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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40903 ***
+
+[Illustration: cover]
+
+
+
+
+ MOTOR BOAT BOYS
+ _ON THE_
+ GREAT LAKES
+
+ _OR_
+
+ _Exploring the Mystic Isle
+ of Mackinac_
+
+ _By_
+ LOUIS ARUNDEL
+
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+
+ Chicago
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT 1912.
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY.
+ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
+
+
+ Electrotyped, Printed and Bound by
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ Chapter                                     Page
+      I. UP A TREE                              7
+     II. THE CAMP IN THE COVE                  18
+    III. THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON      29
+     IV. CAUGHT BY THE STORM                   40
+      V. A STRANGE SOUND                       51
+     VI. "CARRY THE NEWS TO ANDY!"             59
+    VII. TIED UP AT MACKINAC ISLAND            67
+   VIII. GEORGE WAITS FOR HIS CHUMS            76
+     IX. IN TERRIBLE PERIL                     85
+      X. MAROONED                              94
+     XI. DOWN THE SOO RAPIDS                  104
+    XII. WINNING AN INDIAN'S ADMIRATION       114
+   XIII. THE GREAT INLAND SEA                 124
+    XIV. NICK WIPES OUT HIS DISGRACE          135
+     XV. HELPING AN ENEMY                     145
+    XVI. "WIRELESS DAY"                       155
+   XVII. CAUGHT NAPPING                       164
+  XVIII. A NIGHT OF ANXIETY                   172
+    XIX. PERIL RIDES THE STORM WAVES          181
+     XX. PAYING THE PENALTY                   189
+    XXI. ANOTHER SURPRISE                     197
+   XXII. TO THE RESCUE                        208
+  XXIII. HOMEWARD BOUND                       217
+
+
+
+
+ The Motor Boat Boys on the
+ Great Lakes
+ or, Exploring the Mystic Isle of Mackinac
+
+ By LOUIS ARUNDEL
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+UP A TREE
+
+
+"What a funny cow that is, Josh! Look at the silly thing poking her
+bally old horns in the ground, and throwing the dirt up. Say, did you
+ever see anything like that? Why, the poor beast must be sick, Josh!"
+
+"Cow? Great Jupiter! Buster, you silly, don't you know a bull when you
+see one?"
+
+"Oh, dear! and just think of me having the nerve to put on my nice red
+sweater this morning, because this Michigan air was so nippy. I don't
+believe bulls like red things, do they, Josh?"
+
+"They sure don't. And then we had to cut across this field here, to save
+a few steps. He's looking at us right now; we'll have to run for it,
+Buster!"
+
+The fat boy, who seemed to fully merit this name, set down the bucket of
+fresh milk he had been carrying, and groaned dismally.
+
+"I just can't run--never was built for a sprinter, and you know it, Josh
+Purdue!" he exclaimed. "If he comes after us, I've got to climb up this
+lone tree, and wait till he gets tired."
+
+"Then start shinning up right away, Buster; for there he comes--and here
+I go!"
+
+With these words long-legged Josh started off at a tremendous pace,
+aiming for the nearest fence. Buster, left to himself, immediately
+commenced to try to get up the tree. He was so nervous with the
+trampling of the bull, together with the hoarse bellow that reached his
+ears, that in all probability he might have been caught before gaining a
+point of safety, only that the animal stopped once or twice to throw up
+some more soil, and thus give vent to his anger at the intrusion on his
+preserves.
+
+Josh got over the ground at an amazing rate, and reaching the fence
+proceeded to climb over the topmost rails; never once relinquishing his
+grip on the package of fresh eggs that had just been purchased from the
+farmhouse, to make a delicious omelette for a camp dinner.
+
+Meanwhile, after a tremendous amount of puffing, and frantic climbing,
+the fat boy had succeeded in getting a hold upon the lower limb, and
+pulled himself out of the danger zone just as the bull collided with the
+trunk of the tree.
+
+"Gosh!" exclaimed Buster, as he hugged his limb desperately; "what an
+awful smash that was! And hang the luck, he's just put his foot in our
+pail of milk too. There goes the shiny tin bucket the farmer loaned me,
+flying over the top of the tree, I guess."
+
+He presently managed to swing himself around so that he could sit upon
+the limb and look down at his tormentor. The bull was further amusing
+himself by tearing up a whole lot more of the turf, and bellowing
+furiously.
+
+"Mad just because you didn't get me, ain't you, mister?" mocked Buster;
+whose name was really Nick Longfellow, strange to say, considering how
+short and stout nature had made him.
+
+The bull did not bother answering, so after watching his antics for a
+minute, and wondering if he, too, would have been tossed over the tree
+had he been caught, Nick remembered that he had had a companion in
+misery.
+
+Upon looking across the field he saw Josh perched on the rail fence,
+surveying the situation, craning his long neck to better observe the
+movements of the animal, and ready to promptly drop to the ground at the
+first sign of danger.
+
+"Hey, Josh! ain't you goin' to help a feller?" shouted the prisoner of
+the lone tree in the pasture.
+
+"Course I'd like to, Buster; but tell me, what can I do?" answered the
+other. "Perhaps now you'd like to have me step inside, and let the old
+thing chase me around, while you scuttled for the fence. What d'ye take
+me for, a Spanish bull-baiter? Well, I ain't quite so green as I look,
+let me tell you."
+
+"That's right, Josh," replied the fat boy with emphasis; "and it's lucky
+you ain't, 'cause the cows'd grabbed you long ago for a bunch of juicy
+grass. But why don't you do something to help a feller out of a hole?"
+
+"Tell me what I can do, and I'll think about it, Buster," answered the
+other; as though not wholly relishing the remark of his comrade, and
+half tempted to go on his way, leaving the luckless one to his fate.
+
+"If you only had my red sweater now, Josh, you might toll the old feller
+to the fence, and keep him running up and down while I slipped away."
+
+"Well, send it over to me then," replied the tall boy, with a wide grin.
+
+"You just know I can't," declared the prisoner. "Don't I wish I had
+wings right now; or somebody'd drop down in an aeroplane, and snatch me
+out of this pickle? But I suppose I'll have to get up a way of escape
+myself. Don't I want to kick myself now for not thinking about a packet
+of red pepper when I was at that country store down near Pinconning
+yesterday. Never going to be without it after this, you hear, Josh?"
+
+Only recently Nick had read an account of how a boy, on being hard
+pressed by a pack of several hungry wolves, somewhere in the north,
+had shown remarkable presence of mind in taking to a tree, and then
+scattering cayenne pepper in the noses and eyes of the fierce brutes as
+they jumped up at his dangling feet.
+
+In that case the brutes had gone nearly crazy with the pain, and the boy
+easily made his way home. The story had impressed Buster greatly, and
+that was why he now lamented the fact that he had no such splendid
+ammunition to use on the bull.
+
+"Say, suppose you toss down that red sweater to him," suggested Josh,
+making a speaking trumpet of both his hands.
+
+"What good would that do?" demanded the captive, plaintively; for he was
+unusually fond of the garment in question, and gloried in wearing it;
+though after this experience he would be careful about how he donned it
+again while ashore.
+
+"Oh! he might take to tossing it around, and perhaps run to the other
+side of the field. Then you could sneak for the fence," called the one
+who was safe.
+
+"Yes, and have him come tearing after me before I was half way there,"
+cried Nick. "I guess not. Think of something easier. Can't you coax him
+over there, Josh? Oh! please do. I half believe you're as much afraid of
+him as I am."
+
+"Who says I am?" retorted the other, at once boldly jumping down inside
+the fence; upon which the bull started on a gallop for that quarter,
+and it was ludicrous to see how the valiant boaster went up over that
+barricade again, sprawling flat as he jumped to the ground.
+
+Nick laughed aloud.
+
+"He near got you that time, Josh!" he cried. "Ain't he the terror
+though? Look at him smash at that fence. Better keep an eye out for a
+tree, I tell you, if he breaks through. And Josh, for goodness sake save
+the eggs. Our milk is gone, the tin pail is ruined; but we don't want to
+lose the precious eggs."
+
+A few seconds later Nick broke out into a loud wail.
+
+"Hold on, Josh," he called; "I was only fooling when I said that about
+you being afraid. Of course you ain't; only it stands to reason nobody
+wants to let that old bull get a chance to lift him with those horns.
+Don't go away and leave your best chum this way, Josh."
+
+"Chuck it, Buster," called back the other. "I'm not going to desert you.
+But somebody's got to go after the farmer, and get him to come and coax
+the bull to be good. You can't go, so I'm the only one left to do the
+job. Hold on tight, and don't talk the bull to death while I'm gone."
+
+"Oh! bless you, Josh!" called the captive of the tree. "I always knew
+you had a big heart. But don't be too long, will you; because if he
+keeps banging the trunk of this rotten old tree all the time and
+chipping off pieces, I'm afraid he'll get it down yet. Hurry, now, Josh!
+Tell the farmer what a mess I'm in; and that he's just got to bring out
+some feed, and coax his mountain of beef to be good. Hurry, please,
+Josh, hurry!"
+
+He watched the tall boy making his way leisurely along, and groaned
+because Josh seemed determined to let him have quite a siege of it
+there.
+
+The bull had come back, and was nipping the grass almost under the tree.
+Now and then he would move off a little distance, and deliberately turn
+his back on Nick, as though he had forgotten that such a thing as a boy
+existed. But the captive was not so easily deceived.
+
+"No you don't Mr. Bull!" he called, derisively. "I can just see you
+looking this way out of the corner of your eye. Like me to slip down,
+and try to make that old fence, wouldn't you? Guess I'd sail over the
+rails with ten feet to spare. But think what an awful splash there'd be
+when I landed. I can wait a while, till Josh takes a notion to tell what
+he came back for."
+
+Minutes passed, and he grew more and more nervous. Long ago had his tall
+chum passed out of sight behind the clump of trees that shut off all
+view of the farmhouse. Nick half suspected that Josh was lying down
+somewhere, resting, perhaps in a place where he could watch what went on
+in the pasture.
+
+"Oh! don't I wish I had wings now?" he kept mumbling, as he shook his
+head angrily, and watched the movements of the bull. "I'd fly away, and
+let Josh think the ugly old beast had swallowed me, that's what. He'd be
+sorry then he loafed, when I sent him for help. But is that him coming
+over yonder?"
+
+He thought he had detected something moving; but it was at a point far
+removed from the place where he expected Josh and assistance to show up.
+
+"Well, I declare, if it ain't George!" he exclaimed presently. "He must
+have begun to believe we were having too good a time at the farmhouse;
+and is on his way over to get his share. George is always looking for a
+pretty girl. I've got half a notion to let him get part way across the
+field, and then holler at him. When a feller is in a scrape it makes him
+feel better to see somebody else getting it in the neck too. There he
+comes across, sure enough!"
+
+The bull had evidently seen George, too; but as he happened to be
+standing half concealed by the trunk of the tree just then, the boy who
+so lightly started to cut across the pasture, meaning to head for the
+house among the trees, failed to discover the bull.
+
+"Oh! my, won't he be surprised though!" muttered Nick, craning his fat
+neck in order to see the better; for he did not want his friend to get
+so far along that, in a pressure, he could not gain the fence before the
+coming of the wild bull.
+
+Now the beast had started to paw the ground. George stopped short as he
+caught the sound, and looked around him. Just then the bull tore up some
+more turf, and tossed it in the air. That meant he was primed to start
+on a furious rush to overtake the newcomer.
+
+"Run, George!" shrieked the boy in the tree, at the top of his
+high-pitched voice. "Run for the fence! He's got his eye on you! The
+bull's coming like hot cakes! Go it for all you're worth, George. Oh!
+my! did I ever see such a great lot of sprinting! George can run pretty
+near as good as Josh did, and that's saying a heap."
+
+It was. George seemed to be making remarkably fine time as he shot for
+that friendly fence. Evidently George knew something about bulls;
+enough at least not to want to stay in an enclosure with an angry one,
+and interview him.
+
+For a very brief period of time it seemed nip and tuck as to whether
+George would be allowed to get over that barrier unassisted, or be
+helped by the willing bull. But apparently, after one look over his
+shoulder at the approaching cyclone, George was influenced to let out
+another link, for his speed increased; and he just managed to scramble
+over the rails when the bull came up short against the fence, to look
+through with his red eyes, and shake his head savagely.
+
+"Hey! where are you, Buster?" shouted George, after he had succeeded in
+getting his breath again.
+
+"Here, in this bally old tree, George. He chased us, and I had to hustle
+up here, while Josh went for help. He knocked my milkpail to flinders;
+but thank goodness Josh saved the eggs!" cried Nick; whose greatest
+failing was a tremendous appetite, that kept him almost constantly
+thinking of something to eat.
+
+"Say, you're a nice one," called the other. "Why didn't you warn me
+sooner?"
+
+"I'm real sorry now I didn't, George," replied Nick, as if penitent;
+though at the time he was shaking with laughter, just as a bowl of jelly
+quivers on being moved; "but I was in hopes you'd scare him off. When I
+saw him getting mad, I knew he had it in for you; and then I yelled. But
+George, please think of some way to coax the old rascal off, won't you.
+It's awful hard on me sitting up here on this limb, and he means to stay
+till I just starve to death. Have pity on me George and get up some plan
+to rescue your best chum."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE CAMP IN THE COVE
+
+
+"Hey, Buster," cried the one on the other side of the fence, "where did
+you say Josh was?"
+
+"He went for help, over to the farmhouse where we got the milk and
+eggs," answered the boy in the tree.
+
+"Well," George went on, after looking all around. "I don't see him
+coming any too fast; and I wouldn't put it past that joker to take a
+snooze on the way, so as to make you worry a lot more."
+
+"Yes, I was just thinking that same thing myself, George. Josh has got
+it in for me, you know, every time. But please think up some way to toll
+this angry gentleman cow away, George."
+
+"If I only had that red sweater now, I believe it could be done," said
+George, presently.
+
+"Why, that was what Josh said too," lamented the prisoner; "but don't
+you see I can't get it over to you at all?"
+
+"Course not; but hold on there!" called George.
+
+"Oh! now I know you've thought of an idea. Good for you, George! You're
+the best friend a fellow ever had, when he was in trouble. Are you going
+to sneak in the pasture, and tempt the bull away?"
+
+"I am not," promptly responded George. "I've got too much use for my
+legs, to take the chances of being crippled. But wait and see what I'm
+going to do. Trust your Dutch uncle to fool that old cyclone. Look at
+him tossing the dirt up again. Oh! ain't he anxious to get at me,
+though?"
+
+"What's that you're shaking at him now?" demanded Nick. "It looks like
+my sweater, only I know yours is gray. Why, it must be a bandanna
+handkerchief; yes, I remember now, you often tie one around your neck,
+cowboy fashion. I can see that you're going to get me out of this nasty
+fix, George. It takes a lawyer sometimes to beat a bull at his own
+game."
+
+"It _is_ a bandanna, Buster," replied the other, "and watch me coax the
+old fellow along the fence, down to the other end of the field. How he
+shakes his head every time I wave the red flag, and tries to get at me.
+It's working fine, Buster. You get ready to drop down and run when I
+tell you."
+
+"But George, even if you coax him to the end of the pasture you know I'm
+so slow I never could make the fence before he caught up with me?"
+cried the still worried prisoner of the tree.
+
+"Yes, you are like an ice wagon, Buster; but never mind. I've got all
+that fixed. Just look down yonder and you'll see a nice little trap
+ready for Mr. Bull. It's a small enclosure, with three long rails to
+slide across, once he's inside. Then he's caught fast, and can't get
+out. That is meant for just such a purpose. See?"
+
+"Bully! bully!" shouted the delighted Nick, waving his hat in the air.
+"Oh! I tell you it takes a smart fellow to get on to these dodges. Why,
+Josh must have been blind not to see that same thing. Look at the bull
+following you every time you take a step. Then he turns his old head to
+peek back at me, as if just daring me to try and make the fence. But I
+know better. I can wait. Why, George, talk to me about your Spanish bull
+fights, this sure takes the cake!"
+
+"Don't crow too soon," answered the other boy. "Now comes the ticklish
+part of the game. Will he go in that enclosure, or balk?"
+
+"Wave it harder, George! Make out that you're going to climb over.
+That's the way to hold him. My! but wouldn't he like to pitch you
+higher'n a kite. Look at that piece of old fence rail go flying, would
+you? Now he's inside, George! Oh! if you can only get the bars across!"
+
+George proved equal to the emergency. He fastened his red handkerchief
+to the fence, so that the wind kept it stirring constantly, with the
+bull snorting just on the other side, and smelling of the flaming
+object. Then George slily slipped back, took hold of the upper bar, and
+quickly shot it in place through the opposite groove.
+
+A second immediately followed; and by the time Mr. Bull awakened to the
+fact that he had again fallen into the old trap, he found himself neatly
+caged.
+
+Nick was wild with delight. Still talking aloud, partly to himself and
+also addressing fulsome remarks to his chum, he started to slide down
+the body of the tree, landing with a heavy thump on the ground.
+
+Then he went off at a pretty good pace, for one so stout, heading for
+the nearest part of the friendly fence.
+
+Just about this moment, when Nick was half way across the intervening
+space, who should appear but Josh, followed by a farmer bearing a
+measure of corn as a lure intended to entrap the fighting animal.
+
+All Josh saw was his friend trotting over the field; and filled with
+sudden alarm lest poor Nick be overtaken by the wily bull, whom he
+supposed to be on the other side of the tree, he immediately broke out
+into a shrill shout.
+
+"Run faster, Buster! He'll sure get you! Put on another speed! Hurry,
+hurry!"
