im answer questions about canals. I'm
telling you that if Grant should ask him about how wide the Suez Canal
is or how deep the Sault Ste. Marie is he'd get an answer that would
surprise him."

"I haven't any doubt about that," said John somewhat ruefully. "The man
is a surprise anyway."

John spoke more truly than he knew. The surprise that was occasioned by
the presence of their unbidden guest was mild compared with that which
soon followed.

CHAPTER XV

AN UPSET

The Black Growler, carried forward by the current of the mighty river
as well as by her own power, brought the party on board to their
destination late in the afternoon.

It was the first time that Fred's friends had seen the spot. The clear
running water of the great river, the skies without a cloud, the sight
of the numberless camps and cottages, as well as of the many yachts and
motor-boats that were to be seen on the river, all combined to increase
the interest of the Go Ahead boys.

When at last they arrived at the island owned by Fred's grandfather
their enthusiasm became still greater. A beautiful cottage, which
really was a house with twenty rooms, was located in a grove of high
trees. The boathouse, ample and attractive in every way, and the sight
of several skiffs that had been made fast to the dock caused George to
exclaim in his impulsive manner, "There isn't a place like it in all
the world! I never saw such a spot before in all my life!"

"But you're young yet," suggested Grant soberly.

"But I have seen some things, even if I am young," retorted George. "I
thought Mackinac Island was beautiful, but this has some things you
can't find up there."

"Spoken like a philosopher," again retorted John. The expression on his
face was serious as he hastily made inquiries concerning Grant's
missing bag. "The poor chap," he explained, "is in trouble. He can't
wear any clothes that fit the rest of us and unless he gets help soon
we shall have to lock him in the boathouse for he won't be presentable
anywhere."

To Grant's delight his bag already was in his room awaiting his coming.
The mistake had occurred at Albany which had caused as much trouble to
the owner of the other bag as Grant himself had suffered.

As soon as the boys were ready they all went down to the broad piazza
which adjoined the house on three sides and there were greeted
cordially by Fred's grandfather and grandmother.

"We're always glad to see Freddie," said Mrs. B