The day
was passing, and if night came on, to find them still groping their way
in this incertain manner down the South Carolina coast, the prospect
would seem gloomy indeed.

No one seemed to care to eat much. Even Nick, for the time being, had
gone back on that wonderful appetite of his, and actually turned up his
nose when George got out the bag that contained hard tack and cheese,
asking the fat boy if he cared to have a "snack" to fortify him against
what might yet be in store for them.

"Excuse me," said Nick, loftily. "There are times to eat, but
according to my way of thinking this ain't one of 'em. When a feller
has to do a lot of high thinking he'd be wise to keep his mind clear
and let grub alone."

Truth to tell, Nick was feeling rather squeamish. The swell rolled the
narrow boat more than had been the case when they kept further out; and
besides, such were his fears that they affected his nerves, and also
his stomach.

"All right," said George, who did not happen to be in the same
condition, "I'm not a big feeder, but it's always wise to keep up your
strength. And talking about letting grub alone, when you once get
ashore again the way you'll pitch in must make our supplies look sad.
I know you, Nick; you can't fool me."

Nick disdained to make any reply. He even turned his back on the
skipper when George started to munch biscuit and cheese.

"What time is it?" asked George, after a while, upon seeing the fat boy
look at his little nickel watch, for the tenth time at least.

"Just three o'clock!" groaned Nick, sadly replacing his timepiece and
looking longingly toward the west, where he knew solid ground lay, if
only they could ever set feet upon it once more.

"And we started out on the sea by eight," remarked George. "Say,
that's something worth while; and when we get to talking it over we'll
have reason to be proud of the way these bully little boats have served
us. Eight hours on the ocean; just think of that, will you?"

The others were close enough to hear what was said, for it was quite
still, as the motors were running at a reduced speed.

"Perhaps it may be eighty before we're done!" called Josh, on the right.

"I do believe we're going to bring up on the coast of Ould Ireland
before we're through with this job!" Jimmy was saying, from some unseen
place on the port side of the _Wireless_, which happened to be
occupying the middle berth at the time.

At that the rest broke ou