+
+When the fat boy heard these wild cries he became visibly excited. It
+was all very well to tell him to gallop along at a livelier clip; but
+Nature had never intended Nick Longfellow for a sprinter. When in his
+new alarm he attempted to increase his speed, the consequence was that
+his stout legs seemed to get twisted, or in each other's way; at any
+rate he took a header, and ploughed up the earth with his stubby nose.
+
+It gave him a chance to roll over several times, as if avoiding a
+vicious lunge from the wicked horns of the bull, which animal he
+imagined must be closing in on him.
+
+Struggling to his feet, he again put for the now near fence; and George
+nearly took a fit laughing to see the remarkable manner in which the fat
+boy managed to clamber over the rails, heedless of whether he landed on
+his feet or his head, so long as he avoided punishment.
+
+When Josh came running down, accompanied by George, Nick was brushing
+himself off, and wheezing heavily.
+
+"Give you my word, Buster," said the long-legged boy, penitently, "I
+never saw that the old duffer was caught in that trap when I yelled.
+Thought he was only hiding behind the tree, and giving you a fair start
+before he galloped after. George, did you do that smart trick? Well, it
+never came to me, I give you my word. Everybody can't have these bright
+ideas, you know. And Nick, I was bringing the farmer, with a measure of
+corn, to get the bull to the barn. Hope you don't hold it against me
+because I yelled. I sure was scared when I saw you trotting along so
+easy like."
+
+Nick was of a forgiving nature, and could not hold resentment long.
+
+"Oh! that's all right, Josh," he said. "No great harm done, even if I
+have torn a big hole in my trouser knee. But you stayed away a mighty
+long while. Seemed like a whole hour to me."
+
+"Oh!" replied Josh, with a twinkle in his eye, "not near as long as
+that. Course it seemed like it to you, because a feller in a tree is
+worried. I had some trouble finding the farmer, you know. But let's go
+back and get some more milk. Here's my eggs all sound. Never broke one,
+even when I piled over this fence in such a hurry."
+
+The rest were of the same mind; so, accompanied by the amused Michigan
+farmer, they walked back to the house, where another purchase was made.
+Not only did they get milk, and another pail; but George thought to ask
+about butter, and secured a supply for camp use.
+
+This time they avoided all short-cuts as tending to breed danger.
+
+"I've heard said that 'the longest way around is the shortest way to the
+fire,'" laughed George, as they passed the trapped bull; "but I never
+knew it applied to cow pastures as well. Just remember that, will you,
+Buster?"
+
+"Just as if I could ever forget those wicked looking horns," answered
+the fat boy promptly. "I guess I'll dream about that bull often.
+If you hear me whooping out in the middle of the night, boys, you
+can understand that he's been chasing me in my sleep. Ugh! forget
+him--never!"
+
+In about ten minutes they came out of a grove of trees, and before them
+lay the great lake called Huron. Although it was something of a cove in
+which a campfire was burning, beyond, as far as the eye could reach,
+stretched a vast expanse of water, glittering in the westering sun, for
+it was late in the afternoon at the time.
+
+Three natty little motor boats were anchored in the broad cove, back of
+a jutting tongue of land that would afford them shelter should a blow
+spring up during the night from the northeast, something hardly probable
+during early August.
+
+Near the fire a trio of other lads were taking things comfortably. One
+of these was Jack Stormways, the skipper of the _Tramp_; another Jimmie
+Brannagan, an Irish lad who lived in the Stormways home on the Upper
+Mississippi, as a ward of Jack's father, and who was as humorous and
+droll as any red-haired and freckled face boy on earth; while the third
+fellow was Herbert Dickson, whose broad-beamed boat was called the
+_Comfort_, and well named at that.
+
+George Rollins commanded the slender and cranky speed boat which rejoiced
+in the name of _Wireless_, and Josh acted as his assistant and cook;
+while Nick played the same part, as well as his fat build would allow,
+in the big launch.
+
+They had spent a month cruising about the Thousand Islands, where
+fortune had thrown them in the way of many interesting experiences that
+have been related in a previous volume. Just now they were making a tour
+of the Great Lakes, intending to pass up through the famous Soo canal,
+reach Lake Superior, knock around for a few weeks, and then head for
+Milwaukee; where the boats would be shipped by railroad across the
+country to their home town on the great river.
+
+As soon as the three wanderers arrived, laden with good things, Josh,
+who was the boss cook of the crowd, began to start operations looking to
+a jolly supper on the shore.
+
+There were a few cottages on the other side of the little bay; but just
+around them it was given over to woods, so that they need not fear
+interruption during their evening meal, and the singing feast that
+generally followed.
+
+Out in the bay a large power boat was anchored, a beautiful craft, which
+the boys had been admiring through their marine glasses. Possibly the
+flutter of girls' white dresses and colored ribbons may have had
+something to do with their interest in the costly vessel, though neither
+Herb nor Jack would have confessed as much had they been accused.
+
+The name of the millionaire's boat was _Mermaid_, and she was about as
+fine a specimen of the American boatbuilder's art as any of these
+amateur sailors had ever looked upon.
+
+"Me for a swim before we have supper," said Nick; who felt rather dusty
+after tumbling around so many times during his exciting experience with
+the bull.
+
+"I'm with you there, Buster," laughed Jack. "You know I've got an
+interest in your work, since I taught you how to swim while we were
+making that Mississippi cruise."
+
+On the previous Fall, the high school in their home town was closed
+until New Year's by order of the Board of Health, on account of a
+dreadful contagious disease breaking forth. These six lads, having the
+three staunch motor boats, had secured permission from their parents or
+guardians to make a voyage down the Mississippi to New Orleans. Jack
+really had to be in the Crescent City on December 1st, to carry out
+the provisions of the will of an eccentric uncle, who had left him
+considerable property. The other chums had gone along for the fun of the
+thing. And it was this trip Jack referred to when speaking of Nick's
+swimming.
+
+Presently both boys were sporting in the water, having donned their
+bathing suits. While thus engaged Jack noticed out of the corner of his
+eye that a boat had put out from the big vessel, and also that the two
+girls were passengers.
+
+Perhaps they were going ashore to take dinner with friends at one of the
+cottages just beyond the end of the woods; although Jack fancied that
+the men rowing were heading a little out of a straight course, so as to
+come closer to the three little motor boats, and possibly give the fair
+passengers a better view of the fleet.
+
+There was now a stiff wind blowing, something unusual at an hour so near
+sunset. The waves came into the bay from the south, it being somewhat
+open toward the lower end, and slapped up on the beach with a merry
+chorus, that made swimming a bit strenuous for the fat boy; though
+Jack, being a duck in the water, never minded it a particle.
+
+Intent on chasing Buster, whom he had allowed to gain a good lead, Jack
+was suddenly thrilled to hear a scream in a girlish voice, coming from
+the boat which he knew was now close by.
+
+His first thought was that one of the girls had leaned too far over the
+side, and fallen into the water, which at that point was very deep. And
+it was with his heart in his mouth, so to speak, that Jack dashed his
+hand across his eyes to clear his vision, and turned his attention
+toward the big power boat's tender.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON
+
+
+A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human
+life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
+
+Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been
+snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was
+half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her
+floating headgear.
+
+The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat;
+but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter. The chances
+seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to
+it.
+
+Jack never hesitated an instant. No sooner did he ascertain how things
+lay than he was off like a shot, headed straight for the drifting hat.
+It chanced that the wind and waves carried it toward him at the same
+time; so that almost before the two men in the boat had turned the
+head of the craft properly, Jack was reaching out an eager hand, and
+capturing the prize.
+
+"Hooray!" came in a chorus from the boys ashore near the fire. Even
+Buster tried to wave his hands, forgetting that he had full need of them
+in the effort to remain afloat, with the result that he temporarily
+vanished from view under a wave.
+
+Jack smiled to see the two girls in the boat clapping their hands as
+they bore down upon him. He noticed now, that while the one who had lost
+her hat was slender and a very pretty little witch, her companion was
+almost as heavy in her way as Buster himself, and with the rosiest
+cheeks possible.
+
+"Oh! thank you," cried the maiden whose headgear had been rescued from a
+watery grave. "It was nice of you to do that. And it was my pet hat,
+too. Whatever would I have done if it had sunk, with poor me so far away
+from our Chicago home. Is one of those dear little boats yours?"
+
+"Yes, the one with the burgee floating at the bow," returned Jack, as he
+kept treading water, after delivering up the gay hat. "We're taking our
+vacation by making a trip from the Thousand Islands all through the
+Great Lakes. My name is Jack Stormways."
+
+"And mine is Rita Andrews. My father owns that big power boat there; and
+we live in Oak Park near Chicago. This is my cousin, Sallie Bliss. I'm
+sorry to say that we're going to leave here early in the morning; or
+I'd ask you to come aboard and meet my father."
+
+Nick meanwhile was approaching, making desperate efforts to hurry along
+before the boat passed on. For Nick had discovered that the rosy-cheeked
+girl was just the match for him, and he wanted to be introduced the
+worst kind.
+
+Unfortunately the cruel men took to rowing again, and though Nick swam
+after, puffing and blowing like a porpoise, he was left in the lurch.
+But he succeeded in waving his hand to the departing ones, and laughed
+joyously when he saw that Miss Sallie actually returned his salute.
+
+So the boat with its fair occupants passed away. Jack wondered whither
+the millionaire, whose name he remembered having heard before, was
+bound; and if a kind fate would ever allow him to see that charming face
+of Rita Andrews again. Little did he dream of the startling conditions
+that would surround their next meeting.
+
+"Hi! there, you fellows, come ashore and get some duds on!" called
+George, who had been an interested observer of this little play.
+
+"Yes," supplemented Josh, waving a big spoon as though that might be the
+emblem of his authority as "chief cook and bottle-washer," "supper's
+about ready, and my omelette eats best when taken right off the pan. Get
+a move on you, fellows."
+
+It was amusing to see the scramble Nick made for the shore. The jangle
+of a spoon on a kettle always stirred his fighting spirit; he felt the
+"call of the wild" as George said, and could hardly wait until the rest
+sat down.
+
+So the two swimmers went ashore, and hastily dressed. Nick was forever
+talking about the lovely roses in the cheeks of Miss Sallie.
+
+"You didn't play fair, Jack," he complained. "When you saw how anxious I
+was to get up, why didn't you pretend to have a cramp, or something, to
+detain the boat. I didn't even get introduced. She don't know what my
+name is. It's mean, that's what I think."
+
+Jack knew that Buster would never be happy unless he had some cause for
+grumbling. It was usually all put on, though, for naturally the fat boy
+was a good-natured, easy-going fellow, ready to accommodate any one of
+his chums to the utmost.
+
+While they ate the fine supper which Josh spread before them, George
+entertained the party with a droll account of the adventure two of their
+number had had with a bull. He had purposely kept silent up to now, and
+bound Josh to secrecy, so that he could spring the story while they sat
+around.
+
+Loud was the laughter as George went on in his clever way of telling
+things. But Nick laughed with the rest. Viewed from the standpoint of
+safety things really looked humorous now; whereas at one time they had
+seemed terrifying indeed.
+
+"Catch me wearing that blessed red sweater again when I go for milk or
+eggs," he declared. "Once is enough for me. Oh! if I'd only had a camera
+along to snap Josh as he went climbing over that fence, with the bull so
+close behind. I'd get that picture out every time I felt blue, and laugh
+myself sick."
+
+Josh assumed an injured air, as he spoke up, saying:
+
+"Now would you listen to that, fellows? Just as if I looked a quarter as
+funny as Nick did, trying to scramble up that tree, nearly scared to
+death, because he thought Johnny Bull wanted to help him rise in the
+world. Oh! my land! but he was a sight. When I went off to get help I
+wanted to laugh so bad I just fell over in the grass, where he couldn't
+see me, and just had it out. Couldn't help it."
+
+"That's what kept you so long, was it?" demanded Nick, reproachfully.
+"All right, the very next time you get in a pickle, and yell out for
+help, I'm going to get a crick in my leg when I try to run, see if I
+don't."
+
+"All the same I noticed that you could swim to beat the band when you
+tried to join Jack, before the sweet girlies got away," put in George,
+maliciously.
+
+"Nick was afraid the boat was going to upset, and he saw a chance to
+save that red-cheeked little dumpling from a watery grave," Herb
+remarked, with a grin.
+
+"Suppose something _had_ happened, Jack couldn't have rescued them both.
+But you can laugh all you want to, smarties, she waved her hand to me
+all the same, didn't she, Jack?" appealed the fat boy, stubbornly.
+
+"I saw her wave to somebody, so I suppose it was meant for you," replied
+Jack.
+
+"Birds of a feather flock together," chanted Josh.
+
+"That'll do for you," Nick declared sternly. "She was a fine and dandy
+little lady, and I hope some time in the future I'll see Sallie Bliss
+again."
+
+"Bliss! Oh! what d'ye think of that, fellows?" roared George.
+
+"Leave Buster alone, can't you?" Jack said, in pretended indignation.
+"He's all right, and honest as the day is long. None of your Crafty
+Clarence in his makeup, you know, fellows."
+
+Clarence Macklin was a boy who came from the same town as those around
+the camp fire. He was the son of a very rich man, who supplied him with
+almost unlimited spending money. Consequently Clarence was able to carry
+out any folly that chanced to crop up in his scheming mind.
+
+Learning through trickery of the intention of the motor boat boys to
+cruise among the Thousand Islands, he had shipped his fast speed boat,
+called the _Flash_ thither, and succeeded in giving them more or less
+annoyance. He was accompanied by his pet crony, a fellow called Bully
+Joe Brinker, who usually did the dirty work Clarence allowed himself to
+think up.
+
+"Say, speaking of that fellow, wonder what's become of him?" George
+remarked; for there was a standing rivalry between his boat and that of
+the other, both being built solely for speed, and not comfort or safety.
+
+"Didn't he hint something about coming up in this region later on?" said
+Jack.
+
+"I understood it that way," observed Herb. "And more than a few times,
+while we cruised along the southern shore of Ontario and Erie, I thought
+we'd see his pirate boat bob up."
+
+"I hope we don't run across that crowd again," observed Nick. "For
+they're sore on us, and bound to do us a bad turn if they find the
+chance."
+
+"Well, we can keep our eyes open," remonstrated George. "You know
+Clarence believes that _Flash_ can make circles around my bully boat,
+and I'm wanting to give him a chance to prove it."
+
+"Chuck that, George," said Josh. "You know you beat him out once
+handsomely."
+
+"Yes, but he said he hadn't tried to do his level best. Anyhow, if the
+chance comes again I'm ready to race him."
+
+"How long would we be gettin' up till the Soo now, Jack, darlint?" asked
+Jimmie; who being second "high notch" in the line of eaters in the
+crowd, had been too busy up to now to do any great amount of talking.
+
+"That depends pretty much on the weather," replied the leader of the
+expedition, who studied his charts faithfully, and was always ready to
+give what information he picked up, to his chums. "We are now something
+like one hundred and fifty miles sou'-east-by-south from Mackinac
+Island, where we expect to stop over a few days. If we pick out a good
+morning we ought to navigate the head of Huron and the crooked St.
+Mary's river to the Soo in one day. The steamers do, and we can make
+about as fast time."
+
+"Of course we have to hold up for the _Comfort_ pretty much all the
+way," said George; "not that I'm complaining, fellows, for I understand
+that it takes all sorts of people to make a world, and lots of different
+kinds of boats to please everybody. And in bad weather Herb and Josh
+fare better than the rest of us. Well, suppose we leave here tomorrow
+morning, if the weather lets us, Jack?"
+
+"We will try and make Mackinac with just one more stop," Jack replied.
+"That will be easy enough; though if the wind gets around and the waves
+increase, we'll have to run for some snug harbor, George, because your
+boat and mine are hardly storm craft on these big lakes."
+
+"It's been a foine trip so far, I say," observed Jimmie, reaching for
+another baked potato, which Josh had cooked to a turn in the ashes of
+the fire, somehow keeping them from blackening, as is usually the case
+in camp.
+
+"You're right there, Jimmie," replied Herb. "And with no serious
+accidents to come, we'll make a record to be proud of. Just imagine
+us sitting around the fire in our cozy club house that is right now
+building, while Jack reads the stirring log of our experiences up here.
+It will make us live over the whole trip again."
+
+"Yes," chimed in George, "and think of the _bliss_ that must bring."
+
+Nick colored a little, as he felt every eye on him.
+
+"Look at the moon just peeping up over yonder, fellows," he observed,
+meaning to distract their attention.
+
+"Just about full too," remarked Jack. "Going to be a great night for a
+camp."
+
+"Makes me think of that moonlight race we had with the _Flash_," George
+went on, his heart always set on the matter of speed and victories.
+
+Night was just closing in, and the grand full moon was rising from the
+watery depths, so it seemed.
+
+"There comes a motor boat down yonder," remarked Herb. "See what a fine
+searchlight she has. No need of that, though, as soon as the moon gets
+fairly up."
+
+"Say, she's just humping along to beat the band, I tell you!" declared
+Josh, as all eyes were turned to where the shadowy form of the advancing
+craft could be seen, growing plainer with every passing second.
+
+"Oh! I don't know," instantly remarked George, who was unable to see
+much good in any small craft when his pet _Wireless_ was around. "I
+should say she was doing just fairly, you know; but then she doesn't
+have to hold back for any elephant."
+
+"That's a mean hit, George," said Herb, though he never changed his mind
+about his comfortable boat because of any slurs cast by his mates, who
+might come to envy him in bad weather.
+
+"Look at her cut through the water, would you?" Josh went on. "The
+fellows aboard don't intend to turn in here to stop over. Must be in a
+hurry to get somewhere, I guess."
+
+"There, she's just passing the rising moon. Why, I declare, fellows,
+seems to me she looks kind of familiar like!" Nick exclaimed.
+
+Jack jumped up, and secured a pair of marine glasses. They were
+guaranteed for night work, and through them he could see the passing
+motor boat splendidly.
