do you suppose has become of that

fellow? I told you that his mother said that he was worse than I am and

couldn't find any of his belongings, but I didn't know that he would

lose himself."

"Have you ever been in Poughkeepsie?" inquired Grant soberly.

"I have never stopped here."

"Then I have no need for other explanations. I know what has become of

John."

"Then you'll be the one to go and get him."

"I guess not," laughed Fred.

"No, if he doesn't show up within fifteen minutes the Black Growler

proceeds gracefully on its way and leaves little Johnnie to come after

us. Maybe he can work his way by driving mules for a canal boat."

"There isn't any canal here," said Fred.

"Well, we'll leave it to him to settle the way he will come. We shan't

wait for him."

"Who's captain of this ship, anyway?" spoke up Fred.

"That's the question that has often puzzled me too," said Grant soberly.

"Well, I am," said Fred.

"You are? Then let me tell you, Captain Peewee, you will have a mutiny

on your hands before you know it. This boat is going on to Albany. We

have got to get there to-night and if John doesn't care enough about

going with us he will have to take the consequences. Do you know I

think he may have lost his nerve and gone back home."

"Don't you believe it," said Fred sharply. "John will be here in a few

minutes. He never will lose his nerve."

Fifteen minutes however elapsed and still the absent member of the Go

Ahead boys did not return.

When fifteen more minutes had passed, Fred, who had insisted that some

investigation should be made and a search for John begun, was overruled

by his two companions and in spite of the captain's protests, the Black

Growler slipped quickly away from the dock and proceeded steadily on

her way up the Hudson.

There were no mishaps although twice Fred stopped to secure fresh

supplies of gasoline. No trace of the Varmint II had been seen and if

she too was headed for the far away St. Lawrence, there was nothing to

indicate the fact. And yet Fred became more positive with the passing

minutes that among his rivals in the race in which his own swift

motor-boat was already entered, would be found the boat whose pursuit

he had found it so difficult to shake off.

The boys by the middle of the afternoon were tired. There was no

opportunity for exercise and in spite of the beauty of the region

through which they were passing there was a certain monotony in their

voyage which at last became wearisome.

The sun was sinking low in the western sky when Fred at last said, "I

think we'll make Albany in about an hour."

"Do you think we'll find String there?" inquired George.

"I hope so. If it was any other of the Go Ahead boys I would say we

would be sure to find him there, but no one knows what Jack will do.

The only certain thing about him is his uncertainty. Don't you

remember--"

"I'm telling you," interrupted Grant, "that we'll find John waiting for

us at the dock. He knows where we're going to land."

"If String is there I'll agree to pay for the dinner to-night," said

George. "My own feeling is that he hasn't left Poughkeepsie yet."

It was still light when at last the Black Growler approached the dock

where she was to be tied up for the night. The three Go Ahead boys were

peering ahead of them with interest, every one looking among the men on

the docks for their missing companion.

CHAPTER IV

THE LOST IS FOUND

"He isn't there," exclaimed George gleefully. "I'm safe on my dinner."

"I believe you are right," said Fred in a low voice after he had

glanced along the docks several times searching for his missing friend.

"Of course I'm right," said George. "I am always right. That's the

reason why your fond parents wanted me to go with you on this trip.

Somebody has to go along who understands modern life, so I reluctantly

gave up my own convenience and came along to look after these poor

benighted Go Ahead boys."

"Keep quiet a minute, George," said Grant, "we all appreciate your

kindness. Just now, however, I would rather see String than hear you."

"Not seeing String you must listen to me," laughed George again. "Let

me see, I don't buy the dinner, and it seems to me that one or the

other of my friends agreed to provide one if I was mistaken about John."

"No such agreement was made," declared Fred sharply.

"Is that so, Grant?" demanded George, turning to the remaining member

of the party.

"It certainly is," declared Grant. "You were the only one to make the

offer."

"Then I suppose I shall have to put up with it," said George

disconsolately. "Now as soon as we get everything ship-shape, we had

better go up to the hotel."

"Shall we take our bags or send down for them?" inquired Grant.

"If we don't take them some one else will," said Fred quickly. "We can

lock up everything else, but we don't want to leave anything on board

that can be taken away."

"Just as you say," said Grant, as taking his bag in his hand he stepped

quickly to the dock.

Already a small assembly had gathered and was commenting upon the

beauty of the little motor-boat. The pride of Fred had been satisfied

so many times throughout the day that he was not unduly moved now by

the words which he overheard. In a brief time he and his two companions

were walking up State Street and soon secured rooms for the night in

their hotel.

An hour later when they entered the dining-room they were amazed to

behold their missing friend John seated at a small table at which there

were three places besides the one he had taken.

For a moment the three Go Ahead boys stopped and gazed in amazement at

him, and then, without a word being spoken, all three silently advanced

to the table which he had reserved and apparently without recognizing

the presence of their friend at once seated themselves.

"Why don't you say something?" demanded John, a grin appearing on his

face as he spoke.

"I'm going to say something in a minute," said George. "I want to read

through this program first to find out what I'm to have for my dinner."

"'Program' is a good word," said Grant soberly. "When George has such a

chance to get a square meal he always has a regular program mapped out."

"That's all right," retorted George, without glancing up from the menu

card.

"Why don't you say something?" demanded John again.

"My friend," said Grant soberly, gazing a moment at John as he spoke,

"words are not adequate to express our feeling. How is it with you?"

"I'm fine," said John. "Why don't you ask me where I have been and how

I came to Albany?"

"You're in Albany and that is enough to satisfy all the curiosity we

have," said Grant.

"It doesn't satisfy me," said John. "When three fellows run away from

you and leave you high and dry in a city like Poughkeepsie why all I

can say is that--"

"That's enough to say, Johnnie. That will do," interrupted George,

waving his right hand at his friend.

"You are simply mistaken," said John, the grin appearing on his face

once more. "I want to tell you that whether you want it or not you are

going to hear from me and in more ways than one."

"'Threatened people live long,'" spoke up Fred. "At the same time,

String, you'll have to own up that we waited for you as long as we

thought we could before we started for Albany. I didn't want to be out

after dark in the Black Growler."

"I appreciate all your kind feelings," laughed John. "Now I want you to

sympathize with me. I had gone to half a dozen different places doing

my best to select certain good things for our luncheon. I had a choice

assortment too, let me tell you. Why Pop's eyes would have popped out

if he had seen what I had obtained, but alas when I came down to the

dock I saw the Growler running up the river as if she was trying to get

away from me."

"Did you come up by train?" inquired Fred.

"I did not come up by train," retorted John, speaking deliberately.

"How did you come?" asked George, interested now in spite of his effort

to appear indifferent.

"Didn't you see the aeroplane?" asked John.

"Aeroplane? No, we didn't see any," said Grant quickly.

"Well, I didn't either," said John, "so that's one way that I didn't

come."

"Oh, leave him alone," said George, "he is just bursting with his

story. He wants to tell us and we shan't be able to stop him, so let's

have our dinner and you may rest easy that before we are done you'll

know all of John's story and some beside. To-morrow it will grow big

and fast. It's like the pumpkins out in South Dakota. They say that a

man has to be on horseback when he plants them."

"How's that?" laughed John.

"Why the vines grow so fast that the only way he can escape is to put

his horse into his best paces. Even then they don't always escape."

"What happens if they are overtaken?" asked John.

"Oh, the pumpkin vines grow right around them and cover them up and

choke off their wind and do other various stunts."

"Fine! Fine," laughed John, "My story isn't growing like that though

let me tell you. This story is true. It's a complete narrative of

truthful John. I was about to turn back and make inquiries when I could

get an express train for Albany, when what should I see coming up to

the dock but the Varmint II. As soon as the people on board saw me they

immediately began to urge me to come with them. They had seen the

Growler just pulling out and leaving me in my unfortunate plight."

"I guess they suspected what you had in the basket," laughed Fred.

"That may be," acknowledged John. "At all events it saved them buying a

good spread, for they took me on board right away and we trailed you

all the way up the Hudson. I tell you, Peewee, it's a comfort to ride

in a good boat. That Varmint II can travel! Oh, I don't know how many

knots an hour!"

"Can she beat the Black Growler?" inquired Fred anxiously.

"Beat her! Beat her!" retorted John. "Why you would think the Black

Growler was standing still the Varmint can pull away from her so fast."

"I don't believe that," said Fred, shaking his head.

"Well, you will have to, for they are going to the same place we are.

They have entered her in the motor-boat races and as she belongs to the

same class that your tub does you will have a fine chance to see her

win the cup. That's about the only chance you'll have too, in my

opinion." John winked at George and Grant, who immediately in doleful

tones expressed their sympathy for Fred.

"It's too bad," declared George, "after a fellow's father has given him

a boat such as the Black Growler to find out that it doesn't stand any

show in the race. Now if you had found that out before you had bought

the boat, Fred, just think how much money, time, labor, trouble,

perplexity, sleeplessness, loss of appetite--"

"Never that," broke in Grant, shaking his head. "All the other things,

yes, but loss of appetite, never. Just look at him!"

John insisted upon relating his experiences and increased the interest

of his friends in spite of their efforts to appear indifferent when he

said there were three young people on board the Varmint, who were

expecting to spend the summer on an island near Fred's grandfather's

and were also confident that the boat race was to be the supreme event

of the summer.

In spite of his declaration that he was not anxious, it was plain to

his friends that Fred was somewhat cast down by the glowing reports

which his companion had brought concerning the swift rival motor-boat.

"To-morrow we'll be on the 'ragin' canawl,"' said Grant. "Now then, I

want to know if there is any fellow in this crowd who knows anything

about the world's great canals."

"We don't know anything," said Fred. "We heard you talking this

morning, but how much of what you said is true nobody knows, not even

yourself."

"It's all true," retorted Grant. "As I told you I wasn't willing to

start on a trip like this without knowing something about what I was

doing."

"When do you start on that new line?" laughed George.

"It doesn't make any difference," said Grant. "Now the Panama Canal,

for example belongs to the United States, doesn't it?"

"It does," acknowledged Fred.

"Well, now as a future citizen of this country just tell me between

what places that canal extends. If there is one fellow in this crowd

who can give me the right answer I will pay for the dinner for all the

Go Ahead boys."

"Panama," said John promptly.

"Panama what?" retorted Grant sharply.

"Why the Panama Canal is located at the City of Panama," said John

somewhat abashed by the manner of his friend.

"That's good as far as it goes," said Grant, "but I want to know if you

know where the other end of the canal is located."

