ough?"

"I'm afraid not," replied Fred.

"Then we'll toss you a rope."

The captain at once responded to the word of the man who had been
speaking to Fred and in a brief time a rope was thrown on board the
little motor-boat.

"Are you all ready?" called the man from the deck.

"Yes, sir," replied Fred heartily, for by this time he and his friends
had made the rope fast and were prepared to start.

"All right then, captain, go ahead."

The Caledonia at once resumed her way and the Black Growler obediently
followed about twenty-five feet behind the larger boat.

Before they arrived at Rome other people, in addition to the man who
assisted the boys, were seen on the deck of the Caledonia. It was
evident that the party had not followed the example of the Go Ahead
boys in spending any nights at hotels. They slept on board and the
port-holes of what undoubtedly were beautiful little cabins were
plainly seen along the sides of the yacht.

It was manifest too that the story of the misfortunes of the Go Ahead
boys was speedily told, for a party of five young people in addition to
the older ones assembled in the stern of the Caledonia and laughingly
greeted the boys in the boat that was being towed.

A short time afterward the boats entered the little city of Rome. When
they arrived at a place where a landing safely could be made Fred
shouted to the people on the Caledonia, "We'll cast off now. Thank you
for all you have done. You have helped us out of a bad fix."

"You're very welcome, I'm sure," replied the man who had arranged for
their relief from their predicament.

"Are you going down the St. Lawrence?" he added.

"Yes, sir," replied Fred, "as far as Alexandria Bay."

"Then we may see you again," called the man. "We expect to be on an
island near there. My name is Stevens. If you expect to be in
Alexandria Bay very long don't fail to look us up."

"Thank you, sir," replied Fred, and his companions were as interested
as he in his word. "We certainly shall do so. Thank you again for all
that you have done to help us."

The Caledonia quickly resumed her voyage, while the boys waving their
handkerchiefs in response to the tokens of good will that came from the
strangers who had helped them, speedily made their boat fast and went
ashore.

In response to their inquiries they were directed to a place where they
could obtain a breakfast and not many minutes had elapsed before the
four Go Ahead boys were seated