+
+"Is it, Jack?" asked George, eagerly; and the other nodded.
+
+"That's the same old _Flash_, all right," he said, looking around the
+circle.
+
+"Gosh!" exploded Nick, "Crafty Clarence is on the trail once more, bent
+on revenge for the beat George gave his pirate motor boat. I see warm
+times looming up ahead of us, shipmates all. And ain't I glad I know how
+to swim now!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+CAUGHT BY THE STORM
+
+
+"I wonder if they know we are camping in this place right now?" Josh
+ventured.
+
+"The chances are, they do," replied Jack. "Both of those chaps possess
+eyes as sharp as they make them. And there's another reason why I think
+that way."
+
+"Then let's hear it, old fellow," begged Nick.
+
+"This is a nice, attractive place to haul in, and spend the night, when
+cruising along in a small motor boat. As evening has come, not one in
+ten would think of passing the cove by; and you know it, boys," Jack
+went on, with emphasis.
+
+"But they deliberately did that same thing," ventured Herb. "Yes, I get
+on to what you mean, Jack. They'd rather boom along, and take chances of
+being caught out on the open lake in the night, even with a storm in
+prospect, to stopping over near the camp of the motor boat club. Is that
+it?"
+
+"Just what I meant, Herb," nodded the other.
+
+"And I guess you struck it, all right," commented Josh.
+
+"But if they didn't want to say us agin, what in the dickens did they
+iver kim up this way for, I doan't know?" remarked Jimmie, helplessly.
+
+At that George laughed out loud.
+
+"Wake up, Jimmie!" he exclaimed. "You're asleep, you know. Why, don't
+you understand that Clarence Macklin never yet took a beat like a fair
+and square man? He won't rest easy till he's tried it again with the
+_Wireless_. I happen to know that he hurried his poor old boat to a
+builder, and had him work on the engine, hoping to stir it up a peg or
+two. And now he's going to sneak around till he gets the chance to
+challenge me again."
+
+"And," went on Nick, following up the idea, "he didn't want to drop in
+here with us, because in the first place he hates us like fun; and then
+he was afraid George might ask questions about his bally old boat."
+
+"He wants to spring a surprise!" declared Josh. "That's his play all the
+time. When we had snowball battles, Clarence was forever hiding with a
+bunch of his men, and jumping out suddenly at us. That's where he got
+his name of Sneaky Clarence."
+
+"Well," remarked Jack, "I hope George gets a chance to show him up again
+for the fraud that he is; but at the same time I don't want Clarence
+and Bully Joe bothering us right along. We didn't come up here just to
+chase around after them."
+
+"Or have the gossoons chasing around afther us, by the same token,"
+laughed the Irish lad.
+
+They sat around the fire, and carried on in their usual jolly way,
+telling stories, laughing, and singing many of the dear old school
+songs. Six voices, and some of them wonderfully good ones too, made
+a volume of sound that must have carried far across the bay to the
+cottages, where the summer residents were doubtless sitting out in the
+beautiful moonlight.
+
+The boys began to think of retiring about ten or after. A couple of
+tents had been purchased after coming to the St. Lawrence river country;
+for somehow all of them became tired of sleeping aboard the boats, since
+there was little of comfort about it.
+
+These tents had been erected under the supervision of Jack, who knew all
+about how a camp should be constructed, so that in case of wind or rain
+no damage was likely to result.
+
+They made a pretty sight now, with the moonlight falling upon them, and
+the flickering fire adding to the picture.
+
+Jack had wandered down to the edge of the water. The three motor boats
+were all anchored close by, and everything had been made snug; but of
+course it was not the intention of the boys to leave things unguarded.
+The chances of trouble were too positive to think of such foolishness.
+
+"Too bad, Jack, that the wind has gone down," said a voice at his elbow;
+and turning Jack saw the grinning countenance of George.
+
+"Oh! I don't know," remarked the other, slowly and cautiously, as if
+wondering whether George could read his secret thoughts, and know that
+he was just then thinking of the pretty little girl whose hat he had
+rescued from the hungry maw of the lake that afternoon.
+
+"Why, I think I hear voices over yonder where they landed, and girls at
+that," George continued, wickedly. "No doubt the little darlings are
+about embarking on the return trip to the _Mermaid_. Now, if the wind
+would only suddenly swoop along, perhaps a boat might be upset. But
+Jack, with your clothes on, you'd have a tough time swimming out there
+and saving Rita's life, like you did her bonnet."
+
+"Oh! let up on that, will you?" laughed Jack, good naturedly; for he was
+used to such joking and joshing on the part of his mates, and ready to
+take it in the same spirit of fun that it was meant. "I was thinking
+about our boats here. Seems to me that whoever is on guard should take
+up a position where he can keep an eye on the whole outfit. At the first
+sign of danger he must wake up the bunch of us. Isn't that right,
+George?"
+
+"Sure it is; but see here, you don't really think anything _will_
+happen, do you?" the other demanded, uneasily. "Because if I had
+any idea that way, I'd feel like going aboard, and sleeping there,
+uncomfortable as a narrow speed boat is. Why, it'd nearly break my heart
+if anything knocked my _Wireless_ just now, and spoiled the rest of my
+vacation."
+
+"Oh! I guess there's no real danger," said Jack, quickly; "but you know
+my way of being cautious. An ounce of prevention, they say, George, is
+better than a pound of cure. We insure our boats against explosion and
+loss; why not do the same about our chances for a jolly good time?"
+
+"Right you are, Jack. That's a long head you carry on your shoulders,"
+admitted the skipper of the speed craft. "But there they come. I can see
+the boat, and the white dresses of the girls. She is a little angel,
+Jack, and seriously I don't blame you for wanting to see more of Miss
+Rita Andrews; but the chances are against you, old fellow."
+
+"Well, girls were the last thing we had in mind when we started on this
+trip," remarked Jack. "We left lots of pretty ones at home, you know;
+and we're getting letters from some of them right along. There, they've
+made the big power boat all right, and are getting aboard."
+
+"And you can go to sleep with an easy mind," laughed George, "because
+the young lady wasn't wrecked in port. But perhaps we might happen to
+catch up with 'em at the Soo, Jack. No doubt you had thought of that?"
+
+"We expect to be at Mackinac first, and people generally stop off there
+a day or two," remarked the pilot of the _Tramp_, falling into the
+little trap shrewd lawyer George had set for him; whereat the other gave
+him a dig in the ribs, and ran off to the camp to get his blankets ready
+for his first nap.
+
+But nothing out of the way did happen that night, though the motor boat
+boys kept faithful watch and ward, one of them being on duty an hour or
+more at a time up to dawn.
+
+With the coming of the sun over the water all were awake, and
+preparations for breakfast underway. Jack, Nick and Josh concluded to
+take a morning dip, while the rest were looking after the cooking of a
+heap of delicious flapjacks done to a brown turn as only the wonderful
+Josh could coax them.
+
+Smoke rising slowly from the big power boat's cook's galley pipe
+announced that preparations were underway there for an early start.
+
+Indeed, the vessel started to leave the harbor even while Jack and his
+mates were still sitting around the fire, disposing of the appetizing
+mess that had been so skillfully prepared for the crowd.
+
+"Jack, it's all right!" laughed George.
+
+"Yes," chimed in Nick, innocently, with a sigh of relief, "they're
+heading north, sure as anything."
+
+"Oh! we forgot there was a pair of 'em, sighing like furnaces," jeered
+Josh.
+
+But Jack and the fat boy only laughed.
+
+"Rank jealousy, Nick; don't you bother your head about such cruel
+remarks," said the former, winking to the stout youth.
+
+"Well, everybody get busy now," said George, jumping to his feet. "It
+looks like we might have a fairly decent day, if that blessed old wind
+keeps away. My boat rolls like fun when in a wash, and I don't like it a
+bit. Hope we'll have the air out of the southwest today, so we'll be
+shielded by the shore."
+
+He hurried off to get aboard. The others were not far behind, for tents
+had been taken down, and blankets stowed, while breakfast was being
+cooked; so that there was not a great deal to do now.
+
+Then, after a last survey of the late camp had been taken by cautious
+Jack, in order to make sure that nothing was forgotten and the fire
+dead, he too stepped into his little dinky, paddled out to where Jimmie
+awaited him aboard the _Tramp_; and five minutes later the little
+flotilla started, amid a tremendous popping of motors, and much calling
+back and forth on the part of skippers and crews.
+
+Once outside the protecting cape they headed due nor'-east by north, and
+kept just a certain distance away from the shore.
+
+It was a lovely morning, and gave promise of a fine day; but these
+cruisers had learned through bitter experience never to wholly trust
+such signs. In summer at any rate, storms can develop with suddenness on
+the big lakes, and a squall start to blowing without warning. Hence they
+had adopted as a motto, the slogan of the Boy Scouts: "Be Prepared!"
+
+George called out to the skipper of the _Tramp_, and pointed ahead,
+where, several miles to the north could be seen the dim shape of the big
+power boat, rapidly covering the distance that intervened between the
+cove and charming Mackinac Island.
+
+"They'll be at Mackinac tonight, all right, Jack!" shouted George, who
+led the little procession in his speed boat.
+
+Jack made no attempt at a reply; but Jimmie took up the cudgels at once.
+
+"Sure we'll make it by tomorry night, if all goes well," he said; "and
+begorra, not wan of our boats is in the same class wid the big wan. Take
+the three togither and they'd be only a bite for the _Mermaid_. So we
+bate thim aisy now."
+
+So they chugged along as time passed. In an hour all signs of the larger
+craft had passed from their sight. At noon they opened up Thunder Bay;
+and thinking to make the dangerous crossing of its broad mouth before
+having lunch, they kept on.
+
+It was rather rough traveling, especially for the narrow _Wireless_; and
+acting upon Jack's suggestion George hovered close to the others, so as
+to have help in case of trouble, and be partly sheltered from the
+rollers by keeping in their lee.
+
+But the passage was made in safety; and after that their course changed
+to some extent. The shore turned more toward the northwest, so that they
+headed into the wind, which was creating some sea, in which the small
+craft wallowed considerably.
+
+An hour later Jack began to cast anxious glances toward the shore,
+hoping to discover an opening of some sort, in which the fleet might
+take refuge. For the sky was darkening by degrees, and he fancied he
+caught the muttering of thunder in the distance.
+
+On their starboard quarter nothing could be seen but a vast heaving
+expanse of water; for Lake Huron at this point stretches more than fifty
+miles, before Grand Manitoulin Island is reached to the northeast.
+
+It would be a bad place for such small craft to be caught in a storm.
+Still, the shore looked strangely devoid of any indentation, and Jack's
+fears increased as the minutes passed without any change for the better
+cropping up. But he did not express these aloud, and even his boatmate
+Jimmie, although often casting a look of anxious inquiry at the face of
+his skipper, could not tell what was passing in his mind.
+
+And then, without any warning, there suddenly came a vivid flash of
+lightning over in the west, almost immediately followed by an ominous
+clap of thunder that seemed to make the very air quiver.
+
+"Say, that looks bad!" called out Josh; who was in the cranky speed
+boat, and had more reason to be alarmed than most of his comrades.
+
+"What shall we do, Jack?" asked Herb, whose _Comfort_ was keeping close
+on the port side of the boat Jack had charge of.
+
+"Push on for all we're worth," answered the other. "I think I see a
+harbor, if only we can make it before the storm breaks. George, you
+leave us, and drive ahead; for the danger is greater with you than the
+rest. But don't worry fellows; it's all right, we've just got to make
+that bay where the point sticks out, and we're going to do it too."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A STRANGE SOUND
+
+
+George recognized the wisdom of such a move as his chum suggested. If
+the wind kept on increasing as it seemed bound to do, and the storm
+broke upon them in all its mid-summer violence, the cranky speed boat
+would be apt to feel the effect more than either of the other craft.
+
+It was therefore of great importance that he and Josh seek the promised
+shelter with all haste. Much as he disliked leaving the balance of the
+fleet, necessity seemed to compel such a move.
+
+Accordingly, he threw on all the motive power his engine was capable of
+developing, and began to leave the others quickly in the lurch.
+
+Jack could easily have gone ahead of the heavy _Comfort_, but he did not
+mean to do so. Better that they stick together, so as to be able to
+render assistance if it were badly needed.
+
+Talking across the narrow abyss of water separating the two boats was
+altogether out of the question, unless one shouted. There was no time
+for an exchange of opinions, since all of them needed to keep their wits
+on the alert, in order to meet the dangers that impended.
+
+Already had the waves grown in size. They were getting heavier with
+every passing minute; and the little motor boats began to actually
+wallow, unless headed directly into the washing seas.
+
+It was a critical time for all concerned, and Nick could be seen with
+his cork life-preserver carefully fastened about his stout body under
+the arms, as if prepared for the very worst that could happen.
+
+It was about this time that Jimmie gave a shrill whoop.
+
+"They done it!" he yelled, regardless of the rules of grammar, such was
+his delight. "The ould _Wireless_ is safe beyant the p'int!"
+
+Jack saw that what he said seemed to be so. The speed boat had evidently
+managed to reach a spot where the jutting tongue of land helped to
+shield her from the oncoming waves. She no longer plunged up and down
+like a cork on the water, though continuing her onward progress.
+
+The sight spurred the others on to renewed zeal. If George could do it,
+then the same measure of success should come their way.
+
+Five minutes later Jack noticed that there was an apparent abatement of
+the wild fury with which the heaving billows were beating against the
+bow of his little craft. A look ahead told him the comforting news that
+already was the extreme point standing between the two boats and the
+sweep of the seas.
+
+"We do be safe!" shouted Jimmie; who, in his excitable way seemed ready
+to try and dance a jig then and there, an operation that would have been
+attended with considerable danger to the safety of the _Tramp's_ human
+cargo.
+
+"And not a minute too soon!" said Jack, as a sudden gust of wind tore
+past, that might have been fatal to his boat had it been wallowing in
+one of those seas just then.
+
+As it was, they had about all they could do to push on against the
+fierce gale, protected as they were by the cape of land. The spray was
+flying furiously over that point, as the waves dashed against its
+further side. But the boys knew they were safe from harm, and could
+stand a wetting with some degree of patience.
+
+George was waiting for them, his anchor down, at a point he considered
+the best they could make for the present. He had managed to pull on his
+oilskins, and was looking just like a seasoned old tar as the other
+boats drew in.
+
+Jimmie and Nick were ready with the mudhooks, under the directions
+of their respective skippers. Hardly had these found a temporary
+resting-place at the bottom, than all four lads seized upon their
+rainproof suits, and presently they were as well provided against the
+downpour as George.
+
+And the rain certainly did descend in a deluge for a short time. They
+had all they could do to prevent the boats from being half swamped, such
+was the tremendous violence with which the torrent was hurled against
+them by the howling wind.
+
+But after all, it was only a summer squall. In less than half an hour
+the sun peeped out, as if smiling over the deluge of tears. The wind had
+gone down before, but of course the waves were still rolling very
+heavily outside.
+
+"That settles our going on today!" declared George, as he pointed at
+the outer terminus of the cape, past which they could see the rollers
+chasing one another, as if in a great game of tag.
+
+"It's pretty late in the afternoon anyhow," declared Josh, who was
+secretly worried for fear lest his rather reckless skipper might want
+to put forth again.
+
+"Yes, and we might look a long way ahead without finding a chance to
+drop into a harbor as good as this," remarked Herb.
+
+"You're all right," laughed Jack; "and we'd be sillies to even dream of
+leaving this bully nook now. Besides, if tomorrow is decent, we can make
+an extra early start in the morning, and get to Mackinac before dark."
+
+"That suits me all right," Nick observed, as he complacently started to
+remove his oilskins, so that he could pay attention to the bulky cork
+life preserver, which he did not mean to wear all night.
+
+They found that it was possible to make a point much closer to the
+shore, and it was decided to do so, especially after sharp-eyed Jimmie
+had discovered signs of a farm near by, possibly belonging to a grower
+of apples, since a vast orchard seemed to cover many acres.
+
+"I hope that big power boat wasn't caught in that stiff blow," Jack
+remarked, as they were getting ready to go ashore in order to stretch
+their legs a bit and look around.
+
+"Oh! I guess they must have made Mackinac," said George. "She was a
+hurry-boat, all right, and the wind would not bother her like it did our
+small fry."
+
+"Thank you, George, for that comforting remark. I was really getting
+worried myself about the _Mermaid_," observed Nick.
+
+"Listen to Buster, would you, fellows?" cried Josh. "I never thought
+he'd go back on the girls we left behind us, and particularly Rosie!"
+
+But Nick only grinned as they joined in the laugh.
+
+"I'm a privileged character now," he asserted, stoutly. "A sailor is
+said to have a best girl in every port, you know, fellows. And every one
+of you will agree with me that Sallie Bliss is as pretty as a peach."
+
+"And just your size too, Buster," declared Herb.
+
+"Look out for an engagement with some dime museum company as the
+fat"--started Josh; when he had to dodge something thrown at him by the
+object of this persecution, and the sentence was never completed.
+
+The ground being sandy close to the water, they concluded to start a
+fire, so as to cook supper ashore, since it was so much more "homey" as
+Nick said, for them to be together at mealtimes. But all were of the
+opinion that it would be advisable to sleep on board.
+
+"Another hot squall might spring up during the night," observed George,
+"and just fancy our tents going sailing off to sea. Of course I don't
+hanker about putting in a night in such cramped quarters as my narrow
+boat affords; but it can't come anywhere near what I went through with
+when Buster was my shipmate, down on the Mississippi."
+
+"And then somebody ought to go after milk and eggs," suggested Herb.
+
+"Here, don't everybody look at me," Nick bridled up. "I guess it's the
+turn of another bunch this time. Josh and myself have served our country
+as haulers of the necessities."