The three boys looked blankly at one another and for an instant no one

spoke.

"The canal extends between Colon and the City of Panama," said Grant

hastily.

"That's exactly what I was going to say," said George. "You took the

words right out of my mouth. You did it so that you wouldn't have to

pay for the dinner to-morrow. I guess every one of us knows where the

Panama Canal is."

"All right," said Grant. "I'll take your word for it, if you'll tell me

how long it is."

Again there was silence among the Go Ahead boys as they glanced

foolishly at one another.

"Of course every young American is sure to know such simple facts as

that," said Grant condescendingly, "but for my own satisfaction, I am

willing to state that it is exactly fifty and one-half miles long."

"How deep is it?" said Fred sharply.

"It is about forty-one feet," answered Grant promptly. "Of course in

the lakes it is deeper than that and it is from three hundred to six

hundred and forty-nine feet wide. Why, I don't believe," he continued,

"that some American boys I happen to know although they passed right

through it, could tell me how long the Sault Ste. Marie Canal is. I

have a dim suspicion too that they don't know what it connects."

"I know that," said George. "It connects Lake Superior with St. Mary's

River and Lake Huron."

"I'm glad you're right once in your life," said Grant. "Now tell me how

long that canal is."

"I can't tell a lie, Mr. Schoolmaster," said George, "the Sault Ste.

Marie Canal is two miles long."

"All right, I don't have to buy the dinner to-morrow," said Grant.

"There may be some other things you'll have to do though," said John.

"You're not done with me yet. No, sir," he added emphatically "that is

NOT all!"

CHAPTER V

THE MISSING BAG

Early the following morning the Go Ahead boys were moving swiftly over

the waters of the Erie Canal. Most of the country through which they

were passing was new to them, and, rested as they were from the voyage

of the preceding day, they were deeply interested in the various scenes

through which they were moving.

The speedy Growler still aroused the interest of the people who saw the

graceful little boat. The speed at which Fred was driving was not as

great as when they had been on the Hudson. The stream was narrower and

frequently there were long canal-boats to be passed.

The experiences when they arrived at the locks were alike novel and

filled with interest. After they had watched the slowly rising waters

and several times had been lifted to a different level the novelty,

however, wore off and by the middle of the forenoon the Go Ahead boys

were beginning to tease one another.

"There's one thing," said John, "that's as fixed as the sun."

Nobody made any response to his startling suggestion and after he had

glanced quizzically at his companions John continued, "No crowd ever

left a fellow at Poughkeepsie and went on without him without having to

pay the price. I'm telling you, fellows, that just as sure as the sun

shines there's something coming to every one of you, and most of all to

Grant."

"Why am I selected for this special favor?" demanded Grant quickly.

"If you don't know there isn't any one who can tell you," retorted

John. "All I'm saying is that action and reaction are equal, even if

the Panama Canal is fifty and one-half miles long."

"Speaking of canals," said Grant. "I want to know if anybody knows how

long the Suez Canal is."

"Speak up, Professor," said George dejectedly. "We have got to hear it,

so we might as well have it now as any time. How long is it?"

"It's exactly one hundred miles. Now if there's any Go Ahead boy who

can tell what the Suez Canal connects, it will be my turn to pay for

the dinner."

There was a silence following Grant's words while the Go Ahead boys

looked foolishly at one another. Not one of them was able to answer the

simple question.

"The Suez Canal," began Grant, "connects the Mediterranean Sea with the

Red Sea."

"How do you know?" demanded Fred. "You have never seen it."

"I don't have to see it to know. I have never seen London, but I am

quite confident there is a city by that name. By the way, fellows, if

you'll wait a minute I'll show you something I put in my bag. I saved

it for a day just like this."

Rising from his seat Grant hastily sought his bag and in a brief time

rejoined his companions.

"What's the matter?" demanded John, as he saw an expression of

consternation on the face of his friend.

"Matter!" retorted Grant. "Matter enough. Somebody brought the wrong

bag."

"Let me see," said John, rising and examining the bag, which Grant had

placed on the seat near him. "That's not mine."

"It surely isn't mine," said George.

"I won't claim it either," added Fred as he glanced behind him.

"Well, it isn't mine," said Grant. "Somebody made a mistake at the

hotel this morning and instead of giving me what belonged to me they

have sent my bag off in some other direction and given me a bag that

belongs to some one else."

"Try your keys," suggested John. "Maybe it isn't as bad as you think."

"The keys don't fit," declared Grant after he had tested them all.

"Maybe there's a catch or a trick of some kind. Look again, Soc, and

see if there isn't some way to find out what there is inside that bag.

That's about the only way you can tell whose it is."

"I have been trying," retorted Grant sharply. "It's locked and I

haven't any key that will fit it."

"It feels pretty heavy," said John as he lifted the bag in question.

"Yes, it's heavier than mine," acknowledged Grant. "I don't see how

that porter could have made any such mistake."

"I don't see any way out of it, Soc, but for you to take your bag back

to Albany," said Fred.

"I'm not going back," declared Grant. "I'll send the bag back by

express and telegraph the hotel to send my bag in the same way to

Utica. If they get busy right away it ought to be there by the time we

are."

"No use, my dear friend," said John, shaking his head. "Your bag by

this time is on its way to Timbuctoo or San Francisco. Some other

fellow has it and if he has and isn't making remarks that sound like

echoes of yours, it is only because he hasn't yet found out his

mistake."

The perplexity in which Grant found himself was increasing. Many of his

necessary articles and much of his clothing that he would require on

the trip were contained in the missing bag. He was unable to see the

sly wink which John gave Fred when the latter looked questioningly at

him.

So insistent was Grant that the Black Growler was stopped at

Schenectady to enable him to send a telegram to the hotel at which the

Go Ahead boys had stopped the preceding night at Albany.

No one had offered to assist him in his task and the boy alone carried

the bag which he believed had been given him in place of his own to the

express office. There, in accordance with the word which he had already

sent the hotel, he shipped the bag to Albany.

When he returned to the motor-boat so engrossed was he with his own

troubles that he failed to discover the grin which appeared on the

faces of two of the Go Ahead boys.

"You might have offered to go back to get my bag," suggested Grant

sharply when he resumed his seat on board.

"Yes, we might," said Fred. "We might have offered to buy a new one for

you and fit it out with all the things you need, but we thought we

wouldn't. You need the lesson, Soc. You have been telling all the world

how to do it so long that it is time for you to begin to find out some

things for yourself."

Grant made no reply and indeed he had little to say until the boat

stopped at an attractive village where the boys obtained their luncheon.

When the voyage was resumed, Grant's confidence that his own missing

bag would be found when they arrived at Utica in a measure served to

restore his good nature and throughout the afternoon he took an active

part in the bantering in which the boys engaged.

Occasionally Fred relinquished his task at the wheel and permitted his

friends to take turns in steering the boat. The banks of the canal were

free from rocks and even if the swift little motor-boat was turned from

her course no great amount of damage could follow.

There were other boats they were informed that had preceded them and

among them the references to the swift Varmint II were frequent.

On such occasions Fred's passengers at once resumed their task of

informing their captain how small his chances of winning the race were

becoming. Apparently the Varmint had everything her own way.

Fred did his utmost to appear indifferent to the words of his

companions, but in spite of it all it became plain to the other boys

that he was seriously disturbed by the comments they made.

There were times when, the course being clear, the speed of the Black

Growler was increased almost to her maximum. At such times the farmers

in the fields stopped in their labors and stared at the motor-boat,

which almost seemed to be shooting through the country.

At other times when they were passing through villages or met a heavily

laden canal-boat the Black Growler moved slowly and seemed to share in

the need of caution.

It was late in the afternoon when at last the little party arrived at

Utica.

"We'll go up to the hotel and have our dinner," said Grant. "I do not

know that I owe the rest of you anything, but I'm going to take pity on

you and do what I at first thought I wouldn't. I'm going to give you a

dinner."

"That's very kind," said John, winking at Fred as he spoke. "Meanwhile

who's going to look after our bags?"

"I'm going to find out first if mine is here to be looked after," said

Grant. "Come on with me, Jack, and I'll go to the express offices and

see if it is there."

John followed his friend, but their labors were not crowned with

success when after an absence of an hour they returned to the place

where the Black Growler was awaiting them. Not a word had been received

from Albany nor had Grant succeeded in finding any trace of his missing

baggage.

"Never mind," he said quickly. "I'll have to make the best of it. I'm

not going to spoil all the fun of the trip crying over spilled milk."

Again John winked at Fred, but no words were spoken after the boat and

its belongings had been left in charge of a man and the boys together

had started for their hotel.

It was still light when they returned to the dock and Fred said, "I

wonder how it would do for us to go on a bit farther. There are hotels

all along the way and I think it would be good fun to stop at some one

of those country taverns."

"We're with you," said George. "We want to get all the experiences we

can on this trip."

"I guess it will be something you will remember," said Grant.

CHAPTER VI

IN THE TAVERN

About half-past eight o 'clock the Go Ahead boys returned to the dock

where the Black Growler had been left. A hasty examination convinced

them that all their belongings were safe. In accordance with the

suggestion which had been made they soon decided to set forth on their

voyage. Just how far they would go was left undecided.

"I hear," said Fred, "that we can stop at a village half-way between

here and Rome. They say it is all right. If we don't like to sail in

the night then we can stop there, but if we want to we can keep on

until we get to Rome or Oneida. That's about as far as we'll want to go

anyway."

"I think it will be good fun," said John, "to travel through the

country by night. Perhaps we'll find some more places like the old

Meeker House."[1]

"I'm afraid," laughed George, "that we'll find our ghosts a little more

substantial than they were in that old place."

"I wish we could find my bag," spoke up Grant. "It's strange it didn't

come to Utica. I left word with the express office though to send it

ahead just as soon as they received it."

"Maybe we'll find the ghost of it," suggested Fred.

Meanwhile they had cast off and the Black Growler was moving

noiselessly over the waters of the Erie Canal. They were soon beyond

the borders of the attractive city, but after they had passed the first

village on their way George said quickly, "Fellows, I believe it's

going to rain. Look at those clouds over yonder." As he spoke George

pointed to some heavy clouds that could be seen massing in the western

sky.

"I don't want to get caught out here in a thunder storm," said John.

"We shan't be," said Fred. "I'll put on a little more speed and we'll

go on to the next place. That's where the hotel or tavern is that they

told me about in Utica. It won't rain before we get there for it is

only four or five miles ahead. If it is going to rain we can stop. If

it doesn't we can keep on if we want to."

