boat in a
manner most exasperating, or else rubbing up against the canvas top,
which, in that particular spot, quickly developed a disposition to
leak, as supposed waterproof canvas often will if you so much as place
a finger on the underside while it is wet.

Along about nine o'clock, however, the clouds ceased to squeeze their
watery contents down upon the adventurous cruisers.

"Hurra! boys!" Nick was heard to shout an hour later; "it's going to
clear up, as sure as you live! Looky up yonder, and you'll see a break
in the clouds. Then we can go ashore anyhow, and get some of the kinks
out of our legs."

Nick proved a good prophet, for about eleven the clouds did begin to
roll away, so that the sun peeped out. It was a welcome sight, and
elicited a series of loud thankful cheers from the boys.

They were not long about getting on land. Josh in particular was seen
to turn a few hand-flaps, as though in that energetic way he could
loosen up his muscles the more speedily.

"But that sea will keep up more or less the rest of the day," observed
Jack, as they sauntered over to a point where they could look out on
the heaving surface of the broad Delaware Bay.

Having a stretch of miles in which to gather force under the piping
wind, the waves were of considerable height, considering that the three
boats were of diminutive size.

They watched the tumble of the billows until they were tired. Then
each set about doing whatever appealed the most to his nature.

Thus Nick wandered along the bank of the creek, examining the shores
closely, in the hope of being able to pick up a few shellfish, since
his taste for oysters had grown to huge proportions after the feast
already indulged in.

George set about drying things out on board the _Wireless_, so that he
could tinker a little with that high spirited engine of his. Josh
settled down to gather some wood, being bent on having an outdoor fire
when the next meal came around, meaning supper; for they would only
take a cold snack at noon. Herb was writing up his log; Jimmy getting
some fishing tackle in readiness, he having an idea that finny prizes
only awaited the taking in these parts; while Jack wandered forth, with
a gun thrown over his shoulder, hungry for a little hunt.

They heard a double report half an hour later. Every fellow looked
interested, for well did they know that when Jack pulled trigger there
was a pretty fair chance of something dropping into