+
+"But every farmer doesn't own a bull, Buster," remarked George.
+
+"Well, I object to bulldogs just as much. Little fellows are all right,
+likewise pussy cats; but deliver me from the kind that hold on to all
+they grab. Nixey. You and Jack try it this time, George."
+
+"That's only fair," spoke up the latter, immediately.
+
+"Well," said George, "if we're going, the sooner we start the better;
+because you see the old sun is hanging right over the horizon."
+
+"And I'm nearly caved in for want of proper nourishment," grumbled Nick.
+
+No one paid any particular attention to his remark; because that
+condition was a regular part of his lamentations several times a day.
+The only time Nick seemed to be in a state of absolute contentment was
+the half hour following a gorging bee; and then he beamed satisfaction.
+
+Accordingly the pair started forth, armed with a tin bucket for the
+milk. George had no great love for biting dogs himself, and as they
+approached the vicinity of the farm buildings he suggested to his
+companion that they arm themselves with stout canes, with which they
+might defend themselves in case of an emergency.
+
+"Looks like a prosperous place, all right," Jack observed as they saw
+the buildings and the neat appearance of things in general.
+
+"But seems to me it's awful lonely here," remarked George. "Where can
+the people all be? Don't see any children about, or women folks. Plenty
+of cows and chickens, but sure they can't take care of themselves."
+
+"Well, hardly," laughed Jack. "We'll run across somebody soon. Let's
+head for the barn first. Generally at this time you'll find the men busy
+there, taking care of the horses, and the pigs."
+
+"I hear hogs grunting," remarked George.
+
+"Well, I got the same sound myself; but do you know it struck me more
+like a groan!" Jack said, in a voice somewhat awed.
+
+"A groan! Gee; what do you mean, Jack?" exclaimed the other, turning
+toward his chum with a white face.
+
+"Just what I said," Jack replied. "And listen, there it is again. Now I
+know it was no swine you heard, George. That sound was from the barn.
+Come on. I'm afraid somebody's in trouble here!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+"CARRY THE NEWS TO ANDY!"
+
+
+"Nobody here, Jack!" announced George, in a relieved tone, as the two
+entered the stable, and looked around.
+
+A number of horses stood in stalls, munching their oats, which in itself
+told the observing Jack that some one must have been there a short time
+before, since the animals had been recently fed.
+
+Before he could make any reply to his companion's remark, once more that
+thrilling sound came to their ears. And this time even George realized
+that it was unmistakably a human groan.
+
+"It came from over here!" exclaimed Jack, as without the slightest
+hesitation he sprang across the floor of the place.
+
+George following close upon his heels, saw him bending over the figure
+of a man, who was lying upon the floor in a doubled-up position.
+
+"What has happened? Did one of the horses kick him?" gasped George,
+always a bundle of nerves.
+
+"No, I don't think so," replied Jack. "I can find no sign of an injury
+about him. It's more likely a fit of some kind he's just recovering
+from. Lots of people are subject to such things, you know."
+
+"Say, that's just what;" declared George. "I had an uncle who used to
+drop like a rock right in the street or anywhere."
+
+"What did they do with him at such times?" demanded Jack, anxiously.
+
+"Well, nobody seemed able to do much," replied the other. "I saw my
+father loosen the collar of his shirt, and lay him out on his back. A
+little water on his face might help; but in most fits it takes some time
+to recover. But I thought I saw his eyelids twitch right then, Jack."
+
+"Yes, he's going to come out of it," replied Jack, as he managed to get
+the old man into what seemed like a more comfortable position.
+
+And presently, as the two boys still bent anxiously over him, the man
+opened his eyes. He stared at them for a bit, as if trying to collect
+his thoughts. Then a horse neighed, and he seemed to realize his
+position.
+
+Jack, seeing him trying to sit up, assisted him. The old man sighed
+heavily, and spoke in a weak tone.
+
+"Reckon I dropped in my own stable that time. Might have been under
+the feet of the hosses too. And both men away. Who are ye, boys? I'm
+beholdin' to you more'n I can say," he went on.
+
+Whereupon Jack soon explained how they belonged to a little company of
+cruisers who had been driven by the storm to take shelter behind the
+point of land; and that their present errand was to secure a supply of
+fresh milk and eggs, if so be they could be had.
+
+"Help me to the house, please, boys," said the farmer, trying to rise.
+"I'm always some weak after one of these spells. They're acomin' oftener
+now, and I'll have to quit bein' alone. Now more'n ever I need Andy. Oh!
+if they can only find him for me, I'll be so happy."
+
+Of course this was so much Greek to the two boys. But they gladly helped
+him to regain his feet, and walk to the house.
+
+"The men will be back soon, and you can have all the milk and eggs you
+want!" he declared; and even as he spoke George discovered a team coming
+toward the farmhouse, evidently from some nearby town, with a couple of
+husky men on the wagon, which was piled high with new and empty apple
+barrels.
+
+"That let's me out," laughed George, "for you see, I was just going to
+volunteer to milk Bossie; and as I've had mighty little experience in
+that line, perhaps she'd have kicked me into the next county for a
+bungler."
+
+The men came on to the house, seeing strangers present, and Jack soon
+explained the situation to them. He learned that the old farmer's name
+was Jonathan Fosdick, and that the Andy he had spoken about was his only
+son, with whom he had quarreled several years back, and for whom his
+heart was forever yearning, now that old age and disease began to grip
+hold of him.
+
+Supplied with the milk and the eggs the two lads started back to the
+camp.
+
+"Promise to come up and see me again tonight, boys," the old farmer had
+pleaded, as he came to the door with them, after positively refusing to
+accept any pay for what they had received. "I want to speak with you
+about something that's on my mind a heap lately. You helped me once;
+p'raps ye can again."
+
+"Now, what under the sun do you think he meant?" remarked George, as
+they plodded along with their heavy burdens toward the lake shore, where
+the boats lay.
+
+"Just wait, and we'll know all about it soon," replied Jack; for while
+he could himself give a pretty good guess what was on the mind of Mr.
+Fosdick, he did not care to commit himself.
+
+The others greeted the foragers with loud cries of delight.
+
+"Then there wasn't any bull handy?" said Nick, with an evident shade of
+disappointment in his voice; for Nick was nothing if not generous; and
+having tasted the delights of being chased up a tree by an angry bovine,
+he felt that the other fellows ought to share the experience with him.
+
+The fire was already burning briskly, and Josh employed in his customary
+tasks of getting things ready for cooking. At such times Josh was looked
+upon as a czar, and his simplest word was law. It was very pleasant for
+the tall, lanky lad to feel that he did have an hour or so each day,
+when every one bent the knee to his superior knowledge; and he certainly
+made the most of it.
+
+And the supper was of course a bountiful one. It could not be otherwise
+so long as Nick and Jimmie had a hand in its preparation. The former
+hovered around from time to time, suggesting that Josh add just another
+handful to the rice that was being cooked, or possibly wondering if they
+could make one big can of mullagatawny soup do for six fellows; until
+frequently the boss would turn and wither him with a look, backed up as
+it was with that big spoon.
+
+Later on, after everybody had declared themselves satisfied, Jack
+beckoned to the skipper of the _Wireless_.
+
+"We promised that we'd run up and see how Mr. Fosdick was getting on,
+fellows," remarked the latter. "Be back inside of an hour or so; long
+before you are thinking of going aboard."
+
+Nick started to rise, but sank back again as Jack shook his head.
+
+"This farmer keeps a black bull, Buster. I saw him in an enclosure, and
+seemed to me the bars looked mighty slender!" observed George,
+maliciously.
+
+"Excuse me, I think this fire feels mighty comfy," grinned Nick.
+
+The two boys found Mr. Fosdick waiting for them. The woman who did his
+household work, a black mammy, had been over at a neighbor's when they
+were there before; but had later on returned, and cooked supper.
+
+Things even looked a little cheerful, with the lamp-light flooding the
+comfortable livingroom of the big farmhouse.
+
+"Sit down, boys," said the farmer, pointing to two chairs, he himself
+reclining on a lounge. "You're wondering now why I wanted to see ye
+again. I'm beholdin' to you for the prompt assistance you gave me. But
+there's somethin' more'n that. Did ye say as how ye was bound for Lake
+Superior way soon?"
+
+"Why, we are going as far as the Soo," Jack replied, readily; "and
+we may take a notion to prowl along the northern shore for a short
+distance. I've always heard a heap about the big speckled trout to be
+taken around the mouth of the Agawa river and other places there, and
+since we have the chance I thought I'd like to try to land a whopper,
+if so be the rest of the boys are willing to go."
+
+"The Agawa!" repeated Mr. Fosdick, eagerly. "I wonder if that might be
+the place now. 'Twas somewhere along that northern shore he said he saw
+my Andy."
+
+"That was your son, I take it?" ventured Jack.
+
+"Yes, my only boy or child. His mother died after he ran away, and I'm
+gettin' old now. I want Andy to come home; but try as I would, I never
+could get a line to him."
+
+Then he went on to tell about his boy, and for a long time Jack and
+George had to listen to an account of Andy's childhood life. Gradually
+he came to the point where the highstrung boy had refused to be treated
+as a child any longer. A violent quarrel had followed, and Andy left
+home.
+
+"I know now I was most to blame," said the old man, contritely; "and if
+only I could get word to my boy I'd beg him to come back to me. I want
+to see him again before I foller his mother across the great divide.
+Just a week ago I had a letter from a party who told me he was sure
+he saw Andy in a fish camp up on Superior. He'd growed up, and the
+gentleman didn't have a chanct to speak with him; but afterward it
+struck him who the man was. If so be ye run across Andy, tell him I'm
+waitin' with my arms stretched out for him, won't ye, boys?"
+
+"To be sure we will!" declared George, heartily, for he was considerably
+affected by the appearance of grief on the old man's face.
+
+They soon afterward started to say goodnight, wishing to get back to
+where the rest of the party sat around the camp fire.
+
+"I forgot to tell ye," went on Mr. Fosdick, as he followed them to the
+door, "as they was a young chap here t'other day as said he'd keep an
+eye out for Andy. And now that I think of it, he had a little motor boat
+too, like them you tell me about. And he said he 'spected to cruise
+around Superior a bit."
+
+George and Jack exchanged glances.
+
+"And was his name Clarence Macklin?" asked the latter, quickly.
+
+"Just what it was," replied the farmer, waving them a farewell.
+
+"Now, what do you think of that?" asked George, as they strode on. "Why,
+that fellow is bound to crop up all the time like a jack-in-the-box. We
+can't even start to do a poor heartbroken old father a good turn, but he
+gets his finger in the pie. But there's a bully chance for me to get
+another race with his piratical _Flash_, and that's some satisfaction;"
+and Jack found himself compelled to laugh, realizing that George had his
+weakness just as well as Buster.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+TIED UP AT MACKINAC ISLAND
+
+
+"All aboard!"
+
+It was Nick who shouted this aloud on the following morning. They had
+arisen at dawn, and prepared a hasty breakfast. Josh had looked out for
+this on the preceding evening, for he had cooked a pot of grits, which
+being sliced while cold was fried in butter after being dipped in egg.
+Only several fryingpans were needed for the job, on account of the
+extreme fondness Nick had for that particular dish. But long ago his
+comrades had learned to view such an assertion on the part of the fat
+boy with suspicion; because it was discovered that the present treat was
+_always_ the one Buster adored most.
+
+The waves still seemed larger than might prove comfortable, but there
+was a fair chance of their going down later on in the day. Besides,
+George was gaining more confidence in his narrow boat, as he came to
+know it better; and he possessed something of a reckless spirit in
+addition.
+
+"Ain't this just glorious!" exclaimed Nick, when they had gotten fully
+started, and passing beyond the protecting point, felt the full force
+of the waves.
+
+Not a voice was raised in dissent; even Josh, while looking a little
+anxious, refused to put up a complaint as the _Wireless_ ducked and
+bowed and slid along through the troubled waters like a "drunken duck,"
+as Nick termed it aside to Herb.
+
+But just as they had anticipated, things improved as the day advanced.
+The breeze grew lighter; and while it came over many miles of water,
+the sea was not threatening. Besides, there is such a thing as
+growing accustomed to such things. What in the beginning might excite
+apprehension, after a while would be accepted as the natural thing, and
+even looked upon with indifference.
+
+They kept this up until after the noon hour, and splendid progress was
+made, so Jack declared. As he had been elected the commodore of the
+fleet, and kept tab of the charts, they always depended on what he said
+as being positive.
+
+Finding a good opportunity to get ashore about this time the boys
+accepted it by a unanimous vote. So many hours aboard small boats gives
+one a cramp, and under such conditions a chance to stretch is always
+acceptable.
+
+Their stay was not long, for all of them were anxious to reach the
+beautiful island known as Mackinac by evening. So once more the fleet
+put out, and in a clump bucked into the northwest breeze and the sea.
+
+They were now heading due northwest, and about three in the afternoon
+George declared he could see land dead ahead which he believed must be
+Bois Blanc Island.
+
+"I reckon now you're just about right," said Jack, after he had
+consulted his map, and then in turn peeped through his marine glasses.
+"For the way we head, there couldn't be any other land straight on. If
+that's so, fellows, we'll raise the hilly island just beyond pretty
+soon."
+
+Before four they could get a sight of what seemed a little green gem set
+in the glittering sea of water.
+
+"That's Mackinac, all right," observed George. "I can see white dots
+among the green, that stand for the houses. We're going to get there
+today, fellows. Told you so, Buster. Me for a juicy steak tonight then."
+
+"Oh! don't mention it, please," gasped Nick. "You make my mouth fairly
+water. And if our boss cook would only suggest fried onions along with
+it, my cup of joy would be running over."
+
+"Sure," called out Josh, "if you promise to peel the tear-getters. We
+need such a heap to satisfy that enormous appetite of yours, not to
+mention some others I know, that I refuse to undertake the job."
+
+"Oh! all right; count on me!" cried Nick, looking around as though
+anxious to begin work at once, a proceeding that George vetoed on the
+spot.
+
+"I need my eyes to see how to steer, thank you, Buster," he declared.
+"You just hold in your horses. Plenty of time. Besides, most of the
+onions are aboard the _Comfort_ along with Josh."
+
+An hour later they were approaching the magic isle that has won a
+fame all its own as a picture of beauty seldom equalled, and never
+excelled--green with its grass and foliage, and with many snow white
+cottages and hotels showing through this dark background.
+
+"Did you ever see anything like it?" asked Jack, as the three boats sped
+onward.
+
+"Never," replied several of the others.
+
+"I'm glad we'll soon be there!" declared Nick; but everybody knew
+without asking, that he was thinking about that beefsteak and onions,
+rather than the joy of reaching such a pretty shore.
+
+"Look at the old blockhouse up on the hill!" remarked Herb.
+
+"Yes, I've been reading up on this place, and history tells about some
+lively times around here during the War of 1812. Seems the British
+thought Mackinac a good place to have possession of. They sent out an
+expedition, and came ashore in the night, surprising the little American
+garrison."
+
+"That was tough," grunted Josh. "Like to hear things the other way.
+Thought Americans never got taken by surprise."
+
+"Oh! well," laughed Jack; "you want to read history again, my boy. But I
+notice a good many steamers around. I reckon most of those bound through
+to Chicago stop here, as well as the Lake Superior ones. There's a boat
+coming in full of people. The _Islander_ she's called. That must be the
+boat going over to the Snow Islands every day. There's another back of
+her, perhaps coming down from the Soo. Seems quite a lively place,
+fellows."
+
+"You bet it is. We must take a run around the island tomorrow, before
+going on. Never do to pass this by, as we may not be here again in a
+hurry," Herb remarked.
+
+Approaching the shore they began to look out a suitable place where the
+small boats might be tied up for the time they expected to remain. This
+was not easy to find, since they had to take care and not get in the way
+of any large craft that might be going out.
+
+After all it was Nick who discovered the opening. Josh declared that
+the fat boy's vision was sharpened by the clamorous demands of his
+appetite; but Nick, as usual, paid little attention to such slurs.
+
+"Who's going ashore to find a butcher shop?" he demanded, as they began
+to draw close in to the shore, and get ready to tie up.
+
+"I appoint you a committee of one to secure the steak," said Jack,
+solemnly; "and remember, don't let it be a bit over one inch thick, and
+weigh more than five pounds."
+
+"Good gracious! that wouldn't be even a pound apiece!" expostulated
+Nick.
+
+"All right! we expect to have some other things along with it,
+remember," Jack continued. "You know the penalty of disobedience to
+orders, Buster?"
+
+"Deprived of food allowance for twenty-four hours!" broke in Josh.
+
+Nick only groaned; and presently finding a chance to creep ashore he
+hurried off on his delightful errand. For when there was anything
+connected with meals to be done, Nick was as spry as anybody in camp.
+
+It was some little time before he showed up again.
+
+"Wow! look at what's coming, would you?" shouted Josh, suddenly.
+
+Of course it was Nick, laden with various packages, and grinning
+amiably.
+
+"It's all right, Jack," he announced as he came ambling along. "It
+doesn't weigh a fraction over five pounds. Oh! I was mighty particular
+about that, I tell you. Had him cut off pieces of the tail till it got
+down to an even thing."
+
+"Here, somebody help him, or he'll take a header into the brink, and
+lose half of what he's hugging so tight!" called Herb, and Jimmie
+started to obey.
+
+"But what's in all these other packages?" asked Jack, pretending to
+frown.
+
+"Why, onions, just onions and then more onions!" came the bland reply;
+at which the others burst out into a roar, causing Nick to look at them
+in pity. "You fellows can laugh all you please," he said in lofty scorn;
+"it don't feaze me one little bit. I was afraid we might fall short, and
+so I bought a half peck at the butcher's. Then, while I was coming
+along, I saw some white ones, and couldn't resist the temptation to get
+a couple of quarts. They go fine raw when you feel just nippy, you see,
+along with a piece of pilot bread."
