ees it became more so as the
day passed. Finally, after passing several lighthouses, they had
glimpses of the great Government breakwater, and the barrier that has
been erected to keep the ice from injuring the shipping.

That night they lay in a snug harbor in Broadhill Creek, a few miles
above the town. Herb and Josh had gone with the _Comfort_ to see if
there was any mail for them; and to pick up a few little things which
it was believed they needed to complete their happiness.

"I hope tomorrow will be as fine as today has been," Jack remarked that
evening, as they sat around to partake of supper; "because we've got a
nasty outside run to make, reaching for an inlet below; and we've just
got to wait until the sea is smooth, if it takes a week. We promised
our folks at home not to take any unnecessary chances, you remember,
fellows."

"And that's one I'd refuse to tackle," observed George, without a
blush. "The old ocean is a pretty big proposition for a teenty little
motor boat to buck up against."

"Especially one that's built on the order of a wedge!" grunted Nick,
unconsciously rubbing one of his fat sides sympathetically, as though
he might be getting a chronic muscular pain there, from being kept in a
state of perpetual balance.

When the morning did come they found that the signs seemed most
propitious indeed; and Jack declared that they could not afford to let
such a chance pass by.

"Well, just as you say, Jack," sighed George. "The thing has to be
done; and in that case the sooner we get it over with, the better. But
I hope there won't be much more of this outside business before we
reach Florida."

"Very little," replied the other, reassuringly. "And we're going to
take no chances at any time, remember. This outside work is easy
enough, always providing you bide your time, and no big wind from the
east or south comes up while you're making the trip from one inlet to
another. Sometimes, I'm told, the sea is like glass, with hardly a
ripple."

"I hope it turns out that way today, then," remarked George, as he
began to do a little final tinkering with his machinery before the
start.

Jack watched the tide, knowing something about how the wind would be
apt to come up at a certain change, as it usually does. Then, at eight
o'clock, or "eight bells," as Nick delighted to call it, the signal was
given, the gallant little flotilla started off; and an hour later the
three motor boats were mov