ybody was feeling quite sharp set.

"No fire outdoors tonight, fellows, for here comes the rain," said
Jack; and even as he spoke the big drops did commence to fall, sending
them every one under shelter.

George was hustling in the endeavor to get his tent up, and succeeded
in doing so before the rain became very heavy. Both Jack and Herb had
had a hunting cabin placed on their boats since last they took a long
cruise, for they knew how comfortable such a cover must prove in time
of stress and foul weather. But George, believing that to do this
would keep his boat out of the speed class, had declined to follow
suit, using a tent instead, which was fastened to a ridge pole
stretched at night-time fore and aft at a certain height above the
cockpit.

Of course, once George had this waterproof canvas covering in place he
too was able to laugh at the rain that now poured down. It might not
be just as cozy under his flapping canvas as beneath the steady roofs
which the other boats boasted; but George would not complain, and Nick
dared not.

Of course, every pair now had to cook their own supper. But it was not
the first time this same thing had occurred by any means; and hence
they knew just how to go about it.

Each boat was supplied with one of those splendid Juwel kerosene
burning gas stoves, which burn common oil turned into a delightful blue
flame by the process of a generator. Once this was started, all manner
of cooking could be carried on. Indeed, it is simply astonishing how
much can be accomplished by means of this clever little device, which
most canoeists carry with them as a necessity, as well as a comfort.

The boys had tied up in such a way that they could call out to one
another, as the humor seized them. And hence, there was more or less
exchange of comments on the bill of fare for supper that evening.

When the meal had been finished night was at hand, though only for the
storm no doubt the sun might still have been seen shining in the low
west. Jimmy got out his banjo, and the musical plunkety-plunk of its
strings, now and then accompanying one of his jolly songs, did much to
cheer them up.

Jack busied himself with his charts meanwhile, for there was a nasty
little experience awaiting them when they reached Lewes, where they
must watch for a favorable opportunity to pass out upon the open
Atlantic, and cover ten miles or so like a covey of frightened
partridges, heading for the inlet to R