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
o