lage half-way between
here and Rome. They say it is all right. If we don't like to sail in
the night then we can stop there, but if we want to we can keep on
until we get to Rome or Oneida. That's about as far as we'll want to go
anyway."

"I think it will be good fun," said John, "to travel through the
country by night. Perhaps we'll find some more places like the old
Meeker House."[1]

"I'm afraid," laughed George, "that we'll find our ghosts a little more
substantial than they were in that old place."

"I wish we could find my bag," spoke up Grant. "It's strange it didn't
come to Utica. I left word with the express office though to send it
ahead just as soon as they received it."

"Maybe we'll find the ghost of it," suggested Fred.

Meanwhile they had cast off and the Black Growler was moving
noiselessly over the waters of the Erie Canal. They were soon beyond
the borders of the attractive city, but after they had passed the first
village on their way George said quickly, "Fellows, I believe it's
going to rain. Look at those clouds over yonder." As he spoke George
pointed to some heavy clouds that could be seen massing in the western
sky.

"I don't want to get caught out here in a thunder storm," said John.

"We shan't be," said Fred. "I'll put on a little more speed and we'll
go on to the next place. That's where the hotel or tavern is that they
told me about in Utica. It won't rain before we get there for it is
only four or five miles ahead. If it is going to rain we can stop. If
it doesn't we can keep on if we want to."

Conversation ceased as the speed of the swift little boat increased.
Less than a half-hour had elapsed when the boys found that they were
entering the village to which Fred had referred.

"How about it, Fred?" called John. "It looks pretty black to me."

"It does to me, too," replied Fred. "I think the best thing for us to
do will be to stop. We'll find a place where we can leave the
motor-boat and then we'll go up to the hotel and if we have to we'll
stay there all night."

The boys all agreed to the suggestion and in a brief time the graceful
little boat was covered in such a way that she was protected from the
coming storm, which now was almost upon them.

Hastily the boys took their bags and at once started for the hotel
which they were informed was only a few yards distant.

With difficulty they made their way along the darkened street, and in a
few minutes arrived at their d