no idea you could be so far up this way, and we should
have left the locality as soon as the wind would permit."

Jake wanted to ask the sailing master how it happened that he had made
such a mistake in his reckoning; but it was a delicate question, and he
thought it best to wait until Mr. Walters had left them, when Neal's
father could probably give the desired explanation.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

HOMEWARD BOUND.

One can readily fancy what a feeling of perfect content had come over
the boys after finding themselves once more with nearly all the crew of
the Sea Dream.

There was no longer anything to cause anxiety; the vengeful Indians had
been left far behind, and the fear of an attack was among the things of
the past.

"I used to think it would be mighty nice to go into some such place as
we have just left," Neal said to Teddy, while the two were sitting under
the awning aft, some distance from their companions; "but now we know
what the reality is like, I've had enough."

"I suppose our story would sound pretty fair if it was put into a book;
but whoever wrote it couldn't be all the time telling about how hungry
and tired we were, how the mosquitoes and flies nearly ate us up, how
thoroughly we were frightened the greater portion of the time, nor how
disagreeable it is to be where there's precious little chance for a
fellow to keep clean."

"That is why adventures seem so nice when you read about them, for all
the trifling things which serve to make a person uncomfortable in both
body and mind are omitted."

"Yes," Teddy said very emphatically, "one day would be enough for any
fellow I know, and the idea of going where there is likely to be plenty
of chance for adventure will never again have any fascination for me."

In this strain the boys talked until dinner was served on deck, which
was not a particularly well cooked meal, after which the conversation
became general.

The re-united party spoke chiefly of Mr. Walters' determination to
remain with Cummings, and while listening to it Jake forgot all else
save the wonderful sights he had seen in the famous city.

"I have a good mind to stay with you," he finally said. "The idea that I
have been where silver could be had for the labor of carrying it away,
and didn't get any, makes me angry with myself. Now that Mr. Walters has
concluded to try his hand at it I believe I'll do the same thing."

Poyor looked up quickly, shook his head very decidedly,