+
+"But there's still another package; how about that, Buster?" asked
+George.
+
+"Why," answered the other, slowly; "after I started off with the white
+ones would you believe it I discovered a lot of those fine big Spanish
+onions in a confectioner's store. I just couldn't resist the temptation
+to get half a dollar's worth. Mightn't have the chance again, you know,
+fellows. It's my treat this time."
+
+"Thank goodness! we've really got enough of something to satisfy Pudding
+for once!" cried Josh, as he received the various packages.
+
+"Look at the steak, Josh," said the provider, proudly. "Guess I ought to
+know a good thing in that line. It's streaked with fat, and is bound to
+just melt away in your mouth."
+
+Josh admitted that it did look tempting; and later on the entire party
+agreed that Nick had profited by his hobby.
+
+When starting upon this extended trip the motor boat boys had agreed
+that on no account would they sleep under the roof of a house, unless in
+case of sickness. So even at Mackinac they must keep to their boats.
+
+Several of them went ashore to see what the place looked like under the
+electric lights, returning an hour or so later, ready for bed. Those
+left behind had attended to all necessary arrangements, so that little
+time was lost.
+
+As customary, the watches were made up of two, on different boats, and
+so selected that Nick would be paired with Jack himself; because the
+commodore was suspicious of Buster's ability to remain awake with any
+one else as his sentry mate.
+
+It happened that while these two were taking the first turn, and Jack
+every once in a while would poke Buster with a setting pole he kept
+handy, something not down on the bills came to pass. The first thing
+that Jack knew about it was when Nick gave vent to a shrill screech, and
+scrambled to his knees, holding on to some struggling object that seemed
+to scratch and snarl and act in a way that was altogether mysterious.
+And of course the whole six boys were immediately awake, sitting up to
+ask all sorts of questions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+GEORGE WAITS FOR HIS CHUMS
+
+
+"What is it?" Josh exclaimed, as he scrambled to his knees.
+
+"Buster is on the rampage again! That's what comes of eating too much
+supper. He's got a bad case of indigestion, I bet!" declared George,
+grumblingly; for he had come very near falling over the side of his boat
+when Josh made that sudden move, and it startled him not a little.
+
+"But he's got hold of something, I tell you! Look at him grabbing
+around. Must be a wildcat or something like that," Josh went on.
+
+"Faith ye're all wrong," spoke up Jimmie. "Sure it's a monkey he's
+huggin' till his breast, so he be."
+
+"A monkey!" cried Herb, as he appeared behind the fat boy, holding a
+fryingpan threateningly in his hand.
+
+"Yes, that's what!" gasped Nick. "Don't you see, a tame monkey, and with
+a little red cap, and a coat on. He was going through my pockets, I tell
+you, when I woke up--that is when I first felt him. Give us a hand here
+and help me hold the little scratcher. My! but he's strong, and he tries
+to bite my nose every time."
+
+"Because you're hurting him," said Herb. "Wait till I get hold of that
+bit of rope he's trailing behind. Now let him loose, Buster, but keep
+him away from your face. He'd scratch your eyes out."
+
+The queer little visitor seemed to be willing to submit, once Nick
+stopped squeezing him; for he immediately took off his red cap, and made
+quite a bow. Then he snatched up a small tin cup that was attached to a
+belt he wore, with a tiny chain, and held it out to Herb.
+
+"Give him a penny, Herb," laughed Jack.
+
+"Yes, he recognizes an old acquaintance; help a poor fellow in distress,
+Herb!" Josh hastened to add.
+
+"Where under the sun d'ye suppose he came from?" asked George,
+suspiciously.
+
+"Must belong to some Italian organgrinder, I should say, judging from
+the uniform, and the piece of broken rope. Perhaps he's run away, and
+wanted to become a stowaway on board Herb's boat," Jack went on.
+
+"All right," the other remarked, promptly, "anyhow, he knew a good boat
+when he saw one. Give him credit for that. But did you hear what Buster
+said about him feeling in his pockets? Now, I've heard it said that
+often these monkeys are taught to steal, going up into second-story
+windows, and grabbing things. Perhaps he was sent aboard right now to
+pick up anything he could find."
+
+"I tell you he knew all about vest pockets, as sure as you live,"
+announced Nick.
+
+"Looks to me as if he had got something in his pocketbook right now!"
+declared Herb.
+
+"What's that? A monkey have a pocketbook? You're poking fun at us!"
+cried Josh.
+
+"I am, eh? You observe me," said Herb, as with a dextrous movement he
+seized upon the monkey, and by main strength forced him to eject
+something from his mouth.
+
+"Say, it's a real watch, fellows!" cried Nick, astonished; "he had it
+right in his cheek, sure he did."
+
+"And it's my little dollar nickel watch," said Herb. "Shows he searched
+me before trying Buster. All the same if it'd been a hundred dollar gold
+repeater. He's a thief, sure enough. What'll we do with him, fellows?"
+
+"Tie him up, and if nobody comes after him, we'll keep Jocko," suggested
+Josh.
+
+"Think he'd be lots of fun, I suppose," grumbled Nick. "But if he stays
+it's got to be on another boat than this. The little fiend would have it
+in for me. He'd worry the life out of me; and I just can't afford to
+lose any flesh."
+
+"Changed your tune, eh?" taunted Josh. "Seems to me I've heard you
+trying all sorts of ways to get thin."
+
+"That was before I took notice of the horrible example we had along, of
+the living skeleton," retorted Nick. "After that I just made up my mind
+to remain nice and plump. Some people look best when they're fat, you
+know."
+
+"There, he's thinking of Sallie again," remarked Josh.
+
+"But we haven't seen a sign of the _Mermaid_," remarked George; "and I
+reckon she's left here for the Soo region ahead of us. But Herb, find
+some way to fasten the little rascal up for tonight, so he can't do any
+mischief. If his owner comes for him in the morning we'll give him a
+scare."
+
+Herb managed to do this, although Nick declared he would be afraid to
+take a wink of sleep for fear of being choked, or something else as
+dreadful. All the same when his time came to give up sentry duty, no one
+heard so much as a "peep" from Nick again until daylight arrived.
+
+It was arranged on the following morning that they should explore the
+island, in order to see its wonders and beauties, in two detachments,
+each consisting of three. Jack learned that bicycles could be hired
+close by, and mounted on these he and Herb and Josh made the grand
+rounds, allowing nothing to escape them.
+
+Then after lunch the others took wheel and carried out the same
+programme, even to visiting the old blockhouse on the hill, and viewing
+the charming marine spectacle from the top of the little bluff.
+
+As they gathered around late in the afternoon to compare notes, and
+discuss the various matters that interested them, Jack noted first of
+all that the shrewd little monkey, which had been dubbed Jocko, was
+still aboard the _Comfort_.
+
+Nobody had shown up to inquire about him. Nick was for going ashore and
+spreading the news of the find far and wide; but the others refused to
+allow him. They really believed that Jocko had been sent aboard by his
+master to steal; and that this party was afraid to claim him now.
+
+"If we have to take him along he'll give us lots of fun," remarked Jack.
+
+"Yes, Buster is only thinking that there'd be one more mouth to feed,
+and that might cut his share of the rations down a peg," asserted Josh.
+
+"Now that's where you wrong me," declared the fat boy, solemnly. "If you
+insist on hearing what I was thinking about, I'll tell you. Suppose we
+should get stormbound somewhere up on the twisting St. Mary's river, or
+on the biggest fresh water lake in the world--why, you see we could
+always turn to Jocko, and make a good meal. I remember reading that
+monkeys were just prime."
+
+"Oh! you cannibal!" cried the horrified Josh. "Why, that poor little
+innocent looks just like a baby."
+
+"Yes," retorted Nick, "your mother showed me your picture when you were
+six months old, and there _is_ a close resemblance."
+
+Night came on, and there was no claimant, so Jocko ate supper with the
+boys. He was already making good friends, and seemed very well satisfied
+with his new lot. Perhaps he missed the cuffing and beating he was
+accustomed to; but he could do without that very well; and the eating
+must have appealed to him strongly.
+
+In the morning they left soon after breakfast. The day opened fair, and
+they knew there was a long trip before them if they hoped to cross the
+head of Lake Huron, and follow the winding channel of the St. Mary's
+river so as to reach Sault Ste. Marie by night.
+
+Fortunately the breeze, what little there was, chanced to be in the
+north for a change. This allowed them to keep close to the southern
+shore of the peninsula for some hours, following its contour and
+avoiding the pounding that heavy seas always brought in their train.
+
+Finally they entered the narrow strait between the mainland and big
+Drummond Island. Here the bustling port of Detour was passed. Nick
+hinted about going ashore and doing a little marketing; but Jack vetoed
+that proposition.
+
+"Plenty of time to do all that after we get to the Soo tonight," he
+observed; and Nick knew there was no appeal from his decision.
+
+"Is that Canada over yonder?" asked Josh, pointing to the island off
+their lee.
+
+"No, Drummond belongs to Michigan," Jack replied. "Further on though,
+we'll strike St. Joseph's Island, and that is a part of Canada. So we'll
+all step ashore just to say we've been outside the U. S. for once."
+
+"And that Mud Lake you were telling us about is somewhere along there,
+ain't it?" Herb asked.
+
+"We'll find it, I reckon," replied the commodore, drily.
+
+They did, and had reason to remember it too. Sometimes the waterway
+bearing the outlet of Lake Superior to the lower lakes was very wide and
+imposing. Then again it would narrow until Nick expressed his firm
+conviction that they had taken the wrong channel, and would be stopped,
+and have to return over their course.
+
+But Jack kept his charts before him as he led, and was positive he had
+made no mistake of that sort. Occasionally George would be unable to
+restrain his impetuous nature. At such times he would shoot ahead of the
+others, to make a little rush of perhaps a mile, and then slow up to
+await their coming, being always careful not to lose sight of his chums.
+
+But alas, George did this prank just once too often. He heard Jack say
+some time before that they were passing through Mud Lake, and must be
+careful; but thought this referred to getting lost in some side passage
+that looked promising.
+
+"Wait up at the head yonder; you're too slow for me!" he called out, as
+the _Wireless_ left the bunch, and cut through the water like an arrow
+shot from an archer's bow.
+
+"Lookout!" warned Jack; but George who was quite confident concerning
+his own ability to manage his affairs, just waved a hand back, and
+continued to speed for all his racing boat was worth.
+
+Jack was sitting there where he could manage the wheel and continue to
+study the chart spread in front of him, when he heard a wild whoop from
+Jimmie.
+
+"Look! look yander!"
+
+Jack was just in time to see poor Josh take a flying header into the
+water, when the speed boat came to an abrupt stop on a concealed
+mudbank.
+
+The sound of the tremendous splash floated back to the ears of the
+others, causing Nick to roll over, and make the boat quiver with his
+riotous laughter; for that Josh should be the victim of this ridiculous
+accident gave the fat boy exceeding great joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+IN TERRIBLE PERIL
+
+
+"Just what I expected!" exclaimed Jack, grimly.
+
+"What was it?" demanded Herb; for at the moment it happened that the
+_Tramp_, being in front, obstructed the vision of those in the larger
+boat.
+
+"Oh! tell me, was that really poor old clumsy Josh?" demanded Nick,
+poking his red face over the side of the _Comfort_. "I saw a pair of
+legs up in the air, and remembered some fellow down at Mackinac telling
+us what big frogs they found up here along the St. Mary's. The bass just
+love them, he said, and the bigger the frog the larger bass you get.
+That one would take in a whale, I guess, eh?"
+
+"It was Josh all right, for I can see George trying to get him with his
+boat hook right now," said Jack, hardly knowing whether to laugh, or
+feel provoked on account of the possible delay.
+
+"But why did Josh jump? Was he practicing stunts?" Nick went on
+innocently.
+
+"Well," replied the commodore, "I imagine George made him squat up in
+the extreme bow, to sing out if he saw a shallow place ahead. And
+evidently Josh was looking all around, for he failed to discover a
+mudbank that was just hidden under the surface of the water."
+
+"But George found it," asserted Herb.
+
+"Trust George for findin' annything at all, at all," grinned Jimmie.
+
+"Hope he didn't go to busting his old engine again. My! what a terrible
+time we did have with that cranky thing on the Mississippi," observed
+Nick; who had been on board the speed boat during that memorable cruise
+down to New Orleans, and hence passed through an experience he would
+never, never forget.
+
+"I hope not," echoed Jack. "Perhaps the worst is yet to come. Perhaps he
+ran on that old mudbank so hard, going at top speed as he was, that he
+won't find it an easy job to work off again."
+
+"That might delay us, be the powers, so we wouldn't be able to pull into
+the ould Soo short of tomorry, bad cess till hasty George!" remarked
+Jimmie.
+
+"Well," remarked Nick, with a contented sigh, "at the worst we've got
+Jocko, you remember, boys. Baked or stewed he'd make a meal for the
+crowd."
+
+Meanwhile they were rapidly drawing closer to the stuck _Wireless_.
+Apparently the skipper of the stranded craft had succeeded in dragging
+his crew out of the mire, for there was a dripping figure on the forward
+deck, scraping the mud away, and evidently more or less bubbling over
+with various remarks.
+
+Jack cautioned Herb to slow down as they drew near.
+
+"Bad enough to have one held fast," he said. "If the whole bunch got
+stuck, why, we'd have to take to the dinkies, and go ashore on Canada
+soil. How does your engine work, George? Nothing broken I hope?"
+
+"I don't think so," came the reply from George who looked somewhat
+humiliated, as does every sailor when held up on a mudbank.
+
+"Give it a try, and see. Reverse, and perhaps you'll glide off
+backwards, the same way you went on," Jack suggested.
+
+At any rate the engine worked apparently as well as ever; but though
+George put it at its "best licks," as he declared, there was not a sign
+of anything going.
+
+Josh tried to use the setting pole, and came very near taking another
+header.
+
+"Say, this mud goes right along down to China, I reckon; leastways there
+ain't any bottom to it!" he cried, as he recovered himself just in time.
+
+"We'll take your word for it, Josh," said Nick, sweetly; "because you
+know you've been over to see for yourself. But I wouldn't try it again.
+Next time perhaps you might stick your head in and smother. Then what
+would I do for any fun at all?"
+
+George kept trying every way he could think of, in the effort to work
+his boat off the bank of sticky mud. It was in vain. Apparently many
+unseen hands held it tight, as though unwilling to let the reckless
+skipper have another chance.
+
+When an hour had passed, with several false alarms, as George thought
+success was coming, he turned to Jack with a blank face, upon which
+disgust was plainly written.
+
+"You'll have to get me out of this, commodore," he said. "I own up that
+I don't seem able to budge her a bit. Even with Josh in the dinky,
+pulling like all get-out, and her engine rattling away at full speed
+astern, she won't move an inch. And already we've lost enough time to
+make it impossible to get to the Soo by night."
+
+George was apparently penitent, so Jack did not have the heart to rub it
+in at that time. Later on perhaps he might force the reckless one to
+promise about turning over a new leaf.
+
+"All right; we'll soon yank you out of that, George. I didn't want to
+propose anything until you had tried every scheme you could think of.
+Herb, throw George your painter, and let him make fast to the stern of
+the _Wireless_. Then I'll do the same by you. In that way we'll be able
+to get both boats working. If George starts his engine at the same time,
+she's just got to come off, or go to pieces. Get what I mean?"
+
+"Sure I do, and it's a good idea," replied the pilot of the _Comfort_,
+readily.
+
+Of course George was willing enough to accept any sort of assistance
+now. And he readily made the painter fast to a ringbolt at the stern of
+the speed boat.
+
+When all things were ready, Jack asked him to get his engine moving.
+
+"Now, start yours up slowly, Herb," Jack went on; "not too fast to begin
+with; but gradually increase until you're applying two-thirds of your
+power. Stop there, and if she refuses to budge, I'll come in. We'll get
+her yet. She's got to come, I tell you."
+
+And she did, after the _Tramp_ added her drawing facilities to those of
+the others.
+
+"Hurrah!" shrilled Josh, when the speed boat started to move backwards
+out of her muddy berth; he had almost plunged over again, and saved
+himself by a quick clutch at a cleat near by.
+
+"What next?" asked Herb, after they had become disentangled again, and
+were in a condition to proceed.
+
+"No use thinking of making the Soo today," remarked Jack. "Too dangerous
+along the upper reaches of this river to try it in the night. We can
+move along to the upper end of this island, and camp on Canadian land
+tonight, for a change."
+
+"That sounds good to me," observed Nick; but only suspicious looks were
+cast in his direction; for well they knew that the word "camp" with
+Buster was another way of spelling "eat."
+
+"How far would we be from the city at the rapids, then?" asked Herb, as
+they once more started.
+
+"Oh, we could make it in a few hours," Jack replied, "if all went well.
+Keep to the right of that smaller island. That belongs to Michigan. Some
+use the other channel; but we'll take this one. You see, St. Joseph's
+Island is all of fifteen miles long, and pretty wild in parts. Ought to
+be good hunting here in season."
+
+"Don't I wish it was in season, then," said Nick, smacking his lips.
+"Always have wanted to eat some venison from Canada right in camp. Say,
+fellows, if a silly old deer just went and committed suicide before our
+very eyes, by jumping over a precipice, wouldn't we have a right to get
+a haunch from his bally old carcase?"
+
+"Well," laughed Jack, "if a Canadian game warden found you in possession
+he'd take you in. So just forget all you've ever heard about juicy
+venison. It's dry and tough stuff at the best, and couldn't compare
+with that Mackinac steak you bought."
+
+Nick sighed.