Conversation ceased as the speed of the swift little boat increased.

Less than a half-hour had elapsed when the boys found that they were

entering the village to which Fred had referred.

"How about it, Fred?" called John. "It looks pretty black to me."

"It does to me, too," replied Fred. "I think the best thing for us to

do will be to stop. We'll find a place where we can leave the

motor-boat and then we'll go up to the hotel and if we have to we'll

stay there all night."

The boys all agreed to the suggestion and in a brief time the graceful

little boat was covered in such a way that she was protected from the

coming storm, which now was almost upon them.

Hastily the boys took their bags and at once started for the hotel

which they were informed was only a few yards distant.

With difficulty they made their way along the darkened street, and in a

few minutes arrived at their destination.

Just as they entered, the storm broke. There was a long roll of thunder

followed by a blinding flash and then the rain began to fall in

torrents.

"Just in time, weren't we?" said Fred with a laugh. "You're always

right if you do what I tell you to. It was my suggestion and I am glad

that for once in your lives you had wisdom enough to do what I said."

"That remains to be seen," said Grant dryly as he looked about the room

in which they found themselves. "It seems to me that the motto over the

door of this place ought to be, 'He who enters here leaves soap

behind.'"

"Where did you find that?" laughed George.

"Didn't you ever hear of the motto over the Bridge of Sighs?"

Whether the boys had ever heard of the famous bridge or not was not

manifest, for at that moment in the midst of a deafening peal of

thunder the landlady entered the room where the boys were waiting.

"What can I do for you?" she inquired as the thunder ceased.

"We're caught in the storm and thought perhaps we might stay here all

night," suggested Fred.

"The house is pretty full," said the woman dubiously. "I don't know

whether I can give you rooms or not."

At that moment there came a burst of loud laughter from the bar-room.

It was plain that many of the men who were employed on the canal also

had sought shelter in the little tavern. The house was old, so old that

the boards in the floor were warped and the low ceilings gave evidence

of the many years that had passed since they had been placed there. Not

a door fitted its frame and the windows were all small, the panes being

not much more than seven by nine. Whatever was done in one part of the

house plainly was likely to be known also in other parts. The noisy

men, who were drinking in the bar-room, whose shouts and songs and

cries now were even more distinctly heard, could not confine their loud

demonstrations to the room in which they had assembled even if they had

been so inclined.

"If you don't mind," suggested Fred to the landlady, "I think we would

like to go up to our rooms."

"Have you had any supper?" inquired the woman.

"Yes, we got some in Utica," replied Fred.

"Where are you goin'?"

"We expect to go to the St. Lawrence River."

"You don't tell me," exclaimed the woman. "How be you goin'?"

"We have got a motor-boat."

"Land sakes! You don't say so! That's a terrible long ways and I don't

see how you can get there with a boat all the way."

"The storm caught us and we thought we had better stop here for the

night than try to go on any farther."

"Where do you come from?" inquired the woman, who busied herself

lighting two candles while she was talking.

"We came from Albany this morning," replied Fred, who did not think it

necessary to go more into details concerning their expedition.

"My, you must have come pretty fast. Now, if you'll follow me I'll show

you to your rooms."

Fred glanced uneasily behind him as from the bar-room at that moment

there came another noisy outburst that was almost alarming in its

character.

"How many men are there in there?" inquired Fred, nodding his head

toward the room as he spoke.

"It's about full," replied the landlady. "A stormy night like this

drives a good many of the boatmen and the hands under cover."

"They are a noisy lot," suggested Fred.

"They are a tough crowd," said the woman feelingly. "Sometimes they go

off and don't pay me a cent. That's one reason why I make everybody pay

before I give them a room."

"Do you mean that we'll have to pay before we take the room?" inquired

John.

"Yes, sir, that's just what I say. That's the rule o' this house."

"Well, I guess we'll see the rooms first then," said George.

Conversation ceased as the woman, who was stout and consequently slow

in her movements, led the way up the creaking stairway and then through

the hall on the second floor. The floor here also was loose and every

step was announced by creakings, while various other sounds were

emitted as the boards resumed their accustomed places.

"Here you be," said the woman at last as she stopped before the rooms

at the end of the hall-way.

"We're directly over the bar-room, aren't we?" inquired John as another

noisy outburst came from below.

"Yes, but you won't mind that after a bit," explained the landlady.

"You'll get used to it same as I have. I go to sleep and don't pay no

more attention to the noises than I do to the wind that blows."

By this time she had opened the doors, which were unlocked, and entered

the rooms.

The boys looked ruefully at one another when they became aware in the

dim light of the condition of the rooms to which they had been shown.

"I don't believe those windows have seen soap and water since the Erie

Canal was built," whispered George to Grant. "When did you say that

was?"

"Keep quiet a minute, Pop," retorted Grant.

The rain was beating against the windows with renewed force. The storm

apparently was at its height. For them to go on in the Black Growler

was almost impossible. There was nothing to be done, except to make the

best of the conditions in which they now found themselves.

Soon after the withdrawal of their landlady, who had been paid in

advance for the use of the rooms, although breakfast was not included

as the boys explained they might have to leave the village before

sunrise, they prepared for bed. They were thoroughly tired by the new

experiences of the past day and in spite of their surroundings and the

noise of the men below and of the storm, which still was raging, they

decided to retire.

Their rooms did not connect and as George and Grant withdrew, Fred

said, "If we need your help in the night, fellows, don't fail to come

right away."

"Are you scared, Peewee?" laughed George.

"Yes, I am, and I don't mind saying so," retorted Fred. "I don't like

the sound that comes from that room downstairs."

Fred's feelings were not relieved when he found it was impossible to

lock the doors. An old fashioned iron latch was the only means by which

each door was opened and there were not even bolts or buttons by which

the door could be fastened.

"I'm going to put a chair against the door," said Fred. "I'm afraid

something will happen before morning."

Nor was Fred disappointed, for two hours after the boys were in bed the

door of the room which Fred and John occupied was stealthily opened by

some one in the hall.

[1] The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House.

CHAPTER VII

AN UNWELCOME PARTY

"Who's there? Who's there?" demanded Fred sharply.

The noise in the room below had prevented him from sleeping soundly.

Several times he sat erect in bed, convinced that some one was in the

room. Even when his fears proved to be groundless he was unable to

ignore the shouts and songs and calls that frequently indicated that

the men in the room below were angry. Before he had retired he had

obtained a glimpse of the shouting assembly when a door had been opened

and the sight had not soothed his feelings. And now he was positive

some one was trying to open the door of their room.

Aroused by the call of his friend, John also quickly sat up and stared

about him. There was no mistaking the fact that some one was trying to

enter by the door which yielded slightly to the pressure and the chair

which had been placed by Fred to protect them had been moved back a few

inches from its place.

"Who's there? Who's there?" demanded Fred sharply.

No reply was given to his question although the door slowly was closed

again and the sound of the footsteps of some one moving down the hall

was plainly heard.

"What do you suppose that was?" demanded Fred in a whisper.

"Somebody was trying to break in," replied John.

"What do you suppose he wanted?"

"He wanted to get in."

"What for?"

"I don't know. You'll have to ask him, I guess," replied John drowsily

for by this time he had resumed his place on the pillow.

"I think he wanted our money," suggested Fred.

"He didn't want much then. Maybe he wanted our money and our lives."

"All the same I'm scared. I don't like this place. I don't know why we

stopped here. It must be past one o'clock now and yet hear those men

yell down there in the bar-room. I'm going to see what time it is."

Fred climbed out of bed and striking a match looked at his watch. "It's

quarter past one," he said, but the sound which came from John did not

indicate that he was specially interested in the report of the watch.

Fred looked out of the window and saw that the storm long since had

passed. The air was cool and fresh and had it not been for the uproar

in the hotel the night would have been an ideal one.

Before he rejoined his companion Fred replaced the chair so that it

barred the opening of the door.

Convinced that he had done all in his power he climbed back into bed

once more and in spite of his declaration when daylight came that he

had not been asleep John was not convinced.

"Come on, String," said Fred when once more he had looked at his watch

to discover the time. "It's five o'clock. It's time for us to be

moving. I wouldn't have breakfast in this hole if they paid me for it."

"Why can't you leave a fellow alone and let him sleep? I'm tired. I got

left at Poughkeepsie and I had a hard day yesterday too."

"No, sir," said Fred firmly. "This party starts from this place in

thirty minutes. Any one who isn't ready will have to come by

canal-boat. The Black Growler leaves here at five-thirty sharp."

With a groan John arose and began to dress, although he protested

feelingly all the time against the unreasonable demands of Fred.

The other two Go Ahead boys were speedily aroused and twenty minutes

later they departed from the hotel.

"It looks worse in the morning than it does at night and we thought

that wasn't possible when we came here last evening," said George when

the Go Ahead boys looked behind them after their departure.

"I think I will send that landlady a Christmas present of a cake of

soap," said Grant soberly.

"She wouldn't know what it was for," laughed John, "if you did."

"My, I would like to hear what my mother would say if she could see the

inside of that old tavern."

"The worst thing of all," said Fred, "was the riot in the bar-room. I

didn't sleep a wink last night."

"You didn't sound that way, Freddie," said George.

"What time did the noise downstairs stop, Peewee?" inquired John.

"It didn't stop, I guess," laughed Fred. "The landlady said the storm

drove all the canal-men into the house, but it didn't seem to me there

was anything that drove them out. I shouldn't like to meet one of those

men in a dark alley."

"You don't have to meet them," suggested George. "We have lived through

the night somehow and are all safe. Now if the Black Growler is ready

we are. We'll get our breakfast at Rome, I suppose."

"That's what we will," said Fred, quickening his pace as he spoke.

"Look yonder!" exclaimed John, abruptly halting as he spoke and

pointing in surprise at their motor-boat, which was only a few yards

distant.

In response to his suggestion the Go Ahead boys all stopped and stared

in amazement at the sight before them.

On board the Black Growler were at least a half-dozen men and it

required no explanation to enable the boys to understand that they were

a part of the noisy assembly which had made night hideous in the hotel.

"Here," called Fred, running ahead of his companions. "What are you

doing in that boat?"

"Who are you?" demanded one of the occupants, turning and facing Fred

as he spoke.

"That's my boat," declared Fred.

"You don't say so!" replied the man in shrill tones, at which his

companions laughed loudly.

