in perfect trim and
that the trip down the Ohio was to begin without delay.

"Well, I am sure I am ready," said Nellie. "I am just dying to see the
houseboat."

Aleck hurried around to buy the necessary stores, which were taken to
the _Dora_ in a wagon, Then two carriages brought down the ladies and the
boys and a truck brought along the baggage.

"What a beautiful boat!" cried Dora after going on board. "And how tidy
everything is!"

"Then you are not ashamed to have her called the _Dora?_" said Dick,
well satisfied.

"Ashamed? Oh, Dick, I am delighted!"

"This boat is a gem," was Songbird Powell's comment. "Say, folks on the
Ohio will take us, to be millionaires."

"Dis ship is besser dan a ferrypoat," was Hans' comment.

"A ferryboat!" shrieked Grace. "Oh, Hans!"

"I mean von of dem double-decker ferrypoats vot runs from New York to
Chersey City--dem kind vot has got blate-glass vinders und
looking-glasses der sthairs on," explained the German cadet. "Da vos
peauties, too."

"If we don't enjoy this trip it will be our fault," said Fred.

The lines were cast off, the steam tug puffed, and in a moment more the
houseboat had left the dock and the voyage down the Ohio was begun.

"I'll not be sorry to leave Pittsburg behind," said Nellie. "There is
so much smoke."

"Well, they have to have smoke--in such a hive of industry," answered
Dick.

By noon Pittsburg and Allegheny were left behind and once more the sky
was clear and blue above them. The sun shone brightly and there was
just enough breeze to keep the air cool and delicious. All sat on the
forward deck, under a wide-spread awning, watching the scenery as they
floated onward.

After a consultation it was decided that the first stop should be made
at a small village on the river called Pleasant Hills. Mrs. Laning had
a friend there whom she had not seen for years, and she said she would
be pleased to make a call.

"All right," said Dick, "Pleasant Hills it is." And he called to the
tug captain and gave the necessary directions.

"That will throw Dan Baxter off the track a little," whispered Sam.

Aleck Pop was highly pleased with the cooking arrangements. There was a
first-class gasolene stove, and the kitchen was fitted with all sorts
of appliances for rendering cooking easy.

"I'se gwine to do my best fo' you," said the colored man, and dinner,
which was served at one o'clock, proved to be little short of a genuine
feast, with oxtail soup,