+
+"And we have to wait till tomorrow noon before we are in touch with a
+market, do we? I don't ever see how we're going to pull through. Tell
+you what, somebody ought to try for fish here when we stop. Looks like
+bass might hang around waiting for a chance to jump into the pan. How
+about that, Jack?"
+
+"Just what I had made my mind to try," smiled the other, who liked
+nothing better than bringing his rod into play when there was a chance
+for game fish.
+
+After a while George announced that he could see what looked like the
+end of the big island ahead.
+
+"And here's a pretty decent place to pull in," declared Herb.
+
+As they had nothing to fear from storms or hoboes in such a retired
+nook, the boys, having secured their boats in proper fashion against the
+shore, where they could not rub or get into trouble, amused themselves
+as they saw fit.
+
+Jack, true to his promise, got out his fishing tackle, and proceeded to
+try all sorts of lures in the hope of tempting a bass to bite. Finally
+he took his little dinky, and began to troll, using a phantom minnow.
+Almost immediately he had a vicious strike, and after a struggle pulled
+up a fine fish.
+
+"Do it some more!" called out Herb, who was lying on the shore, watching
+him at the sport.
+
+Five minutes afterward Jack duplicated his feat, only this was even a
+larger fish than the first. So the time passed. Josh was busily engaged
+near the tents which he, Herb and George had erected; while Jimmie was
+doing something aboard the _Tramp_.
+
+"Where's Nick?" asked Herb, after a long time had elapsed. "I hope the
+silly fellow hasn't gone and lost himself now. A fine time we'd have
+hunting that fat elephant through all that bush."
+
+"He was here only a little while ago," remarked George, looking up.
+
+"Looky yander, an' ye'll see him!" exclaimed Jimmie; "over beyant that
+dead three. Sure, he do be sneakin' up on something or other, and
+thryin' till coax it till kim till him. I say the baste now. Oh!
+murdher! by all the powers, somebody call out till him to sthop it!"
+
+"Why, what's the matter with him?" asked Josh, coming to life at the
+prospect of perhaps seeing his rival for high honors in the farce line
+duplicate his ridiculous feat of taking a header into the mud and water.
+
+"Look at him, would ye, the crazy wan!" gasped Jimmie, "thryin' till
+coax a baste loike that!"
+
+"Is it Jocko?" queried Josh, unable to catch sight of the other just
+then.
+
+"The little monk ye mane?" replied Jimmie. "Och! that would be aisy now.
+It's tin times worse than that. Call till him, Herb; I'm that wake I can
+hardly spake above a whisper. 'Tis a terrible danger he be in, for the
+animal is a white and black skunk; and poor innocent Nick, I do belave
+he thinks it be a pretty pussycat!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+MAROONED
+
+
+"Leave it alone, you Buster!"
+
+"Get behind a tree, quick!"
+
+"Run, Buster, run for your life! It'll get you!"
+
+George, Herb and Josh sent these warning cries at the top of their
+voices. As to whether the object of their combined concern heard, there
+could be no reasonable doubt; for Nick immediately waved one of his fat
+hands disdainfully toward them. Evidently he imagined that his chums
+were envious of his great good luck in finding so splendid a chance to
+annex a beautifully striped real Canadian pussy cat.
+
+"Oh! murdher!" ejaculated Jimmie, "look at the rickless fellow, would
+ye? Sure, he manes to grab it, so he do!"
+
+"But he won't, all the same!" cried George, grimly.
+
+Since shouting and gesturing seemed to have no effect upon the imperiled
+youth, all the four boys could do was to stand there, holding their
+breath, and watching the dreadful developments. Nor was that the first
+time or the last that they found occasion to hold their breath.
+
+Nick by now believed that he had wheedled enough, and was within proper
+striking distance. They saw him make a sudden forward swoop, with
+extended arms, as if bent upon giving the intended victim no possible
+chance of escape.
+
+"Wow!" yelled George, as he saw Nick stop short, throw up his arms, and
+almost fall to the ground.
+
+One terrified look Buster gave the object of his recent admiration. Then
+turning, he ran as well as he could toward camp, gripping his nose with
+both hands.
+
+"Keep off!"
+
+"Don't you dare come near us, do you hear!"
+
+"Now you've gone and done it, Buster! That's what you get for wanting to
+bake poor little Jocko!"
+
+George, as if in desperation, jumped over and picked up his gun.
+
+"Stop where you are!" he cried. "We're willing to talk this thing over;
+but at a proper distance, do you hear, Buster?"
+
+Poor Nick was aghast. Almost overpowered by the terrible fumes as he
+was, it looked like adding insult to injury when his own chums turned
+against him, and refused to let him enter the camp.
+
+He did come to a halt some thirty feet away, and with one hand, clung to
+a sapling; while the other was trying to keep the powerful scent from
+smothering him.
+
+"What can I do, fellows?" he asked, pitifully.
+
+George was almost bursting with laughter, but pretended to look as stern
+as his father when serving in his capacity as judge of the court.
+
+"First promise that you won't attempt to enter the camp without
+permission!" he demanded.
+
+"I promise you, sure I do," groaned Nick swaying weakly alongside his
+support.
+
+"Jimmie," went on George, "you go and call Jack in, if he isn't on the
+way here already, after all this racket. We want everybody to have a
+hand in deciding Buster's fate."
+
+"Good gracious!" cried the wretched Nick, "what d'ye mean, George? Do I
+have to be shot, because I made a little mistake? I give you my word I
+really thought it was a Canada species of cat. And if we had to have a
+menagerie along with us, I was going to match her against your monkey.
+Oh! why didn't I think? I ought to have known better. It was awful,
+fellows; shocking I tell you!"
+
+"I agree with you, Buster," remarked George, putting his fingers up to
+his nose, "please go a little farther away. We can talk better then."
+
+Jimmie had hardly reached the shore before he started back. And Jack was
+seen following close behind. Evidently, then, the fisherman must have
+heard the loud outcries, and speeded his little boat for the landing,
+anxious to know what could have happened to Nick.
+
+He had no need to be told. One hardly required to be within sixty feet
+of poor Buster to understand the entire story. Jack did not laugh though
+doubtless later on the incident would afford him more or less merriment.
+It was a serious matter, as he well knew, and must affect every one in
+the party.
+
+"Jack," called out Nick, looking beseechingly at the commodore of the
+fleet, "take my part, won't you? They want to shoot me, or do something
+as bad, just because I didn't know the gun was loaded. Please take that
+thing away from George. He looks so fierce I'm afraid of him!"
+
+So Jack, to ease the mind of the fat boy, who was really shivering with
+anticipation of dire results springing from his blunder, did take
+George's gun from his unresisting hands, and laid it aside.
+
+"But Jack!" exclaimed Herb, "something's just got to be done. We can't
+bear to have him in camp with us, you know, after this. And think of
+me having to stand for that dreadful smell day after day. Wow! it
+would knock me out. I'd want to jump over in the deepest part of Lake
+Superior."
+
+"I don't see what can be done," said George, "except to maroon him here
+on this foreign island until we come back again. By that time perhaps it
+won't be so very bad. Herb can keep him in the dinky towing behind, and
+stand it."
+
+At that poor Nick set up a fresh howl.
+
+"Don't you dare think of doing that," he cried, shaking his fat fist at
+the author of the suggestion. "Why, I'd starve to death in no time; not
+to speak of being devoured by the wild beasts. Think up some other way,
+won't you, please, Jack? Don't listen to George. He's got it in for me
+because I gave him so much bother on that Mississippi cruise. I want you
+to fix it up, Jack. You'll know how."
+
+Jack still looked very grave.
+
+"Well, you understand that in a case of this kind only desperate
+remedies will do, Buster?" he began.
+
+"Yes, yes, I know;" whimpered the other, "and I'm willing to do anything
+you say, Jack; but don't leave me here over in a Canadian wilderness. It
+ain't human, that's what!"
+
+"All right," Jack proceeded, solemnly, "if you give me your solemn
+promise to obey. First of all you must strip off every bit of clothes
+you have on."
+
+Nick began at once, and with eagerness.
+
+"Will it wash out, then? Oh! I can rub like a good fellow, I promise
+you; only give me a chance!" he exclaimed.
+
+"All the washing in the world wouldn't take that scent out," George
+declared.
+
+"There's only one way, and that is to bury the clothes!" said Jack.
+
+"What?" gasped the astonished Nick; "and me go naked? Good gracious!
+Jack, I just can't do that! Make it easier for me, won't you? Why, I'd
+get my death of cold. Besides, what would I do when we got to the Soo?
+Please tell me something else."
+
+At that the boys could hold in no longer, and a shout told that they
+were beginning to see the comical side. But Jack waved his hands.
+
+"Be still!" he said, sternly. "This is no laughing matter. Never fear
+Buster, but you'll be able to rake up enough clothes to last till we get
+to the Soo, where you can buy a new outfit. Off with every stitch, now.
+Then you must dig a hole and bury them; or else carry the lot deep into
+the bush here, as you choose."
+
+"Is that all?" asked Nick, tremulously, as he hastily tore the last
+remnant of his garments from his stout person.
+
+"Not quite," replied Jack. "Get rid of the stuff next. Then come back
+to where you are now. I'll be waiting for you with a pair of short
+scissors I happen to have along with me; for you see I've just got to
+cut all your hair off!"
+
+"Oh! what a guy I'll be, Jack," moaned poor Nick. "I'll sure never hear
+the last of this thing."
+
+"Think of us!" said George, sternly, "how we must remember it for days
+and days. You're getting off dirt cheap, Buster, let me tell you. I've
+heard of fellows who had to live like hermits in the woods for weeks."
+
+"Now get busy," observed Jack. "The boys will be rooting out your bag,
+and I'll fetch what clothes we can gather to you. We must do all we can
+to smother this perfumery factory."
+
+"Yes, be off wid ye!" said Jimmie, bent on having a hand in the game.
+
+Nick stared mournfully at the clothes on the ground. Then he slowly
+gathered them up in his arms. They noticed that as he walked away he
+looked around with exceeding care at every step he took, as though not
+for worlds would he want to renew his acquaintance with that pretty
+striped Canadian pussy cat.
+
+Jack was as good as his word. When George and Herb had collected an
+outfit calculated to serve poor Nick until they reached a land of
+plenty, and clothing establishments, he carried the lot to the place
+appointed.
+
+Here came Nick presently with a most dejected air; and groaning in
+spirit the fat boy allowed the other to shear off all his abundant
+locks.
+
+He certainly did look like a guy when the job was completed, for Jack
+made no pretentions towards being a barber, and there were places that
+had the appearance of being "chopped with an axe," as George privately
+declared later, when viewing the work of the commodore.
+
+After that they made Nick take a long bath. Indeed he thought he would
+never get out of the water, and his teeth were chattering before the
+embargo was finally raised.
+
+Fortunately that wonderful red sweater which had attracted the bull
+toward the wearer not so very long since, had been safe aboard at the
+time of his recent mishap, so that Nick could depend on its warmth. He
+was grateful for small favors just then; and quite subdued for a whole
+day; though nothing could keep a buoyant nature like his in subjection
+long.
+
+Of course he would never hear the last of the joke, and must stand for
+all manner of scoffing remarks, as well as uplifted noses when he came
+around. But Nick would live it down in time.
+
+And no doubt, when the account of the cruise was read over during the
+next winter, Nick would join in the general laugh when he discovered
+that Jack had called this temporary stopping place on Canadian soil
+"Kitty Kamp."
+
+It was night before Nick was allowed to come into camp; and even then
+they made him do penance by sitting off in a corner by himself, "just
+like I was a leper," as he declared, though bound to submit to the
+indignity.
+
+But "it's an ill wind that blows nobody good," and at least Nick escaped
+guard duty that night, for nobody wanted to sit up with him.
+
+George declared that the very first thing he meant to purchase when he
+arrived at the city at the rapids was a bottle of violet water, with
+which he could saturate himself for a season.
+
+But by morning the terrible effect had in part died away; though
+possibly familiarity bringing about contempt may have had considerable
+to do with their noticing the disagreeable scent less.
+
+Of course all of them were glad to get away from that camp. To Nick in
+particular its memory would always evoke a shiver. When brought to book
+in connection with the adventure he always declared that it was what a
+fellow got for wanting to invade foreign countries, and meddle with
+unfamiliar animals belonging there.
+
+But Jack and the others felt sure that Buster from that day forth
+would know the great American skunk a mile off, and shy at a closer
+acquaintance.
+
+They got away at a reasonable time, and continued their northern
+progress through the crooked St. Mary's River. On the way they saw
+numerous nooks that aroused the sportsman spirit in Jack; for he just
+knew the gamy bass lurked in those inviting waters, awaiting the coming
+of the fisherman. But there was no time to spend just then in seeking
+sport.
+
+At about eleven o'clock they passed the smaller rapids, a most
+picturesque spot, where the water rushed boiling through many channels,
+and innumerable lurking places for the spotted trout seemed to invite a
+stay. But the Soo was now close at hand, and all of them were eager to
+look upon the famous big rapids, unexcelled for beauty and grandeur in
+all the land.
+
+When the three motor boats presently reached a point where the little
+city on the left hand shore as well as the foamy rapids, and the
+railroad bridge stretching from Canada to the Michigan bank, came into
+view, the boys involuntarily waved their hats, and sent forth a cheer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+DOWN THE SOO RAPIDS
+
+
+"Alabama! here we rest!" cried George, as they kept booming along up the
+strong current of the river, until a spot was reached just below the
+foot of the rapids.
+
+Not many steamers stop at the Soo, save those which run in connection
+with the tourist travel, between Mackinac and the rapids city. But there
+is a constant procession of steamers, and whaleback grain barges going
+in both directions, day and night, all during some seven months of the
+year. The tonnage of the government canal through which these boats pass
+around the rapids far exceeds that of the Suez Canal for the entire
+twelve months.
+
+After finding a responsible party in whose charge the three brave little
+boats could be left, the cruisers proceeded to take in the sights.
+
+Of course the rapids came first, and they viewed these from every angle.
+Jack was also deeply interested in the government fish hatchery on the
+little island; and watched with an envious eye the various pools in
+which scores of enormous speckled trout, weighing upward of seven
+pounds, were kept.
+
+"Wait till we get to the Agawa," he said, shaking his head with
+determination. "I want to find out how some of those whoppers feel at
+the end of a line."
+
+Nick had made for a clothing emporium, where he fitted himself out in
+some new clothes. Of course he did not explain just why this was
+necessary; but judging from the suspicious looks cast upon him every
+time he came near the clerk, the latter could give a shrewd guess
+concerning the truth.
+
+Jack was still watching some of those giant trout jump out of the water
+in the pool when he dangled a long blade of blue grass so as to make the
+feathery end touch the surface like a fly, when George joined him; for
+they had settled upon the hatchery as a sort of rendezvous where they
+could come together, so as to take the thrilling ride down the rapids in
+a big Indian canoe.
+
+"All off, Jack!" said George, trying to look sober; though there was a
+merry twinkle in his black eyes that belied the solemn cast of his face.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the other. "Anything more happened to that
+fellow Buster? Or perhaps it's Josh who's bent on halting our expedition
+now, with some caper. Go on, tell me."
+
+"Oh! you're away off," grinned George. "I only meant to inform you that
+they're gone on ahead of us."
+
+"I suppose you mean the _Mermaid_," Jack remarked.
+
+"That's right," George responded, promptly. "Left here this very
+morning for a cruise through the Big Lake. Went through the canal about
+breakfast time. Seems as if we're just bound to keep tagging at their
+heels, don't it, Jack? I suppose we'll hear a howl from Buster now,
+because he is cheated out of seeing that fat Miss Sallie again."
+
+"Buster has enough to think of in other directions, I suspect," smiled
+Jack.
+
+"Well, I should guess so," added the other. "Imagine, if you please,
+Nick trying to call on any young lady at present. She'd be apt to have a
+swooning spell. For a time Buster will have to cut out all thoughts of
+girls' society. He can thank his lucky stars that his chums allow him to
+hang around."
+
+"Have you had any lunch?" asked Jack.
+
+"I think there's the rest of the bunch coming along the stone walk by
+the canal, right now. Perhaps we'd better postpone our little ride down
+the rapids until we get a bite. Buster will be starved."
+
+"There he is dogging the footsteps of the rest," remarked Jack. "Herb
+is being cruel to the poor old chap. He won't let him join them. I guess
+he's suffered about enough by now, and we'll have to let up on it."
+
+"Sure we will," agreed impulsive George. "Anyhow, we wouldn't have the
+nerve to make Buster take a canoe by himself, and shoot the rapids.
+Let's start out and join them. Perhaps Buster had discovered a good feed
+place, in his wanderings about the town."
+
+"Ten to one he's noticed a dozen; and perhaps had a few bites before
+now," and Jack led the way across the little bridge connecting the
+island where the hatchery was situated, with the main shore.
+
+Nick gladly admitted that he had marked a promising restaurant during
+his foraging expedition in search of the suit of clothes, which he had
+taken to the boat and donned.
+
+"It ain't a tony place, fellows," he argued; "but considering the
+circumstances, er--I thought we wouldn't care for style."
+
+"Why, no, not just at present, Buster;" George said. "You've got a level
+head for once. We're going to forgive you now, and restore you to good
+standing, on condition that you never, never again try to stock the camp
+with a menagerie of strange animals."
+
+Nick promptly held up his right hand.
+
+"I give you my word, boys, and thank you. Please overlook any slight
+association between myself and our recent invasion of Canada. And
+now come along. I tell you I feel as if I could clean out all the
+restaurants in the Soo. I only took a light breakfast you know, because
+of low spirits."
+
+Josh held up both hands in despair, though he said not a word. There are
+times when silence is much more suggestive than any flow of language;
+and every one understood.