For a moment Fred stopped and stared blankly at the men, who had

apparently made themselves fully at home on board his motor-boat. The

awnings had been taken in and the self-invited guests had been

examining various parts of the fleet little craft.

"Did you ever hear," continued the spokesman, "that possession is nine

points of the law and that the tenth isn't worth fighting about? Maybe

we'll ask you to prove that this boat is yours. According to the

records of my private secretary this here yacht is mine. I'm goin' on a

cruise up to Buffalo and I have invited a few o' my pals to come along

with me."

The men were a brutal and powerful lot. Every one showed the effect of

the night which he had spent in the bar-room. The boys were powerless

to compel them to leave the boat if they did not choose to do so.

The predicament in which the Go Ahead boys now found themselves seemed

to appeal strongly to the men on board. They laughed loudly and the

leader who had spoken before, said, "Why don't you come on board? If

this boat is yours all you have to do is to come and take it."

"It is, all right. That is our boat," said Fred.

"If you don't get out I shall have to get some one to put you out."

"Don't be so unkind, mister," retorted the leader, while his companions

again united in a shout of glee. "There aren't many men around this

place that will want to undertake that job. If you would really like to

have us go ashore it seems to me the best plan would be for you to come

and throw us out."

Once more the unwelcome guests laughed loudly at the words of their

leader, while the confusion among the Go Ahead boys became more marked.

Withdrawing a few feet from the bank Fred called his companions about

him and in low tones they discussed the course of action which they

ought to follow.

"We had better go up and get the constable," suggested John. "Get out a

warrant for these men. They won't make any trouble even if the

constable comes down alone."

"I'm not so sure," said Fred. "What do you think, Grant?"

"I don't believe the men intend to stay on board," replied Grant. "They

probably were attracted by the appearance of the Black Growler and when

they saw us coming they put up a bold front and just tried to scare

Fred."

"What do you think is the best thing to do?" inquired Fred.

"My suggestion is to go back to the boat, not have much to say to the

men and get ready to start. They won't bother us, at least I don't

believe they will."

"What shall we do if they make trouble?"

"It will be time enough to decide that when we have to," replied Grant.

"I'm sure they won't make any trouble after they see that we are going

to start."

"All right, we'll try it," said Fred dubiously, and once more returning

to the place where the Black Growler was awaiting them, the three bags

which contained the belongings of the boys were placed on board and

ignoring the bantering of the men, they at once prepared to cast off.

"You don't mean to say we're going to start now, do you?" inquired the

leader.

"Yes," said Fred shortly.

"Why, we didn't think you'd go for an hour yet. We haven't got our

trunks."

Again his companions laughed loudly at the wit of their leader, but as

yet not one of them had made any move to leave the boat.

Fred's alarm was plain in spite of the boldness with which he cast off

the bow line. Grant already had performed a similar service with the

stern line and the boys were now ready to depart.

"It's nice of you to invite us to go along with you," said the leader.

"This is a purty little boat and me and my pals will enjoy a ride in

her."

"We're going to start now," said Fred quietly, striving to conceal his

fear.

"Why, I guess we're ready, aren't we?" said the leader as he glanced at

his companions.

"I reckon we are, cap'n," replied one of the men.

The six men occupied most of the available space on board the little

boat. Striving to appear indifferent to their presence Fred advanced to

the wheel, turned on the power and prepared to depart.

CHAPTER VIII

THE COMING OF THE CALEDONIA

In response to Fred's action there was a loud shout of protest from the

men on board. Every one still was manifesting the effect of the drunken

spree through which they had passed the preceding night. As yet,

however, they had not offered any violence and although Fred's heart

was beating rapidly he resolutely stuck to his task and in a brief time

the Black Growler darted forward like a thing alive.

For a moment the uninvited passengers apparently were startled by the

unexpected action of the young captain. They speedily recovered,

however, from their surprise, and one of the men turning to the leader

said, "My, ain't she purty, Jim!"

"She is that," replied Jim promptly. "She looks better than she did

when I took my last trip to Niag'ra. When I left my house on Fifth

Avenoo I didn't think she'd ever measure up to what she was that time,

but she is goin' one better. Yes, sir, she's all that you say she is."

Still the men did not interfere with Fred in his management of the

motor-boat. Apparently too they did not have any objection to the

voyage. Indeed the Go Ahead boys already were aware of the fact that

every one of their self-invited guests had brought a small bundle with

him. They naturally inferred that these bundles contained most of the

earthly possessions of their noisy passengers.

"How is it, Jim!" called another of the men. "Isn't it about time we

had breakfast?"

"That's right," spoke up another. "I'm hungry, too. Seems to me I would

like one o' them grape fruits."

"Grape fruits? You don't know what they be," retorted Jim.

"You tell us what they be," responded the man, unabashed by the rebuke

of the leader.

"Don't you know?" retorted Jim scornfully. "Why grape fruit's the stuff

that grows on grape vines."

"Get out!" said the other one. "I guess I know enough about the country

to know that grapes grow on grape vines."

"In course they do," acknowledged Jim, "but this isn't grapes, this is

grape FRUIT. It takes a special vine to grow it."

"Does it grow right on the vine?"

"In course it does. What do you think, it grows under the ground like

tomatoes?"

"Tomatoes don't grow under the ground," spoke up another of the party.

"It's potatoes that grow under the ground."

"It's all one," retorted Jim glibly. "Potatoes and tomatoes. I knew one

grew in the air and the other grew in the ground."

"What about the grape fruits, Jim?" demanded the first speaker.

"Well, they grow on the vines. They are just like big yeller grapes.

Many 's a time out on my country estate I have climbed the ladder and

picked 'em from the vines that grow so high they hid the sight of the

street from the piazzy of my bungaloo."

"I'm wondering where you got this yacht, Jim," inquired another.

"Never mind how I got it as long as we have got it. That's the main

thing," interrupted another one. "What I want to know, is about those

grape fruits we're talking about. How does it taste?"

"Fine. Fine," answered Jim promptly. Then turning to the boys he

inquired, "Have you got anything on board to eat?"

"You see that monemint up yonder," interrupted another pointing to a

tall granite shaft that could be seen in the distance. The entire party

including the boys at once looked in the direction indicated and saw a

beautiful memorial stone, although few of them were aware of what it

commemorated.

"Yes, that's my granddad's tombstone," said one of the tramps.

"I guess he must have been some man," exclaimed one of his companions.

"It's a pity the rest of the family didn't take after him."

"We did, but we didn't want to hog the whole thing. We had to let some

one else have a chance too."

Meanwhile the Black Growler was speeding swiftly over the waters of the

Erie Canal. Fred was driving at high speed and as the boat sped forward

he was keenly watching for the coming of a boat that might provide help

for the Go Ahead boys in their predicament.

Several canal-boats had been passed, but there was no one on board who

appeared to be able to help.

The unwelcome guests still talked noisily to one another, but in the

main they ignored the boys and as yet had not offered any violence.

"Who's running this 'ere boat, Jim?" suddenly spoke up one of the

passengers. "I thought you said this was your yacht."

"I did say so," answered Jim promptly. "I'm just taking out a pleasure

party. Didn't you never go to no picnic afore? I want you to be good,

for we have got comp'ny on board. When you have got guests you have to

be perlite whether you want to be or not."

Still the Black Growler was moving swiftly. The waters over which she

was passing seethed and boiled as if they had been heated by unseen

fires. Even Fred had lost a part of his alarm as he began to suspect

that his uninvited passengers did not know how to manage the boat. If

they did, it was difficult to understand why they had not yet driven

the boys away and taken charge.

There was another thought in Fred's mind that was perplexing. He

suspected that the supply of gasoline was running low. He had neglected

to have the tank filled the preceding night, believing that he had a

supply ample to carry them forward until they could obtain more.

Suppose the motor-boat should stop? What would the men do? They might

accuse him of deliberately stopping and in that event he was aware that

there might be serious trouble. Indeed, he was still puzzled to

understand why the men appeared to be so contented. If they had been

workers on the canal, or had been employed by any of the boats why was

it that they were free this morning? He was aware that the little city

of Rome could not be far away.

If once he should be able to bring the Black Growler safely within the

borders of the city he was confident he would be able to rid himself

speedily of the men, whose presence with every passing moment was

becoming more difficult to bear.

He looked eagerly ahead for signs of the city. He was unable to

discover any, however, but his fears increased as he became more

positive that his supply of gasoline was low. If only it would last a

half-hour longer!

On either side of the canal was a level stretch of country and near to

the water no houses were to be seen. His friends had taken seats on the

deck forward. In low tones they conversed among themselves, but Fred

was too busy in his own task either to heed what they were saying or to

join in their conversation.

A few minutes later, after the speed of the boat had materially

decreased, Fred said abruptly, "We have got to stop."

"What for?" demanded the leader, quickly rising as he spoke and turning

toward the young pilot.

"Our gasoline is gone."

"Look here, young fellow," said the leader of the gang after he had

silently glared at Fred a moment, "I don't want you to try any of your

games on us. We're bad men. Now then, you keep this boat goin'," he

added threateningly.

"I only wish I could do it," said Fred.

"Are you givin' us straight goods when you say your gasoline is gone?"

"I am."

"What are you goin' to do?"

"Nothing. That's the trouble. You can't do anything without gasoline. I

am thinking of letting some of my passengers go ahead and get enough to

carry us into the town. Do you know how far it is to Rome?"

"Must be about three mile."

"That wouldn't be very much of a walk," said Fred glibly.

For some unexplained reason his courage now had returned and he stood

in less fear of his rough and noisy guests.

"What are you goin' to do?" again demanded the leader.

"There isn't anything I can do," retorted Fred sharply, "unless some of

you will go ahead and get some gasoline."

"That's right, Jim," spoke up one of his companions. "We'll go and get

his gasoline. Tell him to give us four dollars and we'll get a good

supply."

"That's right," spoke up Jim quickly. "We can't get gasoline without

some money."

"Oh, one of us will go along and pay the bills," spoke up John, who up

to this point had taken no part in the conversation.

"How much money you got?"

"I guess we have got just enough to buy fifteen gallons of gasoline."

"All right, then, give it to us and we'll get the gasoline for you."

"I told you that we shan't give you the money," said John. "We'll go

with you. Perhaps we can get a ride on a canal-boat or something."

"You won't save much time that way," retorted Jim. "The only thing to

do is to let us have the money and save yourselves a lot of trouble."

"We're not going to give you any money," said John quietly. "I told you

that before. The thing for you to do is to clear out, every one of you

if you don't want to help."

