rrive, and
Hiram came up within a few moments.

He had prepared himself for this hazardous venture by procuring such an
amount of rations as might serve one person two or three days. As for
weapons, he had none, and when I asked him whether he did not believe it
wise to make some provision for meeting an enemy suddenly, he replied
that when he came upon a lobster back unawares it would be at such time
and in such place as would shut off all chance of using firearms.

"My own two hands will be enough, so far as I am concerned. If we
stumble upon a single lobster back other weapons will not be needed. In
the event of meeting a squad, it would be folly to make any show of
resistance."

I was rapidly losing my good opinion of Hiram's judgment. The first
cause being his proposition to embark upon such a wild-goose chase, and
the second, his intention to set off without providing himself with any
means of defense.

Silas brought with him his musket, and more of powder and ball than he
could comfortably carry during a long march, while Archie had only a
knife, which was better adapted for the cutting of food than defending
his life.

Thus it was that we had with us a musket, a pistol and two knives,
together with as much in the way of provisions as would serve the four
of us two days.

"We are well outfitted," I said, intending to speak in a tone of irony.
"And now let's set off without delay, for the less time we have in which
to consider the chances against success, the better will be my courage."

Hiram gave no heed to my disagreeable tone, but at once led the way
toward the river, and then it was we came to understand he had made
other arrangements for the journey than those of simply supplying
himself with provisions.

He brought us to where a skiff was hauled up on the shore, and from
appearances one would have said she had but lately been put in that
position, for two pair of oars laid ready at hand, while in the
stern-sheets were three or four blankets.

Hiram launched her, motioning for us to take our places, and when Archie
asked at what hour he had thus made preparations for the voyage, he
replied laughingly:

"A great deal may be done in a few minutes, and it so happened that more
than half of my work in getting possession of this skiff, had been done
before I awakened Luke Wright."

"But at that time you did not know if we would set out in the hope of
aiding Silas," I cried, whereupon he added in a