he overhanging
branches and saw the moonlight falling on the mighty Mississippi.

So they pulled back a bit, and made themselves just as comfortable as
the conditions allowed. There was now no longer any fear of a great
famine in the land. In their pockets they had money; and somewhere not
a great distance below they would strike Greenville, where, doubtless,
supplies could be purchased in any quantity.

So the little Juwel gas stove, and the battery of lamps on board the
_Wireless_ were put to splendid service in getting up a supper to
celebrate this rediscovery of the Mississippi.

"I don't believe De Soto ever felt one-half the happiness that we
experience," Jack remarked, as they sat in their respective boats,
fastened side by side, and discussed the meal.

"That's right," declared Nick, between mouthfuls. "Because, you know,
he wasn't used to much, and in no danger of having his supplies cut
off. It comes harder on a fellow of today to starve than it used to.
That is, it seems so to me."

Nobody objected to his way of putting it; for truth to tell every one
of the quartette felt delighted with the final outcome of their
adventure.

They made an early start, for after all there was hardly enough food
left to provide for a scanty breakfast--at least Nick called it that,
though the others felt that they had had quite enough.

Arriving at Greenville, a committee was appointed, consisting of Jack
and Nick, to go ashore and lay in some fresh supplies as well as have
gasolene ordered brought down to the boats. Jack also made inquiries,
and learned that a boat answering to the description of the _Comfort_
had been noticed passing down in the middle of the river several days
back.

"The tortoise has gotten ahead, fellows," he reported, when he once
more joined his chums, laden down with supplies, as was also the
willing Buster.

Nobody cared much now. Somehow the fever of the race had departed from
George's veins. He even declared that from now on he meant to stick
with Jack and enjoy the pleasure of some company besides that of a
fellow whose one thought was cramming.

"But you see that I'm not infallible as a guide," laughed Jack. "Don't
I strike the wrong channel as well as you?"

"That's so," returned George; and then he added gallantly: "But you got
us all out of the blessed hole neatly, Jack. Goodness knows what would
have become of Buster and me if we hadn't struck you."

"Now, I know what yo