Unknown to his companions John had been keeping a careful outlook on

the canal behind them. In the distance he had seen a yacht approaching

that he was confident was the Caledonia, which they had passed when

first they had set forth on their voyage. He was confident also that

the coming of the yacht, together with the number of men that comprised

her crew, would be sufficient to overawe the half-dozen men that had

forced their company upon the Go Ahead boys.

"Yonder comes the Caledonia!" he exclaimed suddenly. "They will give us

a lift as soon as they catch up with us."

Instantly the eyes of every one on board the Black Growler were turned

toward the approaching yacht.

Apparently the sight had markedly different effects. The Go Ahead boys

were elated, but their passengers after a hasty glance and a few words

spoken in low tones to one another, instantly seizing their bundles

leaped ashore and ran swiftly toward the road which was not more than

fifty yards distant.

CHAPTER IX

A FRIEND IN NEED

In response to the signal of distress which Fred waved from the deck of

the Black Growler as the Caledonia approached, the speed of the big

yacht was checked and she stopped not far from the motor-boat. It was

still early in the morning and the owners or guests on board the

Caledonia were not seen on deck.

"What's wrong? What's the trouble?" called the captain, leaning over

the rail and speaking to Fred.

"We have had trouble," replied Fred. "A gang of tramps or canal men

forced themselves on board and we have just gotten rid of them. When

they saw the Caledonia coming they all ran."

"Well, if you have got rid of them," said the captain gruffly, "what

more do you want? If you go ahead they won't catch up with you."

"But we can't go ahead."

"Why not?"

"Our gasoline is out."

"We don't run by gasoline," said the captain, "and I'm afraid steam

wouldn't do you any good."

"Perhaps you might give us a tow as far as Rome."

"Perhaps we might and then--"

"What's the trouble?" Fred looked up quickly as he saw a man about

fifty years of age approaching the rail and standing near the captain

of the yacht. He wore a yachting cap and it was plain to the perplexed

boy that he either was the owner of the beautiful boat or one whose

word counted for much.

"We have had our troubles," explained Fred once more. "A gang of tramps

forced their way on board our boat and they have just left us. Our

gasoline is out and I was asking the captain if he would be willing to

give us a tow as far as Rome."

"Of course he will," said the man heartily. "Have you got a painter

long enough?"

"I'm afraid not," replied Fred.

"Then we'll toss you a rope."

The captain at once responded to the word of the man who had been

speaking to Fred and in a brief time a rope was thrown on board the

little motor-boat.

"Are you all ready?" called the man from the deck.

"Yes, sir," replied Fred heartily, for by this time he and his friends

had made the rope fast and were prepared to start.

"All right then, captain, go ahead."

The Caledonia at once resumed her way and the Black Growler obediently

followed about twenty-five feet behind the larger boat.

Before they arrived at Rome other people, in addition to the man who

assisted the boys, were seen on the deck of the Caledonia. It was

evident that the party had not followed the example of the Go Ahead

boys in spending any nights at hotels. They slept on board and the

port-holes of what undoubtedly were beautiful little cabins were

plainly seen along the sides of the yacht.

It was manifest too that the story of the misfortunes of the Go Ahead

boys was speedily told, for a party of five young people in addition to

the older ones assembled in the stern of the Caledonia and laughingly

greeted the boys in the boat that was being towed.

A short time afterward the boats entered the little city of Rome. When

they arrived at a place where a landing safely could be made Fred

shouted to the people on the Caledonia, "We'll cast off now. Thank you

for all you have done. You have helped us out of a bad fix."

"You're very welcome, I'm sure," replied the man who had arranged for

their relief from their predicament.

"Are you going down the St. Lawrence?" he added.

"Yes, sir," replied Fred, "as far as Alexandria Bay."

"Then we may see you again," called the man. "We expect to be on an

island near there. My name is Stevens. If you expect to be in

Alexandria Bay very long don't fail to look us up."

"Thank you, sir," replied Fred, and his companions were as interested

as he in his word. "We certainly shall do so. Thank you again for all

that you have done to help us."

The Caledonia quickly resumed her voyage, while the boys waving their

handkerchiefs in response to the tokens of good will that came from the

strangers who had helped them, speedily made their boat fast and went

ashore.

In response to their inquiries they were directed to a place where they

could obtain a breakfast and not many minutes had elapsed before the

four Go Ahead boys were seated about a table busily engaged in their

repast.

"I tell you I'm hungry," said John as he called for a second piece of

beefsteak.

"That's the way you would be all the time," said George, "if you would

only get up early in the morning."

"That doesn't go. I was up all night long," spoke up Fred. "I didn't

sleep any last night."

"I noticed that," said Grant. "The sound that came from your room

showed very plainly that you were not sleeping and yet I cannot

understand why a fellow should make all those noises if he is wide

awake."

"It was John you heard," retorted Fred.

"Yes, I heard John too," said Grant. "It was a duet most of the time.

Now aren't you glad," he added, "that I told you how wide the Erie

Canal is? You see there was plenty of room for the Caledonia to pass us

and take us in tow."

"How wide is the Erie Canal?" spoke up George. "I don't believe you can

remember it now yourself. You haven't your notes with you. None of

that," he added quickly as Grant felt in his pocket for a paper. "Tell

me on your word of honor how wide the Erie Canal is."

"Seventy feet wide on the surface and fifty-six feet wide at the

bottom," said Grant promptly.

"I suppose we'll have to take your word for it," said George as his

friends laughed at his discomfiture. "We can't dispute you and even if

you don't know anything about it you tell it as if you believed it to

be the most solemn truth in the world."

"It's true, just as I'm telling you," said Grant.

"How about the new canal that New York State is building now?"

"I have told you about that too," said Grant, "but then you have to

have a good many review lessons with some people."

"That's all right, but just the same tell me about the new canal. How

wide is it?"

"That's one hundred and twenty-three to one hundred and seventy-one

feet wide on the surface, and seventy-five feet wide at the bottom. Of

course there are some places," Grant added, "when it runs into a lake

or a pond where it is a good deal wider than that. But as far as the

digging is concerned that's the width."

"Is it deeper than the Erie Canal?"

"Yes, sir. The Erie Canal is about seven feet deep and the new one is

about twelve feet deep. It's going to be deep enough to take in boats

of three thousand tons."

As soon as their breakfast had been eaten, and a fresh supply of

gasoline had been obtained, once more in high spirits the boys started

in their swift motor-boat.

Their experience with the canal-men now was only a memory and they

could well afford to laugh at what had been said and done.

"That's what you get for having us stop in a place such as you picked

out, Peewee," said George. "There's no accounting for the tastes of

some people. Now, I never should have selected that place."

"You can believe me, I'll never select it again," answered Fred, so

soberly that his friends all laughed. "Once is enough and forever. I

didn't believe there could be such a place in the whole of New York

State."

"Well, you know now there is," said John, "and so do the rest of us. We

don't stop again without knowing something of the hotel in which we are

to stay."

"Where shall we stay to-night, fellows?" inquired Fred. "We ought to

get to Syracuse early this afternoon and we can go right on to Oswego

if you want to or we can stay there until to-morrow morning and start

then."

"Wait and see what time it is when we strike Syracuse," said Grant.

"Probably the gasoline you bought back there at Rome won't last until

we get there."

"I have got enough gasoline to take us to the St. Lawrence River,"

declared Fred. "I'm not going to be caught again as I was this morning."

Meanwhile the Black Growler was noisily speeding on her way. To three

of the boys the country through which they were moving was all new and

therefore abounded in interest. Prosperous villages and fertile farms

were passed. As the sun climbed higher into the heavens the day became

so much warmer that the boys were glad to seek the shelter behind the

awnings which they now had made use of, as a protection from the heat

and glare.

It was early in the afternoon when the Go Ahead boys arrived at the

thriving city of Syracuse. They speedily decided to rest an hour after

they had stopped for luncheon and then through the Oswego Canal to go

on to the shore of Lake Ontario. There they would be ready to start on

the following morning and were hopeful that if no mishaps occurred they

would arrive at their destination the following afternoon. The clear

air, the quiet that rested over the region through which they were

passing, the tranquil attitude of even the cattle in the fields gave

slight indication that the peacefulness of the scene was soon to be

broken and the Go Ahead boys were to enter upon one of their most

stirring experiences.

CHAPTER X

IN TROUBLE

The Black Growler was not moving as swiftly as when she had been

speeding over the waters of the Erie Canal. There was less need of

haste now and the boys were more interested as they were drawing near

the city which was to be the destination of their inland voyage.

It was dusk when they arrived at Oswego. They made the little

motor-boat safe until the following morning and then with their

belongings at once walked to the hotel where they were to pass the

night.

A hearty dinner soon revived the spirits of the boys, who were now

somewhat wearied by their long voyage from New York.

They visited several places of interest in the little city but at an

early hour returned to the hotel and sought their rooms.

The following morning found them soon after an early breakfast once

more on board the Black Growler.

They now were about to pass out upon the waters of Lake Ontario.

Whatever perils they had experienced from the canal-men were no longer

to be faced. If there was danger ahead it would come from the squalls

which frequently occurred on Lake Ontario. They were all confident,

however, that they would complete the remainder of their voyage

successfully and in high spirits prepared to cast off.

"Hi, Peewee!" called George. "Are you sure you have got all the

gasoline we need?"

"Yes, sir, I'm sure," laughed Fred. "That's one predicament I'm never

going to get caught in again. We may have something else go wrong but

we'll not run short of gasoline."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Grant soberly. "I noticed from the sounds

that came from your room last night that you weren't sleeping very well

again. I didn't know but you would be so tired this morning that you

would forget all about the Black Growler and even the Go Ahead boys."

"That's all right," laughed Fred. "Do I look sleepy this morning?"

"Not especially."

"Well, I'm not, whether I look so or not," retorted Fred. "If you are

all ready we'll start."

"We're all ready," answered the Go Ahead boys together and a moment

later the Black Growler was speeding on her way toward the waters of

the open lake.

"My, what a glorious day this is," exclaimed John when a little later

the motor-boat was fast leaving Oswego behind.

Indeed there was much to cause the young sailors to be enthusiastic

over the morning. The clear air, the morning sunlight, the sparkling

waters of the beautiful lake all combined to produce an effect that was

unlike any which the boys before had experienced. Even the waves

appeared to be peaceful. Not a whitecap was in sight.

"Did you hear what that man on the dock said when we passed?" inquired

Grant.

"What man?" inquired Fred. "What did he say?"

