pecially, and we are fixed for two weeks. You see there
were two of them, and they expected to be afloat two months, so he laid
in a large quantity of bacon, coffee, tea, sugar, and all substantials,
much more than we can ever use; and I know Archie well enough to make
sure they came from the best grocery in New York."

"Oh! the darling, won't we remember him in our prayers, boys, and hope he
gets good and strong over at that cure in Europe? There will be never a
meal but that our thanks will ascend for this good deed of Cousin Archie.
He belongs to all of us; this club adopts him as its one honorary member;
and I hereby propose three cheers for the biggest-hearted chap going.
Hip, hip, hurray!"

Doubtless Frank's father and mother exchanged smiles when this hearty
cheer came to their ears from Frank's den; but Mr. Langdon, even though a
staid banker now, never forgot that he had once been a boy himself; and
they understood the enthusiasm that must inevitably sweep over the three
chums of Frank when they heard the glorious news.

So the boys proceeded to go into executive session, and jot down lists of
such things as they would be apt to need on the outing.

"I understand that Archie had some heavy fishing tackle in his supplies,
which we can count on to carry us through. Take your heavy rods only, and
your guns, with proper ammunition," suggested Frank.

"And I'll lay in a stock of films and such things, for I expect to get
lots of fine pictures among those wonderful Southern scenes. I've always
wanted to see that Spanish moss trailing from the swamp trees like it is
in all Southern views. I'm the happiest chap in Centerville tonight,
Frank!" exclaimed Will.

"But see here," interrupted Bluff, "how about that matter connected with
your good dad, Frank--why was he so pleased at the idea of you going to
Cedar Keys?"

"Yes, tell us about that," burst out Jerry.

"It's a big mystery, fellows. Father smiled and nodded his head when I
read him Archie's letter. 'What a remarkable coincidence. I was just
thinking of going to that city myself, or sending a trusted messenger,
and now you can do it all for me,' he said."

The boys exchanged looks.

"Don't it just beat all?" remarked Jerry, weakly.

"Why, we're having the luckiest streak of our lives, that's what. But see
here, Frank, didn't he tell you more?" remarked Bluff, who always wanted
to know, being the son of a lawyer.

"He gave me this little packet, done