honor that always went with his
actions would positively prevent his trying to ascertain what that
sealed packet contained.

"Hey! get busy there, Jimmy!" he called out; "we're going to start
again, and make for the other boats. They've pulled up, and are
waiting for us to join them. And, believe me, those fellows are just
eating their heads off with envy, because they must have seen that we
were hobnobbing with a real birdman, who could scoot along the water as
easily as a flying-fish. All ready, are you? Then here she goes,
Jimmy," and immediately the merry hum of the motor sounded.

CHAPTER IV.

THE FIRST CAMPFIRE ASHORE.

"Ahoy there, _Tramp_! What's all this mean?"

That was George hailing through his megaphone, as Jack and Jimmy drew
near the spot where the other boats were waiting.

Jack simply waved his hand, to indicate that all in good time the other
fellows would hear the news; and that he did not mean to strain his
voice shouting across a stretch of water, when there was no necessity.

Presently the three craft were moving along abreast, down the river,
and only a little distance apart. It might be noticed that while the
_Wireless_ hung on the starboard quarter, the _Comfort_ was just as
near on the port side; and thus conversation was made easy.

"Now spin us the yarn, partner," spoke up impatient George, who did
everything in a hurry, though a mighty good comrade all the same.

"Yes," broke in Nick, who was also in the same narrow boat, as usual
gripping the sides, as though to steady his fat form; "believe me,
fellows, we're consumed with curiosity to know what that chap in the
aeroplane wanted with you."

"Say," came from the lanky Josh, squatted in the roomy _Comfort_, with
his long legs doubled up under him, after the manner of a Turk; "what
d'ye think, Jack, Nick here kinder expected to see you toddle aboard
that hydroplane, and take a spin up among the clouds. Said 'twould be
just like your luck to get hold of such a bully chance."

"Well, hardly," laughed Jack. "But we did make the acquaintance of a
pretty fine young fellow, the same we've been reading about so much
lately--Malcolm Spence."

"Oh, say! why couldn't we have been along?" grunted George,
disconsolately; "for if ever there was a fellow I'd give a heap to meet
up with, he's the one. It's a shame, next door to a crime, that we got
left out of the deal. But go on, Jack, old chum, and tell us all he
said."

J