"Why he said we had better take a man along with us that knows the

lake."

"No, I didn't hear him," said Fred. "And if I had, it wouldn't have

made any difference. I know my way all right and you fellows needn't be

afraid that you won't be down among the Thousand Islands in time for

dinner."

"Where shall we get our luncheon, Fred?" asked George.

"I don't know yet. It will depend somewhat on where we are. If we can

make Cape Vincent all right we'll have it there."

An hour later John said after he had looked out over the lake, "The

wind is getting fresher. Don't you notice it, fellows?"

"Yes," said George. "I hope it will keep it up. I would like to be out

here when the Black Growler was rolling a little. I would give a dime

to see one of the Go Ahead boys seasick."

"Don't be so extravagant," retorted Fred. "You'll only have a chance to

lose your money before night. The wind is rising," he added a moment

later.

In the distance the boys saw occasional waves that now were capped with

white. The Black Growler also had taken on a rolling motion and

although all four of the Go Ahead boys declared that they enjoyed the

experience it was noticed after a brief time that Fred was strangely

quiet. He was still at the wheel and apparently devoting all his

thought to his task.

"Say, fellows, will you take a look at Peewee?" demanded George about

ten minutes later. "I believe he is getting sick."

Fred turned and glanced at his companions but did not speak. The color

and expression of his face, however, were such as to arouse great

elation among his passengers.

"That's the way, Peewee!" laughed John. "You'll have to give up your

place at the wheel. I'm sorry that we haven't any doctor on board."

"There was an old fellow down on Long Island Sound," suggested George,

"who used to tell us that the best cure for seasickness was a sweet

apple and if that wasn't any good then he suggested swallowing a piece

of raw salt pork with a string tied to it."

"What was the string for?" demanded John.

"If you can't guess, I shan't tell you," laughed George. "I'm just

making these suggestions for little Pyg's benefit. He doesn't look as

if he was happy. Hi, Fred!" he added, turning to the pilot, "you had

better go back in the stern and lie down."

"I would," answered Fred, who was genuinely miserable now, "if there

was any one on board who knew enough to take my place."

"Any one of us can do it," spoke up George glibly.

Fred shook his head in token of his unbelief as he said slowly, "We

would go to the bottom."

"We may go there anyway," said John, "if this wind keeps rising. I want

you to notice how much higher the waves are and how many more white

caps we can see. I don't know what's going to become of us."

The boy spoke seriously and for a moment his companions looked keenly

at him.

Sometimes it was difficult to decide just what thoughts were in John's

mind. His manner of speaking did not betray his innermost feelings.

This time, however, it was evident that he was anxious, if not alarmed,

and when a moment later Fred declared that he was so miserable that he

must find some relief, the anxiety of the Go Ahead boys increased

greatly.

Fred retired to the cockpit and stretched himself at full length upon

the cushions of the seats. A ghastly, greenish pallor was upon his face

and no proof was required that he was far from being happy.

John now took the wheel and did his utmost to hold the Black Growler to

a steady course.

Occasionally the motor-boat was caught in the trough of the waves and

the spray dashed over the boys. It was not long before every one was

wet, Fred taking more than his full share of the water. He was,

however, so miserable that he did not protest and even his friends now

were silent as they devoted their efforts to holding the motor-boat

steadily to her course.

All thoughts of luncheon were abandoned. Fred, of course, had passed

the stage where the thought of food brought any pleasure, while his

companions were so busy that they too had forgotten that midday had

arrived.

"You don't need to mind this too much," suggested John in his loudest

tones. "I have seen the wind come up and then go down just as suddenly

as it came. Perhaps that will be the way it will be to-day."

Whatever the thoughts in the minds of George and Grant were they did

not express them. They were standing near the wheel eagerly looking

before them.

Each boy was hopeful that a boat might be seen which would come to the

aid of the unfortunate Black Growler. Several passing steamers were

seen low on the horizon, but it was impossible to attract the attention

of any.

"I feel," said George at last breaking in upon the silence, "that we

made a great mistake this morning when we didn't take the advice of

that man in Oswego."

"What man? What was his advice?" asked Grant.

"Why the one who told us that we ought not to start out on Lake Ontario

without taking some man along with us who knew the course and could

help us if we got into a fix."

"I don't like such remarks at this time," said Grant. "I never want the

man who says 'I told you so' to come around to me with his comfort."

"I didn't mean it that way," protested George.

"Of course you didn't, Pop, but we're boxed here as sure as you live.

There isn't any use in complaining or in spending our time wishing that

we had done something else. Is the wind going down any?"

"Not a bit," spoke up John. "I think it's getting stronger if anything."

Meanwhile the little boat had been rolling and tossing, almost helpless

in the trough of the waves. Poor Fred was stretched out at full length

on the cushions and the ghastly expression of his face indicated that

he at least was not suffering from any fear of the fate which might

befall them. He had reached that stage in his sickness wherein he was

completely indifferent to his surroundings.

Again and again the anxious boys did their utmost to discover the cause

of the trouble. They were unable to find any serious defect with the

machinery, however, and their anxiety steadily increased. Several times

the motor-boat shipped water and once or twice she was thrown with such

violence by the onrushing waves that it did not seem possible she could

again right herself.

The boys were now far from land, for only a dim outline of the faraway

shore could be seen. They had not taken the direct course to Cape

Vincent. Although they might have saved time by doing so, it was

considered safer to keep near the shore, although at no place were they

within three miles of it.

Another hour elapsed and still the wind continued strong. The sun was

shining brightly and the clouds scudding across the face of the sky

only occasionally concealed its beams.

The supreme hope in the minds of all had been that their predicament

would be discovered and that some one would come to their aid. The

shore, however, was so far distant that it was vain to expect help from

that direction and on the other hand most of the boats, whose courses

were marked by trails of smoke, were so far away that it was almost

impossible for them to discern the drifting motor-boat.

CHAPTER XI

RESCUED

No change occurred for another hour in the position in which the boys

found themselves. Fred still was lying helpless on the cushions and the

boys by taking turns or working together at the wheel had somehow, in

spite of numerous moments of peril, been able to keep the Black Growler

headed to the wind.

At that time George broke in upon the silence by saying excitedly,

"Look yonder, fellows! Isn't that a boat coming this way?"

Instantly the eyes of all three turned in the direction in which George

pointed. Far away a trail of smoke was visible and from the direction

in which it was moving it was apparent that it had come from a boat

which was coming nearer the place where the boys were drifting than had

any boats since their mishap.

"I believe it's coming," exclaimed Grant. "We'll get some help pretty

soon."

"Yes," broke in John, whose hands now were blistered and whose temper

had suffered from his efforts. "Yes, she's probably bound for Liverpool

and won't stop until she's gone across the ocean. A lot of good it will

do us!"

"Don't take all the joy out of living, String," laughed George

good-naturedly. "Maybe we shan't have any chance to be taken on board,

but we'll do our best anyway."

Silence followed as the three boys eagerly watched the approaching

boat, for there was no question in their minds now that the unknown

steamer was approaching.

A few minutes later Grant said, looking through the field glasses at

the approaching stranger, "That's a yacht of some kind, in my opinion."

As soon as he had spoken, his companions eagerly demanded an

opportunity to confirm his statement.

"Soc is right," said John after a long inspection.

"Of course he is," said Grant lightly. "He always is right. How many

times must I tell you that if you would only follow my advice you would

soon be improving?"

"It's no time to joke," said John solemnly. "We've just got to make

them take us on board or help us out of our trouble."

"We'll have to wait until they come nearer than they are now," said

George. "Have we got a big white cloth that we can use as a signal?"

"I think there are some sheets down in the cabin," suggested Grant.

"Then I'll get them," said Grant quickly, as he disappeared from sight.

In a brief time he returned with two sheets in his arms. Handing one to

Grant, while John was still busy at the wheel, George said excitedly,

"Now we have got to stand up and let them know that we're here."

It was plain to the watching boys that the approaching boat was a yacht

as Grant had suggested. Her graceful outlines now could be plainly seen

and she was swiftly approaching.

"I'm wondering," suggested George thoughtfully, "if we are tossing

around on the water the way she is. Just look at her," he added

excitedly as the yacht in the distance pitched visibly in the rough

water.

"Of course we are," said John, "only worse. A little boat like the

Black Growler is not worth much more than an egg shell."

"Still I think I would rather be in the Black Growler," laughed George.

The spray continued to dash over the motor-boat and the little craft

was roughly tossed by the passing waves. Fred twice had rolled from his

position on the cushions and fallen upon the floor. The assistance of

his friends had been required to restore him to his former position.

His ghastly appearance by this time had aroused the sympathies of his

companions and besides they were all three anxious for the safety of

the boat as well as of themselves.

The sun was still shining brightly and there was life in the air as it

swept across the great mass of fresh water. Steadily the Black Growler

had been moving before the wind, which was blowing directly from the

lake. As a result they were able to see more distinctly the outlines of

the shore before them, which now was not more than two miles distant.

A few minutes had elapsed when George said excitedly, "Do you see what

boat that is?"

His companions did not reply for a brief time and then Grant said

quietly, "It's the Caledonia."

"Yes, I believe it is," joined in John.

"I know it is," said George. "We're sure now that we'll get some help."

"We may have our troubles," suggested Grant, "if the captain answers

our hail, or he may pick us up and claim salvage."

"I guess there won't be anything like that," exclaimed George, who was

greatly relieved by the sight of the approaching yacht. Her black sides

glistened in the sunlight and her graceful outline now that she was

near had never appeared to greater advantage.

Two of the boys were still waving and shaking the sheets as their

signals of distress. It was evident, however, that they had been seen

by the crew of the Caledonia and that the big black yacht was directly

bearing down upon them.

A few minutes later the Caledonia shut off steam and the captain was

seen on deck.

Approaching the rail, with his speaking trumpet in his hand, he called,

"Ahoy, there! What's the trouble?"

"Our engine is broken down," replied John.

"Aren't you the same boys we towed through the Erie Canal yesterday?"

"Yes, sir," replied John.

"You seem to be in trouble most of the way," retorted the captain. "It

seems to me the best thing we can do is to take you up and send you

back to your mothers. You aren't fit to be out here on Lake Ontario all

alone. What do you want us to do?"

At that moment the owner of the yacht again appeared by the captain's

side and taking the speaking trumpet from that officer he called to the

boys, "Are you in trouble?"

"Yes, sir," replied John, who still was the spokesman for the Go Ahead

boys.

"What can we do for you?"