+
+An hour or so later, before half-past two, they were on the little
+beach, talking with a couple of wiry-looking men, who claimed to be sons
+of the famous old guide of the rapids, John Boucher, who died a few
+years ago, after having carried thousands and thousands of summer
+tourists in his canoe through those swirling rapids, without ever a
+disaster.
+
+Then the entire bunch of six boys took their places in the big and
+staunch canoe, with a wielder of the paddle at either end. Jack happened
+to occupy a position near the man in the stern, whose post is always the
+more important, since he guides the destinies of the swiftly running
+craft, while the one in the bow fends off from impending rocks.
+
+Jack had taken this position more to observe how the experience affected
+his chums than for any other reason. He certainly never once dreamed
+that there might be a Providence in such a small thing as his choice of
+position.
+
+Then began the first stage of the run, with the two Indians pushing the
+laden craft upstream by means of stout poles. They kept close to the
+shore, finding a way around the numerous rocks, and other obstacles,
+where the water boiled madly; and by slow degrees approached the railway
+bridge, under which the start is generally made.
+
+"Ain't this simply glorious?" demanded Herb, as they found themselves
+surrounded by the churning waters, and gradually leaving the shore
+farther away.
+
+"Wait!" said George, "if you think this is fine, what will you have to
+say when we get to running the rapids in fact? I've been through some
+smaller than these, and can guess how it feels."
+
+"My! I'd like to keep doing it all day!" remarked Nick, feeling
+something like himself again, since he had been restored to favor once
+more.
+
+"Well, at the rate of fifty per, your bank account would soon collapse.
+Besides, they say that the excitement is bad on fat people, so that they
+lose weight right along," George observed.
+
+"You're joshing me, I know, George," declared the other. "If I believed
+you, I'd be tempted to stay over here while you fellows went on, and
+keep going all day, so I could cut off, say about thirty pounds or so.
+No, I wouldn't either; I forgot!"
+
+"Yes, I should think you did forget Sallie," jeered Herb. "If you got
+out of her class she'd never forgive you, Buster. Besides, perhaps she
+wouldn't even _see_ you if you wasted away to a shadow. Better leave
+well enough alone, and enjoy the good things of life."
+
+"Here we go now; they're heading straight out on to the river!" cried
+Josh, as he nervously clutched the side of the big canoe near him; for
+they were seated two and two, with Jack just behind and George in front,
+as the boat narrowed.
+
+The Indian guides were indeed pushing strenuously now, and when the
+water deepened both of them dropped their poles in the bottom of the
+canoe, to seize upon stout paddles and wield them furiously.
+
+It was intended to reach a certain point in the river before turning the
+prow of the craft down toward the head of the rapids.
+
+Long familiarity, every day in the week during the season, and many
+times a day, had made every rock and swirl known to these men. But
+although they knew the main channel like a book, seldom did any crew
+dare venture as close to the terrible jaws of the whirlpool as the
+veteran guide of the rapids, Old John Boucher, had always made it a
+practice of taking his parties.
+
+Jack had looked several times at the man in the stern. Somehow, he did
+not wholly like his appearance. There was something about him to signify
+that he must have recently arisen from a sick bed. Perhaps, tempted by
+an influx of tourists, and the demand for experienced guides to take
+them through the rapids, he had come back to work a bit too soon!
+
+"He doesn't seem as strong as the others," Jack was thinking, even as he
+turned his head from time to time as if to see what lay behind, while
+they were pushing up the sturdy current. "I can hear him pant as if
+short of breath. Goodness! I hope now nothing is going to happen to him
+while we're spinning along down through these old rapids. They say that
+whirlpool would swallow up anything; and that Old John was the only man
+whoever went into it, and came out alive. Whew!"
+
+But Jack did not whisper these fears to his comrades. It was too late to
+change steersman now; and why spoil all their pleasure?
+
+After all, no doubt there was not so much strength needed once they
+began to move swiftly along with the current, going half a mile in a
+couple of minutes, they had been told, though Jack doubted the accuracy
+of that statement at first.
+
+Apparently the guides had overshot the mark at which they aimed; for as
+the canoe was turned, in the shadow of the bridge, Jack saw that the man
+in the bow glanced apprehensively over his shoulder while he knelt
+there, and immediately began to paddle furiously, as though trying to
+bring the boat back a little toward the American shore.
+
+Had they gone too far, and were they speeding down in the track taken by
+the one daring prince of guides--a course that would actually skirt the
+verge of that whirlpool, of which such terrible things were said?
+
+Jack shut his teeth hard at the thought. Then he gave himself up to the
+keen enjoyment of that glorious ride, when the canoe was seized upon as
+by invisible hands, and borne along at lightning speed.
+
+Looking at the water alongside, foam-specked as it was, one could not
+believe the boat was moving at all, because both kept company. But all
+that was needed was for the voyager to raise his eyes, and send a look
+toward the shore, when he must realize the tremendous rapidity with
+which his frail craft was being carried along.
+
+Things just seemed to fairly flit past, as though they were aboard
+a fast railway train. The boys were evidently enjoying the novel
+experience to the full, for their heads were constantly turning from
+side to side, and all seemed to be talking at once.
+
+Jack was nervously looking ahead and on the left, for he knew they
+must now be approaching the whirlpool, where the eddying waters went
+furiously round and round and the center seemed to be a deep hole, like
+the dent a gigantic top would make in the mud.
+
+Yes, there it was beyond, and they were speeding down at a pace that
+made one dizzy to notice it. He could feel that both Indian guides were
+paddling desperately _away from the left_, as though fearing that they
+were too close to the verge of that death chasm!
+
+What if a paddle chanced to break right then and there? They carried
+spare ones fortunately--Jack had noted that; but all the same he hoped
+nothing of the sort would come about.
+
+Hardly had this chilly idea flashed into Jack's mind than he heard what
+seemed to be a groan close to his ear. At the same time he felt the boat
+quiver in a suspicious manner. Turning instantly the boy was horrified
+to see that the Indian guide in the rear had crumpled in his place, with
+his head fallen forward, and seemed to be gasping for breath.
+
+He had collapsed just at the most dreadful moment, when the canoe was
+swooping down close to the edge of the whirlpool!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+WINNING AN INDIAN'S ADMIRATION
+
+
+Fortunately for all of them, Jack Stormways was not given to fear. In
+emergencies he acted from intuition, rather than through thinking things
+out, no matter however speedily.
+
+There may come times when a second counts for everything. Jack believed
+such an occasion was now upon them; and he acted instantly.
+
+The man in falling forward had pushed his paddle alongside Jack. It was
+as plain an invitation to fill his place as could have been given.
+
+Making one swoop the boy snatched up the stout blade, and instantly
+dipped it over the port side. Desperately he exerted his strength to
+steer the canoe away from the fatal eddies that sought to draw them
+still further into the vortex.
+
+The Indian in the bow may have suspected something of what had occurred;
+but he dared not turn his head now, or take his attention away from the
+rocks ahead for even one lone second.
+
+As for the five boys, they were all staring at the near-by whirlpool as
+though actually fascinated by its terrors; and not suspecting how close
+they were to plunging straight into its grip.
+
+With every atom of his strength did Jack work, dipping as deeply as he
+could, and striving against the giant power of the mill race on which
+they were speeding.
+
+The edge of the circling current was horribly close; in fact they seemed
+to skirt its very border, closer perhaps than even the veteran guide
+ever carried his cargoes of tourists, when in his prime.
+
+Jack fairly held his breath as the crisis came. He did not know, could
+not tell whether they would win out or not. It was an experience that
+would doubtless continue to haunt the lad for a long time. Perhaps he
+would awaken in the night with a start and a low cry, having dreamed
+that once again he sat in the canoe with the dark skinned steersman
+fallen in a faint, and the hungry maw of the whirlpool yawning so very
+close on their left that one could have tossed a chip directly into it.
+
+"Wow! wasn't that a close shave though, boys?" shouted George, half
+turning his head to look at his mates; and then following his words with
+another cry: "Look at Jack, would you? Great governor! what happened?"
+
+And as the others twisted around to look, they were amazed to discover
+that Jack was wielding that paddle like a veteran, his face as white as
+chalk, and his eyes staring; but his teeth firmly pressed together, with
+a look of grim determination on his young face.
+
+Not a word was spoken until they had passed the last bristling rock, and
+spun out below where the foamy water took on a less violent aspect.
+
+Then Bedlam broke loose.
+
+"Sit still, all of you!" cried Jack, as he saw a movement on the part of
+his chums to get up; "you'll upset the canoe yet, if you try that. Wait
+till we reach the shore, and you'll know about it. The man has fainted,
+that's all; and I had to take his place."
+
+"But he was all right when we started, for I looked around and saw him,"
+declared Herb.
+
+"That's true," Jack answered. "He keeled over just before we got to the
+whirlpool, and as he dropped his paddle right beside me, all I had to do
+was to dip it in, and exert myself a little."
+
+"A little!" echoed George, with thrilling emphasis, "look at the beads
+of sweat on his forehead, fellows! Jack, honest now, you must have saved
+all our lives. Ugh! just to think, if the boat had swerved then, where
+would we be right now?"
+
+They looked at each other, and turned paler than when passing through
+the yeasty waters of the rapids. But Jack tried to make light of it all.
+
+"Oh! shucks!" he laughed, though his voice trembled a bit in spite of
+his wonderful nerve; "any of you would have done the same thing. Why,
+there was nothing else to do, to tell the truth."
+
+"Me?" exclaimed Nick; "I'd sure have been so frozen with horror that all
+I could do would have been to grab hold of the boat, and shut my eyes.
+Kept 'em shut part of the time, anyhow. Felt like I had an awful
+temptation to just jump out of the boat, and into that nice water that
+was singing and gurgling along beside us."
+
+"I guess you'd better never try the rapids any more then, Buster," said
+George, "if that's the way it affected you. I remember now hearing you
+say you never was able to walk on the ties of a railroad bridge, or look
+over a precipice, because something made you dizzy."
+
+They reached the shore near the small house where Old John Boucher and
+his family, one of the sons said to be a preacher, lived in the days
+gone by. When the boys climbed out of the canoe, the Indian stepped in
+to help his comrade, who had by then come out of his swoon, and was able
+to feebly walk.
+
+To the surprise of Jack the Indian who had been in the bow stopped to
+hold out his hard-skinned hand, and squeeze that of the boy.
+
+"You Jack all right! Think it all over with everybody when Jim he fall.
+But you do right, think. Bully!" was what he said.
+
+"Hurray!" shouted Nick, waving his new hat wildly.
+
+"Three cheers and a tiger for our commodore!" exclaimed George; and they
+were given with a vim that caused many on the stone walk along the canal
+embankment to look down in wonder toward the little group.
+
+Nor would the guide accept any pay for the trip. They could not force it
+on him.
+
+"You ride with me all time, and not cent pay, Jack!" he declared, his
+black eyes sparkling with sincere admiration as he looked in the face of
+the white boy.
+
+Of course the voyagers had lots to talk about while they continued their
+exploration of the city on the great canal. They even climbed the hill
+near where the government barracks stood during the Spanish-American
+war, and obtained a fine view of the entire neighborhood. Yet nothing
+attracted their attention as did the ever rushing rapids, where the
+waters of the greatest inland sea in the world emptied into the river
+that was to bear them through the other lakes in the chain, and by way
+of the St. Lawrence River, to the far-distant sea.
+
+The thrilling adventure had apparently sobered the boys too, for there
+was much less horse play than usual, nor were jokes in order for the
+balance of that day.
+
+Having some time to spare they took the ferryboat, and crossed to the
+Canadian side of the river below the rapids. Here they viewed the other
+canal, through which considerable commerce also passes, principally
+Canadian.
+
+They also took advantage of their "visit abroad," as George called it,
+to inspect the big pulp mills, where spruce logs were ground up, and
+made into sheets that would later on become paper.
+
+The latter end of the day was put in securing provisions calculated to
+last for a week or more, since they could not tell when another chance
+to procure supplies might come their way, once they embarked upon the
+bosom of Lake Superior.
+
+Nick was once more in his element. He suggested all sorts of things that
+he had read about in his cook book. Had they sent him forth, with plenty
+of money and unlimited assurance, the chances were, as George declared,
+the expedition would have had to hire another boat, just to transport
+the stuff that fellow would have flooded them with.
+
+"I bet he'd buy out a whole grocery store, given half a chance," said
+Josh.
+
+"Why, we've got all the stuff right now we can stow away comfortably,"
+declared Herb, scratching his head as he contemplated the numerous
+packages, and then looking toward his boat near by.
+
+"Do as we suggested before, Herb," said Josh.
+
+"What was that?" demanded Nick, suspiciously.
+
+"Make Buster take up his quarters in the dinky. It'll be a ride that
+might take the shine off even that dash down the rapids."
+
+"Not any," asserted the fat boy strenuously. "I'm too heavy for such
+monkey shines. Josh likes the water better than I do. You all saw how he
+can dive so gracefully just as if he had taken lessons from a granddaddy
+frog. If anybody has to be quartered in a dinky to make room, he's the
+chap, all right."
+
+But after a while the last package was put away, and places found for
+all.
+
+George drew Jack aside as the others were arranging things aboard the
+various boats.
+
+"I've been making a few inquiries as to whether another small motor boat
+went through here," he remarked.
+
+"Oh! yes, I'd come near forgetting Clarence," laughed Jack. "And I
+suppose he took the canal several days ago. He must have gained on us
+while we were losing time, stuck in the mud, stormbound and such
+things."
+
+"Well, he didn't go through here, anyhow," replied George. "And the
+chances are ten to one he'd never think of using the Canadian locks."
+
+"But he had a good start of us," remarked his chum.
+
+"Well, do you think the _Wireless_ is bound to monopolize _all_ the mud
+in the St. Mary's river?" exclaimed George, indignantly. "I guess
+Clarence has stuck somewhere on the way up; and as he didn't have any
+bully chums to pull him off he's there yet!"
+
+"We didn't see anything of him," mused Jack; "but then, there were lots
+of times when we had a choice of channels. Even the big boats take one
+of two that are buoyed and targeted. Yes, Clarence might have chosen one
+we let alone. But of course, if he hasn't passed through the canal, he
+must still be below."
+
+"I'm sorry," George remarked, gloomily.
+
+"I suppose so, because you're only thinking of that grand race you
+expected to pull off with your old rival, sooner or later. But the less
+I see of Clarence the better I'm pleased."
+
+"Do we go ashore to a restaurant tonight, Jack?" continued the other.
+
+"Let the others decide," Jack replied. "As for me, I think it would be
+the best thing to do. Josh is being overworked, as it is, and needs a
+little rest. Besides, Buster will be tickled, because that would leave
+more grub in the bunch for the future."
+
+Little Jocko, the monkey, had made himself quite at home with the boys.
+They took turns having him aboard, and he furnished considerable fun for
+the crowd with his antics. As yet he had not become quite reconciled
+to Nick, and always showed his white teeth whenever the fat boy came
+around. But by treating him to choice bits of food Buster was winning
+the little chap over by degrees.
+
+The balance were of the same mind as Jack when the proposition was put
+up to them. And accordingly they went to dinner in two detachments, Nick
+being with the first, and serving as a connecting link between both;
+for he was still there when Jack, Jimmie and George arrived at the
+eatinghouse; and sat them out in the bargain.
+
+Still, the second squad had enough, and could not complain that Nick had
+made a famine in that particular restaurant; which Josh had hinted was
+possible, when telling them how the fat boy had refused to leave when
+they did.
+
+It was an entirely different night they spent there at the Soo, from
+most of the quiet ones of the trip. Much noise continued throughout the
+livelong night; for the lock is lighted by electricity, and vessels can
+keep passing up and down the nineteen feet rise and fall at any and all
+hours.
+
+Frequently during the night the hoarse whistle of some big steamer, or a
+tug towing whaleback barges, would sound close at hand, awakening those
+who were not accustomed to this bustling nature of things.
+
+In the morning all of them declared that they had passed an uneasy
+night; and professed to be delighted because it would not be repeated.
+
+"Tonight we hope to be in camp somewhere along the quiet shore of the
+Big Lake," said George, yawning and stretching.
+
+"Yes," added Jack, with kindling eyes, "where those whoppers of speckled
+beauties are to be found, if looked for."
+
+"Yum! yum! speed the hour!" mumbled Nick; and of course no one needed to
+be told that already his thoughts were turning to the glowing camp fire,
+and the tempting odors that would arise when the coffee pot was on, and
+the pink trout sputtering in the several fryingpans.
+
+And shortly afterward, breakfast having been eaten at the same
+restaurant, which had evidently laid in a new lot of supplies since
+their last raid, they entered the big lock, to have the boats elevated
+to the upper level.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE GREAT INLAND SEA
+
+
+It was just ten o'clock when the trio of little motor boats started out
+of the canal, and headed for the open lake far beyond. Long afterward
+they could look back, and see the stone electricity building between the
+two locks of the canal; and in imagination the picture as viewed from
+its top would haunt them, with the churning rapids occupying the center
+of the scene.
+
+Leaving the canal at its juncture with the river, they were soon in the
+neck of the lake. Far as the eye could reach, and many times farther,
+stretched the sparkling water, as clear as crystal; and cold enough to
+satisfy any one, even on as hot a day as this August one promised to be.
+
+At noon they found a good chance to go ashore. Nick of course was
+solemnly warned that this was sacred Canadian soil, and that on no
+account was he to try and purloin any strangely marked animals he might
+discover prowling around.
+
+"You know they have some queer beasts in these foreign lands, Buster,"
+George remarked, shaking a finger before the other's stubby nose. "And
+make up your mind right now that you're going to let 'em all severely
+alone. Some time you can join an expedition sent out to Africa, to scoop
+up all sorts of freak cats and sich; but while you're with us we'd
+rather you restrained that curiosity of yours. It's going to get you in
+trouble, some fine day, Buster, you hear me?"
