disturbed by the comments they made.

There were times when, the course being clear, the speed of the Black
Growler was increased almost to her maximum. At such times the farmers
in the fields stopped in their labors and stared at the motor-boat,
which almost seemed to be shooting through the country.

At other times when they were passing through villages or met a heavily
laden canal-boat the Black Growler moved slowly and seemed to share in
the need of caution.

It was late in the afternoon when at last the little party arrived at
Utica.

"We'll go up to the hotel and have our dinner," said Grant. "I do not
know that I owe the rest of you anything, but I'm going to take pity on
you and do what I at first thought I wouldn't. I'm going to give you a
dinner."

"That's very kind," said John, winking at Fred as he spoke. "Meanwhile
who's going to look after our bags?"

"I'm going to find out first if mine is here to be looked after," said
Grant. "Come on with me, Jack, and I'll go to the express offices and
see if it is there."

John followed his friend, but their labors were not crowned with
success when after an absence of an hour they returned to the place
where the Black Growler was awaiting them. Not a word had been received
from Albany nor had Grant succeeded in finding any trace of his missing
baggage.

"Never mind," he said quickly. "I'll have to make the best of it. I'm
not going to spoil all the fun of the trip crying over spilled milk."

Again John winked at Fred, but no words were spoken after the boat and
its belongings had been left in charge of a man and the boys together
had started for their hotel.

It was still light when they returned to the dock and Fred said, "I
wonder how it would do for us to go on a bit farther. There are hotels
all along the way and I think it would be good fun to stop at some one
of those country taverns."

"We're with you," said George. "We want to get all the experiences we
can on this trip."

"I guess it will be something you will remember," said Grant.

CHAPTER VI

IN THE TAVERN

About half-past eight o 'clock the Go Ahead boys returned to the dock
where the Black Growler had been left. A hasty examination convinced
them that all their belongings were safe. In accordance with the
suggestion which had been made they soon decided to set forth on their
voyage. Just how far they would go was left undecided.

"I hear," said Fred, "that we can stop at a vil