that he believed he had sighted the missing
launch far up the river and coming like a streak of light.

It was no mistake, as the rest declared once they had taken an
observation. And when the lost boat drew near, such a dreadful clamor
as broke forth, both Jimmie and Josh blowing conch shell and tin horn
for all they were worth; while Nick did his best to drown them out with
his own battered musical instrument.

"Same old story," laughed George, as they came alongside. "Don't rub
it in too hard, fellows. Breakdown right when we were doing the best
stunt of the trip. Only for that it would have been a record breaker
of a run between second and third stations for the _Wireless_. Gee!
but she can fly when she takes the bit between her teeth."

"And gee! but she can bite though," grunted Nick, as usual rubbing his
haunches and putting on a most forlorn expression.

"Well, what's the use of staying here?" remarked Herb. "It's now past
eight, and time we were on the move. It's just a picnic for Josh and
me. We sail along like a big house, and nothing disturbs us. Josh
cooks to beat the band; only I don't believe he eats more'n a bite each
meal himself."

"That's where you're away off, commodore," asserted the other. "Why,
I'm feeling ever so much better since I started. If it keeps on I'll
soon be able to get away with my full share of the prog, as well as the
rest of you--all but Buster. I never want to run a race with that----"

"Don't you dare call me a hog," cried the fat boy, pretending to get
ready to hurl a big spoon, which he was wiping, at the cook of the
other boat.

"I didn't, leave it to the rest if I did. You're the only one who
mentioned the name at all," grinned Josh, ready to dodge behind his
skipper if necessary.

It being decided to get away without further delay, the start was soon
made, and once more the three boats began their progress toward the
Land of Dixie.

For a change George did not rush off immediately; nor did Jack put on
speed so as to leave the _Comfort_ behind. Truth to tell, they wanted
to chat some more; and talk of future plans when they should get
farther along in the journey. For by now it had been impressed upon
the minds of them all that "the worst was yet to come," as Jack put it.

An hour later and George believed he had loitered long enough.

"My boat is just itching to get a move on, fellows," he called out, as
he started to leave the others. "So by-by