"If you will take us on board, or give us a tow until we can land

somewhere we shall be very grateful to you."

"What's the trouble?"

"That's just what we do not know," said John.

"Have you got plenty of gasoline?"

"Yes, sir. It's something wrong with the machinery this time."

Fred now was sitting erect and gazing interestedly at the people on the

deck of the Caledonia. His face was still ghastly in its color but the

opportunity to secure help apparently had aroused him from the

semi-stupor into which he had fallen.

"I think the best thing will be to take you on board and tow the boat.

We're going to put in for the night right here and if there isn't

anybody there who can fix up your machinery then you'll have to stay

until to-morrow morning when we can take you on to Sacket's Harbor. I

think it will be better for all you boys to come aboard," he added. "In

a sea like this there's no knowing what may happen to a boat in tow."

"You fellows go on board," said Fred. "I'll stay here and look after

the boat."

"You'll do nothing of the kind," retorted John promptly. "If you stay I

shall stay with you."

It finally was agreed that the four boys should be taken on board the

Caledonia and that one of the crew of the yacht should take his place

on board the Black Growler and do his best to see that she was guided

aright while she was being towed by the larger boat.

The big yacht was drifting steadily nearer the motor-boat and in a

brief time it was possible for a rope to be cast. The boys succeeded in

making this fast and then the yacht swung around so that the Black

Growler was in the lea.

In spite of the rough water the boys succeeded in making their way to

the deck of the yacht while one of the crew took his place on board the

Black Growler.

The motor-boat then was dropped back and when the Caledonia started,

she was fifty feet in the rear of the larger boat.

Mr. Stevens cordially and yet laughingly greeted the boys, whom he

dubbed at the time the "sons of misfortune."

Relieved as the Go Ahead boys were by their rescue they nevertheless

all showed traces of chagrin over the fact that twice they had been

helped by the big, black yacht.

"We're going to put up at Henderson Harbor," explained Mr. Stevens. "I

have some friends staying at the big club-house and I have promised to

spend the night there. I'm sure there will be a welcome for you boys if

you wish to stop. It may be, however, that there will be some one there

who can fix you up so that you can go on to Sacket's Harbor if you

desire. My suggestion is, however, that you spend the night at the

club-house. In the morning we can take your boat in tow again and drop

you at Sacket's Harbor or Cape Vincent for such repairs as you may

need."

"Thank you," replied John. "I'm sure we shall all be glad to do as you

suggest."

At this time the members of Mr. Stevens' family approached the little

group and the Go Ahead boys one by one were introduced.

The ghastly expression on the face of Fred in part disappeared when he

was introduced to the older daughter of the owner. Miss Susie Stevens

laughed in a manner which increased Fred's annoyance when his

companions explained the cause of his troubles.

"I wasn't seasick!" declared Fred glibly. "I just had a headache."

"That's all right, Peewee," said George in mock seriousness. "That's

all right. All I can say is that if I was not seasick I'm mighty sure I

wouldn't be doing some of the things you did."

The young people all laughed at Fred's manifest irritation but the

subject was changed, for the Caledonia by this time was drawing near

the island on which the club house they were seeking was located.

The water within the harbor was much smoother than on the open lake and

the relief from the motion produced by the tossing waves speedily

restored Fred so that when at last the yacht was anchored and the Black

Growler was safely drawn into the boat house he was ready to take his

part with his companions in the events that speedily followed.

CHAPTER XII

A BATTLE WITH ARMS AND LEGS

The Go Ahead boys enjoyed a bath in the lake before they reported at

the club-house in response to the invitation of Mr. Stevens. Even Fred

had now thoroughly recovered from his experience and was more than

positive that he had not been seasick. His strong words greatly

delighted his friends, who aware now that he was sensitive concerning

the matter, lost no opportunity to describe his sufferings which began

soon after they set sail from Oswego.

At first the boys had insisted that as soon as the difficulty with the

Black Growler had been remedied they must proceed at once on their way.

When it was found, however, that there was no mechanic at the

club-house they were easily persuaded to abandon their project and

accept the hospitality of Mr. Stevens for the night.

Early the following morning a man skilled in all the uncertain ways of

motor-boats arrived in response to the summons of the officials and in

a brief time he discovered that there was nothing seriously wrong with

the Black Growler. Indeed, within a few minutes he was racing the swift

little motor-boat over the waters of Lake Ontario, which now was calm

once more.

The club-house was located on an island at the entrance of a

marvelously beautiful harbor. Three miles inland and about an equal

number in length the waters appeared like a great bowl. High wooded

shores were seen on one shore and on another a row of attractive

cottages behind which the road was visible winding in and out in the

direction of Sacket's Harbor.

Soon after breakfast, when Fred declared that it was time for the Go

Ahead boys to start; Mr. Stevens said, "I think you young gentlemen

will do well to take Sam Hodge along with you. He's an excellent

mechanic and if anything goes wrong he will know what to do."

"How about Fred?" demanded George, whose eyes twinkled as he spoke.

"Can he fix him up if he is seasick again?"

"I'm not going to be seasick," retorted Fred. "I wasn't seasick

yesterday. I have told you so ten times."

Ignoring the protest, George said, "It seems to me it ought to be as

easy to adjust the internal workings of Peewee as those of the Black

Growler. Perhaps a dose of a similar kind might be good for both."

George's face was expressionless and his voice did not betray his

purpose of bantering his diminutive friend.

Fred's face flushed an angry red, for Miss Susie Stevens and other

members of the club were standing on the dock when the conversation

occurred. Her black eyes twinkled with mischief and it was manifest

that she was enjoying the visit of the boys.

"I think," said Grant positively, "that we had better take Sam Hodge

with us. We ought to arrive at your grandfather's place by night, Fred,

and he can come back by train."

"That's right. That's right," spoke up John quickly. "I had to steer

the Black Growler most of the time yesterday and my arms are lame."

"All the length of them?" asked George. "Why, think when John has a

pain how long he must have it."

John turned quickly upon his tormentor as he said, "That's the

thirteenth time I have heard you get off that old joke. You mustn't

take him too seriously, Miss Susie," he added, turning to the girl, who

was laughing at George 's suggestion. "You know what his nickname is,

don't you?"

"No, I cannot say that I do," replied Miss Susie.

"Well, we call him Pop."

"Why?" she inquired.

"Because he's the papa of his country. He is named for George

Washington, who is the Father of his Country, but the name doesn't go

very far."

"That's all right," spoke up George. "Up yonder where your topknot is

there's an aching void. I read the other day that Sydney Smith said

'Nature never built a man more than seven stories high without leaving

the top loft empty'."

"On the contrary," spoke up John, "all the great men have been those

who could look down on the rest of the world."

"Huh!" broke in Grant, "it will do you good to find out how much of

your statement is really true. What do you think of Caesar, Napoleon,

William of Orange, General Grant, Alexander Stephens, Alexander

Hamilton--"

"That will do, my son. That will do," said John, patting Grant upon the

head. "That is a sufficiency of information this morning. Pray desist.

In other words, shut up. If we don't stop you pretty soon you'll start

in on the matter of canals again. All the way up from New York," he

added, turning to Miss Susie as he spoke, "he has been giving us

undigested and undesirable information about the canals. He even said

that the Amsterdam Canal connected the Zuider Zee with the North Sea."

"So it does," said Grant quickly. "If you'll tell me how long that

canal is I'll buy the dinner, when we stop at Cape Vincent."

"One hundred and sixty-five miles," declared John promptly. As he

spoke, however, he glanced at his cuff on which the fact was plainly

written.

"That doesn't count," declared Grant. "No ponying in this game. Look up

into the sky, John, which isn't very far from you, and if you'll tell

me how long the Panama Canal is I'll call it square and buy the dinner."

"The--Panama--Canal--is--is--quite long."

"So I have heard," laughed Grant. "I guess you buy the dinner."

"How long is it?" inquired John. "I knew, but I have forgotten."

"It's fifty and one-half miles long. Here comes Sam Hodge," Grant added

as the boatman came alongside the dock. "Are you going with us?" he

inquired as he quickly approached the dock.

"Where's that?" inquired Sam.

"Down the St. Lawrence River."

"How far?"

"Oh, down among the Thousand Islands, that's all."

"First I have heard of it," said Sam.

"I think it will be a good thing if you can go with the boys, Sam,"

spoke up Mr. Stevens. "They had a mishap yesterday and didn't quite

know what to do."

"Sure, I'll go," said Sam.

Fred made no protests and the terms with the mechanic were speedily

arranged.

A half-hour later the Black Growler set forth on her voyage.

The Caledonia was to follow some time that day and plans already had

been made by which the boys were to spend some time on Hecla Island, on

which was located the summer home of the Stevens.

Fortunately for Fred, at least, the lake continued to be calm. In the

eagerness of the boy to prove to his friends that he merely had a

"headache" the preceding day and had not been seasick, he was unusually

busy.

Sam called the attention of the Go Ahead boys to the post at Sacket's

Harbor. On a bluff above the lake the barracks and other buildings of

the place were plainly visible. Even the soldiers stationed there could

be plainly seen as they moved about the quarters.

"That's a great place to have an army post," said George. "I can't

think of any place better unless it's in the middle of the Sahara

Desert. Why did the government establish a post here?"

"Because there was a fort here, 'way back in the War of 1812," answered

Grant promptly. "Sacket's Harbor was the headquarters of the army of

the North and so the place has been kept up ever since."

"Do any of you want to stop?" inquired Fred, glancing at his companions

as he spoke.

"Not I," replied John quickly. "When we have a good sea like this and

Fred can be safe from the misery he suffered yesterday I'm not for

taking any chances of the wind coming up later."

"That's mighty kind of you," growled Fred. "I never knew you to be so

thoughtful of any one,--except yourself."

"Don't say that," said John. "You don't mean it. What you mean is that

this is the first time you ever have appreciated how good I am."

"Huh," began Fred in response. His reply, however, was interrupted by

Sam Hodge as he said, "This is a mighty good boat. She must have cost a

pile of money."

"She did," said George quickly. "Fred had to save up his spending money

for several days before he bought her. You don't talk like a native

around here, Sam. Where did you come from?"

"I come from New York," answered Sam.

"What were you doing there?"

"Oh, I worked in a factory where we made legs and feet and arms for

dummies and models."

"Fine job," laughed George. "Did you like it?"

"I liked the job all right," replied Sam, "but I didn't like our

foreman. I quit on account of him."

"What was wrong with him?"

"Everything," said Sam quietly.