+
+"That'll do for you, George. Just wait, and see if I don't have a chance
+to get back on you yet," replied the other, complacently. "But would you
+look at Josh, what he's bringing ashore now? Fish, as sure as you live.
+Bully for Josh! White fish, too, the best that grow in these waters,
+barring none. Tell us, where did you catch 'em, Josh?"
+
+"With a silver hook, and from one of the Indian guides," replied the
+cook. "He netted 'em in the rapids, I guess. Heard that earlier in the
+season they get tons and tons of fish that way; two men in a boat, one
+in the bow to use the net, and the other to hold the canoe against the
+current with a pole. Bet you they'll eat fine, too."
+
+"I'll help you clean 'em, Josh," volunteered Nick.
+
+"All right, then; get busy, Buster. Anyhow, you know a good thing when
+you see it," returned the cook, only too willing to hand over the
+disagreeable task.
+
+"Well," remarked George, as he and Jack lay there in the shade, waiting
+for the lunch call; "We're well on our way to the Agawa river region.
+Think we'll make it today, commodore?"
+
+"I'm afraid not," replied Jack. "In the first place it looks dubious
+over yonder, as though we might get one of these famous Lake Superior
+storms you read about. If that drops in on us, we wouldn't like to be
+caught out on the open, you know, George."
+
+"Well, excuse me, if you please," returned the other, with a shrug of
+his shoulders that spoke louder than his words. "Storms and my speed
+boat don't seem to agree very well. When one comes hustling along I
+prefer to be behind some sort of shelter, where I can laugh at the wind
+and the waves. But you spoke as if there might be still another reason
+for our not getting to the river tonight?"
+
+"There is," Jack answered. "This time you may have the laugh on Herb."
+
+"Say, you don't mean to tell me that the staunch old engine in the
+_Comfort_ has been up to any antics?" exclaimed George; not without a
+touch of exultation in his voice; for Herb had jeered at him so many
+times, on account of his troubles, it was only natural that he should
+feel a little gratification to know there were others.
+
+"Yes, it developed after we left the Soo," Jack went on. "Just like
+these mean things always do, you know. He's been limping along for the
+last half hour. Of course there's no telling how serious it may be.
+Let's hope we can fix it in short order. Some of us had better get at it
+right after lunch."
+
+"If anybody can put it in apple pie order I guess you can, Jack," George
+said; "and if you need any help call on me, because you know Herb isn't
+much of a mechanic."
+
+"That's kind of you, George," said Herb, who happened to be coming over
+to where the two were talking at the time. "That's the best thing about
+the motor boat boys; they like to josh each other, and get lots of fun
+out of things; but when it comes right down to trouble there isn't one
+of them who wouldn't do everything in his power to help a chum."
+
+The call to eat caused them to make haste to gather around. In fact,
+there was always an involuntary sort of race to the mess table when the
+meals were eaten on shore, so that all partook. On this very day Josh
+noticed this fact particularly and made mention of it.
+
+"Say, do you know you fellows are that prompt you just seem to jump into
+your places?" he said. "I start to pound a fryingpan with my big spoon,
+and before I get in five licks all of you are in a ring waiting for
+grub."
+
+"Huh!" grunted George, "nothing funny about that. We have to!"
+
+Nick of course took that as a reflection on him, and bridled up at once.
+
+"That's unkind of you, George," he protested. "I was never known to take
+any fellow's share. An equal division is my rule always. And if some
+one chooses to decline a portion of his prog; and my appetite is not
+satisfied, what harm in commandeering the remains?"
+
+"Oh! you're all right, Pudding; George is only tapping you as he does us
+all, when he gets the chance," Herb said.
+
+"Well, I take my punishment decently, when my turn comes, don't I?"
+demanded George, as he received a generous portion of a delicious white
+fish, which had been rolled in egg, and cracker crumbs, and then cooked
+and browned in the grease from some salt pork placed in hot pans until
+it fried out.
+
+"Sure you do;" Jack laughingly remarked. "And now forget all your
+troubles, fellows, and get down to work. Look out for bones. I've eaten
+white fish plenty of times, and they say they're never so good unless
+cooked right where they're caught."
+
+"I believe it too," Josh continued. "Just like the pompano an uncle of
+mine used to tell us he caught down in Florida--used to jump in the
+boat, he said; and as they're a delicate, white-flesh fish like this,
+putting them on ice a week or so takes the flavor out. It also makes
+them crumble up when cooked."
+
+"How is it, Buster?" Herb asked; but Nick only rolled his eyes, and kept
+on munching as though the fate of nations depended on his ability to
+clear off his tin platter within a given time.
+
+When Nick was eating he wasted mighty little breath in talking, leaving
+all of that for more convenient times. Besides, he had a perfect horror
+of some time getting a fish bone in his throat.
+
+"Wouldn't matter much with a lanky fellow like Josh, you see," he once
+said, in commenting on this fear; "because anybody could stick his fist
+down, and yank the fish-bone out; but my neck is so fat I'd choke to
+death long before you could say Jack Robinson. So don't bother me when
+I'm eating fish, please."
+
+Afterwards Jack and George took a look at the engine of the _Comfort_.
+After doing a little tinkering they announced that it would probably run
+fairly well during the afternoon; but before starting on another day's
+trip more would have to be done to it.
+
+This was not very comforting to Herb; but he made the best of a bad
+bargain; and with light hearts the motor boys again started forth.
+
+Jack kept an anxious eye on the southwestern sky. He did not altogether
+like the looks of things in that particular quarter, and was resolved
+that if they discovered a promising campsite in the afternoon, they
+could not afford to pass it by, if it afforded an offing for the boats.
+
+That tremendous sea, stretching for several hundred miles away to
+the west, opened appalling possibilities in the way of a gale. The
+staunchest steamers that ever plied the fresh water seas would sometimes
+be as putty in the grasp of a summer storm; and what of the three puny
+mosquito craft that were as chips on the water?
+
+At three o'clock Herb announced that his engine was getting worse
+instead of better. And about the same time a welcome hail from George,
+who was moving along in the van as usual, told that he had by the aid of
+his glasses sighted a shelter.
+
+"Then it's us to go ashore," declared Jack; nor was any one sorry in
+their hearts; since a little while before a distant sound like thunder
+had been borne to their ears from the low-down patch of hovering clouds.
+
+The retreat promised to be all the shelter they wanted, though it would
+hardly have answered for larger boats. Immediately all became as busy
+as beavers, the two tents being raised, and stoutly secured, so that any
+ordinary gale could not carry the canvas off like a balloon.
+
+Jack had hardly finished his share of the work before he got out his
+rod, and busied himself in trying for trout; for he fancied that they
+were to be found in the clear waters near by this cove, where a limpid
+little stream emptied into the Great Lake.
+
+Nick, they all noticed, stuck close to camp. It would have to be
+something very attractive that could induce _him_ to wander far from his
+fireside, especially when the camp was pitched on Canadian soil, where
+they grew such queer kitties.
+
+This time it was Jimmie who seemed destined to get into a peck of
+trouble. Jack always declared that there seemed to be an evil spirit
+forever hovering around their camp, looking for chances to accomplish
+his work; and let there appear the least kind of an opening, and he was
+ready to jump in.
+
+Jimmie was not much of a hunter or fisherman, though able to do either
+on occasion. But he did have a little fancy for wild flowers, and liked
+to pry around on occasion, seeing what he could discover.
+
+Now, at this late day in the season, he knew he was not apt to run
+across any of these pretty gems of the woods; but there seemed to be
+some sort of fascination about poking here and there examining a bunch
+of magnificent moss of a pattern he had never set eyes on before,
+measuring some giant ferns, and watching the antics of a family of
+squirrels. These had their home in an old hollow tree close by, and
+seemed filled with mild curiosity concerning the intruders on two legs
+that had taken up quarters so boldly adjoining the cove.
+
+Herb and George were busily engaged with the balky engine, trying to
+find out just what ailed the thing, so that it could be remedied once
+and for all. In the end they felt positive that the blame could be
+located and effectually cured. At least it was to be hoped so; otherwise
+the _Tramp_ would have to tow the larger boat back to the Soo, where the
+trouble could be abated at the hands of a machinist.
+
+Josh, according to his custom, was pottering around the camp, making a
+better fireplace out of stones, at which he could carry out his part of
+the business with more comfort and dispatch. If they had been going to
+remain any length of time here, Josh would have constructed a "cooker"
+worth looking at; for he was an artist in this particular line.
+
+Nick was apparently quite content to lie around, "getting up an appetite
+for the next meal," as Josh sarcastically remarked.
+
+"Just as if that were at all necessary," was what the fat boy hurled
+back at him; and the argument was so clinching that Josh subsided on the
+spot; for no one had ever seen the time when Buster's appetite needed to
+be coaxed.
+
+Nick's eyes finally alighted on the repeating gun which Jack had leaned
+against a tree at a point where it would be out of harm's way. Now, Nick
+himself had seldom fired a gun, though ambitious to become a sportsman;
+because, as he wisely observed, "if I happened to be left in the woods
+some time, think I want to starve to death, with a gun in my hands, and
+plenty of fat game all around me? Not much!"
+
+And in that spirit he had picked up the Marlin; bringing it to his
+shoulder in a clumsy way, time after time, in order to get accustomed to
+the movement.
+
+"Keep the muzzle turned the other way, Buster!" commanded Josh, noticing
+that he was working the pump action of the six-shot weapon, as if he
+liked to see the ejector send the shell flying out at one side.
+
+"Guess I know enough for that Josh," grumbled Nick, but at the same time
+moving still farther around, so that the cook might lose his fears; for
+when a meal was being prepared the fat boy always handled Josh with
+gloves, as he frankly admitted.
+
+It was just as he was sitting thus that a sudden scream rang through the
+neighboring woods, sounding so shrill and angry that every one started
+as though a bolt of lightning had fallen from the clear blue vault
+overhead right into their midst, and exploded there!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+NICK WIPES OUT HIS DISGRACE
+
+
+Everybody in the camp jumped up.
+
+All eyes were turned toward the point from which this racket sprang;
+and it was a strange sight that immediately met their astonished eyes.
+Jimmie was jumping about as though he had accidentally stepped into a
+bee's nest, and was now engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with the entire
+swarm.
+
+Nick happened to be in a position where he could see better than any of
+his companions. And he immediately discovered that the troubles of the
+Irish lad were not at all imaginary.
+
+Something was leaping back and forth, now threatening to land on the
+shoulders of Jimmie, and then springing to the low limb of a tree, or it
+might be the ground.
+
+Nick had never before set eyes on such a strange creature, yet he
+realized that it was a wild animal. His late unpleasant experience was
+of course still fresh in his mind; and his first suspicion may have been
+that this was another specimen of a Canadian pussy cat.
+
+Whatever it was, Jimmie seemed to be having the time of his life
+fighting. True to his inherited instincts, the Irish lad had snatched up
+some sort of stick, to serve him as a shillalah. It was a stout bit of
+wood too, and he wielded it in a manner that proved him to be a "broth
+of a boy." Several times it landed with a resounding whack upon the
+flying body of his antagonist, and at each connection the unknown beast
+was hurled heavily backward.
+
+But evidently the furious animal was grim and determined. Instead of
+being cowed by these temporary setbacks it only resumed the attack
+with added zeal; so that Jimmie had often to throw up his left arm in
+addition, to fend off his foe.
+
+Now, Nick chanced to remember that at the very moment he was holding a
+gun in his hands. With one of his chums in grave peril it seemed to
+devolve upon him to engineer a rescue party.
+
+"Come on, boys! Jimmie needs help!" he shouted, starting to run forward
+as well as his bulk admitted.
+
+"Careful of that gun, Buster!" called Herb.
+
+"Yes, don't shoot Jimmie instead!" added Josh.
+
+"Hold your fire till you can get 'em separated!" supplemented George;
+who being a little farther away at the time, managed to bring up the
+rear.
+
+In this way then the quartette started to the assistance of Jimmie, who
+was still whanging away with might and main. What with the loud shouts
+of the aroused Irish lad, the whoops of the runners, and the angry
+snarling of the enraged beast, one would think a menagerie must have
+broken loose in the neighborhood.
+
+Just then George happened to get a good look at the beast as it jumped
+up on the limb, and whirling, crouched to make another leap.
+
+"It's a wildcat!" he shouted as loud as he could. "Be careful, Nick!
+Don't you try to grab it now, on your life!"
+
+Nick heard, but was too busy to think of replying. The cat had sprung
+again at the pugnacious Irish boy, to be met with another smart thump
+that landed with a loud thud, and sent the beast sprawling to the
+ground.
+
+"Ye would, hey?" howled Jimmie in derision, though the blood was
+streaked upon his face, where the sharp claws of the beast had scratched
+him. "Thry for it again, plaze! And be the powers, ye'll foind Jimmie
+Brannagan at home whin ye knock at the dure. Come on, ye omadhaun! I'll
+soon knock all the breath out of the body of ye! Wow!"
+
+The Canadian cat was a fighter. It looked it every inch, now that the
+defiant defense of the intruder had aroused its fury. Once more it
+sprang to the limb of the tree, as though recognizing that here it had a
+better chance to leap than from the ground.
+
+"Now! Buster! But be careful! Keep back Jimmie!" shouted George.
+
+The others held their very breath, for they saw that Nick had the Marlin
+repeater up at his bulky shoulder. Perhaps every one of them was
+mentally hoping that he would not shut his eyes while pulling the
+trigger; for a little swerve might bring Jimmie within range, and the
+result be disastrous at that short distance.
+
+Bang!
+
+Instantly a series of whoops broke forth, and every fellow started
+forward once more, as though meaning to be in at the death. George and
+Herb and Josh had each managed to possess himself of some sort of
+improvised weapon. The first had in his hand a hatchet which he had been
+using at the time; Josh was waving his favorite big spoon, with which he
+was wont to beat the summons to meals on a pan; and the skipper of the
+_Comfort_ had picked up a billet of wood while passing the fire, which
+he now flourished eagerly above his head.
+
+Nick himself stood there, struggling with the pump-gun. As usual with
+novices he could not work the mechanism; for in his excitement he
+was trying to fire without having ejected the used shell; and no
+self-respecting modern arm will stand for that sort of treatment.
+
+Fortunately all around, no second shot was needed. The animal was
+kicking its last upon the ground, and emitting agonizing screams of
+anger and pain. Whether by accident or real accuracy of aim, Nick had
+apparently managed to send the contents of the shell where it counted.
+
+Already Jimmie was indulging in what seemed to be a war dance, waving
+his stick, and singing. George was compelled to laugh just to see his
+antics, streaked as his freckled face was with smootches of his own
+gore.
+
+"Ye done it, Buster, sure ye knocked the silly gossoon clane over!" he
+called. "'Tis a broth of a boy ye arre, and afther me own heart. Look at
+the baste, would ye? If he hasn't got tassels on his ears!"
+
+"That's a fact!" declared George, now arriving to see the last kick of
+the animal on the ground, and note the unquenchable fury shown to the
+very end. "Why, I tell you what it is fellows. A Canadian lynx, that's
+what!"
+
+"It does look different from my cat--er, that other animal," admitted
+Nick, as he cautiously advanced, evidently ready to beat a hasty retreat
+should he discover any need.
+
+"I've heard of the missing links," spoke up Josh; "but we never lost
+any; so this critter couldn't belong to us."
+
+"A good shot, Buster, old man!" declared George, bending down to see
+where the charge had struck the beast while crouching on the limb, and
+preparing for still another leap at Jimmie.
+
+Nick swelled up with importance. Apparently this was one of the few
+occasions when he could assume an attitude, and receive congratulations.
+Usually it was just the other way; and like a wise fellow he believed in
+making hay while the sun shone.
+
+"Oh! pretty fair, considering how quick I had to shoot!" he remarked,
+carelessly, as much as to say that, given a little more time, and he
+could have done better.
+
+Jack now came running up, having of course heard all the row, and being
+consumed with curiosity to know its meaning.
+
+"What is it?" he called, as he ran. "Another Canada pussy cat?"
+
+"That's just what it is," replied George quickly.
+
+"And is Buster at his old tricks again?" continued the other; at which
+Nick was compelled to grin amiably, knowing his hour of triumph was at
+hand.
+
+"Buster was in the mix-up, all right," George went on; "only this time
+he happened to be at the other end of the gun. Buster has covered
+himself with immortal glory. We all must knuckle down to him after this
+as the great Nimrod; for he has just slain the Jabberwock. Looky here,
+Jack; what d'ye call that?"
+
+"Well, I declare, a big Canada lynx!" cried the newcomer, recognizing
+the dead beast as soon as he saw its queer tasseled ears, and its
+ferocious whiskers.
+
+"It tackled Jimmie here, and they were having a hot old argument of it,
+Jimmie pounding with his club, and the cat using its claws," Herb said,
+turning to the Irish boy, to see how badly he was wounded.
+
+Jack became sympathetic at once, and anxious in the bargain.
+
+"Only a few little scratches you say, Jimmie," he remarked. "That's
+true, they don't seem serious; but it's always dangerous to be marked
+with the claws of animals that live on carrion, like lions, grizzlies or
+wildcats. And I'm glad to say I've got something along for just such a
+case. Come on back to camp with me."
+
+Jimmie, still protesting, did so; while the others, dragging the lynx,
+made Buster head the procession, while they sang: "Lo! the Conquering
+Hero Comes; Sound the Trumpets, Beat the Drums!" greatly to the delight
+of the fat boy.
+
+When Jack applied the purple colored tincture from a small bottle to the
+wounds on Jimmie's face and hands, the Irish boy gave a whoop of pain.
+
+"Sure, the rimedy is worse nor the disease!" he complained.
+
+"That's all right," said Jack; "just stand the pain for a little. It's
+an insurance against blood poisoning. