ng around with a change of wind without fouling our anchor or
going aground again on any miserable oyster bed."

"Look here! I've got a grievance," remarked Bluff.

"All right. Let's hear it," laughed Will.

"If he takes the dinghy, how in the world am I going to gather the
oysters for our supper? Frank said the very next mess we got he would
give us scalloped oysters, and I'm just feeling hungry that way,"
complained Bluff.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll be back in half an hour, at the most. Besides, if
you want to, you can put on these heavy shoes of mine, drop over the
side, and wade to the bar. It's warm in the water, and delightful,"
remarked Jerry, slipping over into the small boat, with his rifle in his
hand.

"Well, there's no depending on you. Half an hour, did you say? More than
likely that means about dark, if there's any temptation to hunt ashore.
So I suppose I'll just have to duck, and do the great wading act. For I
count it next door to a crime to be so near delicious oysters and not
have them at least once a day."

Bluff was as good as his word. He put on the heavy shoes, and some old
garments. Then, getting a bucket, he crept overboard, found that the
water only came to his waist, and, having marked out his course, was
speedily on a reef, digging at the largest oysters he could find.

"Boys, they're just the finest ever! Some whoppers out here, too. No
'coon oyster about that chap," and he held up one that was half again
as large as his hand.

Now and then, as he worked, they could see him stop to try an extra
fat-looking fellow. When this had been repeated a dozen times, Will
reproached him.

"Where do we come in? Do we get the culls?" he demanded.

"Why, hang it, my bucket's as full now as it will hold! I'm coming across
to dump 'em on the deck, and get another helping. Why, I could keep at
this business all day. It's just fascinating, that's what!" called Bluff.

"I see your finish, all right, my fine boy. You'll never go back to
Centerville again. Either you'll turn into an oyster, after devouring so
many tons of 'em, or else hire out to the owner of a sharpie engaged in
the business," laughed Frank.

He had to admit, though, when Bluff opened one of the big fellows and
allowed him a chance to taste its flavor, that they were the best he had
ever run across.

"Barring none," declared Bluff vigorously, holding the oyster knife
aloft.

"Barring none," affirmed Frank, also erecting his finge