"So that was why you left and came up here to work on motor-boats was

it?"

"Yes," answered Sam. "That foreman was the hardest man to get along

with I ever saw. I put up with it for months, but finally there came a

day when I decided I wouldn't stand any more of it."

"What happened?"

"Why, I had a sore hand and I asked him to cut one of my feet off and

he cut it off for me and then he got mad at something I said and threw

one of his legs at me. Then not satisfied with that he took one of the

girl's feet and threw that at me, too. Of course I got mad. I picked up

one of my legs in my hand and I tried to defend myself and then he hit

me in the eye with one of his hands and knocked me over among a lot of

legs and arms. He almost broke my foot and--"

"Did you say he cut one of your feet off?" asked Grant, soberly looking

down at the pedal extremities of the mechanic, as he did so.

"That's just what he did," answered Sam.

"But it seems to be all right now," protested Fred.

"You don't quite see," said Sam. "I'm talking about the foreman of the

factory where I worked over on Broome Street. We manufactured legs and

feet and arms for dummies and models like I was telling you."

"Like those that we see in the show windows?"

"That's it exactly," said Sam. "Those dummies and models that they put

in the store windows to display gowns on. I was working on one of the

artificial feet and I mean he broke it. Oh, no, he didn't cut one of my

REAL feet off. But he did hit me in the eye with one of his hands."

"I see," said George seriously. "It was an artificial eye of yours that

he hit."

"No, it wasn't," retorted Sam. "It was my real eye."

"But he hit it with one of his artificial hands. Is that it, or did he

hit it with one of the hands he manufactured?"

"No. No," said Sam. "He hit me in my real eye with his real hand."

"And that was why you picked up one of your legs and he took one of the

girl's feet and he hit you in the real eye, no, I mean the artificial

eye with his real hand,--that's not quite it. I mean he hit you in the

hand with his artificial eye. No, that isn't it either. Hold on. He

threw one of his legs at you and then he took his eye and threw it at

one of the girl's feet. Hold on, I'm getting all mixed up. I can't tell

just where I am at. Say it again, Sam."

"I think it's better for a man to have a wooden leg than it is to have

a wooden head," spoke up Fred.

"Splendid, Peewee! Fine!" laughed George. "That's immense! Great! Sam,"

he added soberly as he turned to the mechanic who was now steering the

Black Growler, "did you say you made artificial legs and arms and feet?"

"That's what I said," acknowledged Sam.

"Did you ever manufacture artificial heads?"

"Lots of 'em. Lots of 'em."

"Have you got any with you?"

"No, I haven't."

"I'm sorry," said George. "There are several reasons why I should like

to buy one."

Meanwhile the Black Growler swiftly and greatly to the delight of Sam

was speeding over the smooth waters. Scarcely a ripple was to be seen.

The reflection of the sunlight increased the discomfort of the Go Ahead

boys and all four were rejoiced when at last Cape Vincent was sighted

in the distance.

CHAPTER XII

A SURPRISE

"Wait a minute, fellows!" called Fred when his companions prepared to

depart from the dock and go to the hotel for their luncheon. "I have

lost my knife. I think I must have dropped it somewhere behind the

cushions."

The boys halted on the dock while Fred speedily turned over the

cushions. He did not discover his missing knife, but he did find a

large envelope lying directly beneath the cushion in the stern of the

cockpit.

"What's that?" he called as he held the paper up to view. "Have any of

you fellows lost anything?"

All three Go Ahead boys declared that the paper did not belong to any

of them. Approaching the place where Fred was standing on board and

still looking at the document Grant suggested that he should open the

envelope as it was unsealed and unaddressed.

Fred followed the suggestion and to the amazement as well as to the

consternation of his friends he drew forth a bond for five thousand

dollars. For a moment an expression of blank amazement appeared on the

faces of all on board.

"What's that?" demanded Fred at last. "Whose is it? What is it doing on

board the Black Growler?"

"It's a railway mortgage bond and given by one of the strongest

railroads in the United States," said Grant, who had been looking

carefully at the surprising discovery which his friend had made.

"Is it good for anything?" inquired John.

"Not much," laughed Grant. "Only five thousand dollars, that's all."

"Do you mean to tell me you could get five thousand dollars for that

piece of paper?"

"Yes, sir, I think you could."

"Well, then," said John, "why don't we do it? It may be as good as

money, as you say, but I think I'd rather see the cold cash. Where can

we get the money?"

"It might take a little time to get it cashed, but almost any bank

would pay it. It's not a registered bond and it looks as if it was all

right every way."

"Yes, but whose is it?" said Fred. "That's what troubles me."

"I guess you won't have any trouble in finding out whose bond it is,"

laughed George. "Though I must confess I don't see how it came on

board."

"Neither do I," said Fred slowly. "It must have been here some time."

"Yes," said John dryly. "I guess this is the first time we have turned

over or shaken out the cushions."

"'We' have shaken out, is good," retorted Fred. "I was doing this

little job all myself. There wasn't a fellow who offered to lend a

hand. But what shall I do with the thing?" he added.

"Put it in your pocket now," said Grant, "and wait until we have had

our luncheon. We can talk it over while we are at the table and decide

what is the best thing to do."

Grant's advice was followed. Fred thrust the bond into the envelope and

then placed the package in the inner pocket of his jacket.

Throughout their meal the discovery of the bond was the chief topic of

conversation. The mystery of its presence on board the Black Growler as

well as that of its ownership again and again were talked over, but no

satisfactory conclusion had been obtained when at last the boys

departed from the hotel.

"I'll tell you what we'll do, fellows," said Grant. "Let's take that

bond down to the bank. There must be one or two banks here and we can

find out about it and leave it there, if it is thought best. It may be

that we shan't want to be found with the goods on us a little later."

"That's all right, Soc," said Fred, who was more nervous than any of

the boys concerning the discovery which he had made. "I'll find out

where there's a bank."

In response to his inquiries, Fred soon was informed where a bank could

be found and together with his companions at once entered it.

He inquired for the president and soon was introduced to that official.

Briefly Fred then related the story of the discovery of the bond. The

man before him listened attentively and when Fred ceased he said, "Let

me see the bond."

As soon as he received it he carefully read its contents and then said

slowly, "That is a perfectly good bond and is worth at least fifty-two

hundred and fifty dollars. What do you intend to do with it?"

"That's what we wanted to ask you," explained Fred.

"And you haven't any idea where it came from?" inquired the banker,

looking keenly at Fred as he spoke.

"Not the slightest," answered Fred. "I never was more surprised in my

life than when I found that bond under the cushion on our boat."

"Hum," said the banker slowly. "Will you accept a suggestion from me?"

"Yes, sir," said Fred eagerly. "That's what we came for."

"Then my advice to you is to leave the bond here. I'll give you a

description of it and the number, and will make such inquiries as are

in my power concerning its ownership. You must give me your names and

addresses and tell me where I can get you on the 'phone within the next

few days if I want to call you."

Fred glanced questioningly at his companions and when Grant nodded his

head, he said, "All right Mr.----"

"My name is Reese," explained the banker.

"All right, Mr. Reese," said Fred. "You give us the paper and we'll be

glad to leave the bond here in your keeping. Have you any idea," he

added, "how that bond may have been placed on board our boat?"

"No, sir, not the slightest," replied the banker.

Mr. Reese retired from the room in which the boys were waiting and in a

moment returned stating that as soon as the chief facts concerning the

bond had been transcribed he would give a copy to the boys. Meanwhile

he took the names of all four Go Ahead boys and also their addresses.

"I know your grandfather quite well," he explained when Fred gave his

name as that in the care of which all letters and messages for the boys

should be sent. "He frequently comes up to Cape Vincent in his yacht. I

am glad to meet you on his account as well as on your own."

The task at last having been completed, the Go Ahead boys at once

started toward the dock where their motor-boat had been left.

As they drew near the place, John suddenly stopped and clutching George

by his arm, who was walking beside him, said, "Look at that man over on

the dock! Who is it?"

"It's the fellow who was the leader of that gang of canal-men that

boarded us the other morning."

"What do you suppose he's doing here?" demanded John in a whisper.

"I can't say. I'm not sure that it is the same man, but it certainly

looks like him."

The boys stopped and excitedly explained to their friends the discovery

which they had made.

The opinion was general as soon as all had looked at the man that it

was indeed their unwelcome visitor who had fled precipitately with his

companions when the Caledonia had stopped to aid them.

The stranger was only a few yards from the place where the Black

Growler had been made fast, and as the boys approached he looked up and

said with a laugh, "Glad to see yer. I thought I'd come down and look

ye up. I wonder if yer got any gasoline?"

"Yes, sir, we have," answered Fred tartly. He was not desirous of

continuing the conversation.

Sam Hodge, who had come with the boys from Henderson Harbor, had

departed soon after the landing at Cape Vincent had been made.

Consequently the Black Growler had been left without any one on board

when the Go Ahead boys had gone to the hotel for their luncheon.

Whether or not the man before them had made investigations or helped

himself to anything of value on board the boat no one knew. There was,

however, no one to prevent him from doing such things as he had desired.

"Where did you come from?" demanded George as he stepped in front of

the stranger.

"I jes' started for me summer home," laughed the canal-man. "I didn't

think I would go down before the Fourth of July, but the sight of you

boys made me homesick."

"Where is your island?"

"I can't jes' describe it," said the man, "but if you'll give me a lift

in your boat I'll p'int it out to you when we come to it."

"How did you come down here?" demanded George.

"The same as any gintleman might come. I thought of comin' in me yacht,

but I finally decided I'd take me own car and in that way I would be

indepindent of the whole world. Now, then, boys," he added, "I'm a bit

fearful that I shan't be able to stay with ye very long. Did any of ye

find a document of any value after I left ye the other day? I was a bit

sorry I couldn't stop to shake hands with ye, but there were several

reasons why me and me pals thought it might be a good thing not to

interfere with you when your friends on that black yacht stopped to say

good mornin'."

The four boys looked shyly at one another, every one of them convinced

that the mystery of the presence of the bond which they had discovered

was in part explained.

"What was your document?" asked Grant.

"That wasn't what I said," replied the man. "I asked you if you had

found any document."

"Of course we'd find a good many things on board," explained Grant.

"You'll have to tell us just what it is you lost, if you want us to say

whether or not we have found it."

"You found it all the same. I can see it by the look in your eyes,"

declared the man. "Now, what I want to know is if you'll give it up

peaceable-like or do you want me to call a policeman and get him to

help me take what belongs to me."