the rolling
deep!"

"It's a good idee," was the farmer's comment. "I was wonderin' how we'd
git over with the contraption. You kin keep on shovin' planks an' logs
under till she floats, an' tie them together with the ropes ye brung
along. A good idee."

It was not until noon that they had the so-called raft built and the
biplane fastened to it. The work had made them all hungry and they were
glad that they had brought along a substantial lunch. They sat down in
the shade of the woods to eat, washing the meal down with some water
from a spring back of the old hut,--or rather of what was now left of
the structure. While the boys ate they talked about Josiah Crabtree and
Tad Sobber and the others who were their enemies.

"They'll surely try to do something," said Dick. "But what it will be I
can't guess. We'll have to keep on guard."

"Who is going to go on the raft?" asked Sam. "It won't carry all of us."

"I'll pole it over," answered Dick. "The rest of you will have to go
around by the ford."

"Don't you want any help?" asked Tom.

"No, I think I can do it alone. If two of us got on the raft it might
sink too deep and get stuck on the rocks."

So it was arranged, and a few minutes later Dick set off. Peter Marley
had cut for him a slender but tough pole, which he was to use in shoving
the novel craft across the stream.

"Don't go overboard!" cried Sam.

"I'm going to take off the most of my clothing," answered the older
brother. "You can carry the things for me--and don't drop them at the
ford."

Soon Dick was on the way, standing behind the biplane and using the long
pole as best he could. He was in water up to his ankles and as the
planks were slippery he had to watch his footing. Once he came close to
going overboard but saved himself by clutching one of the wire stays of
the machine.

In the middle of the stream the current caught the raft and forced it
down the river for quite a distance. But Dick had expected this, and
kept his eyes on a sandy stretch still further below. He poled along
with vigor, and did what he could to avoid the rocks and shallows. Once
the raft caught fast, but soon he had it loose again, and a few minutes
later the sandy stretch was gained and he sent the raft shoreward with
all his force. It came up on the sand and there it stuck; and the voyage
was at an end. Somewhat out of breath, Dick sat down to await the coming
of the others.

"Safe and sound, eh?" cried Tom, as he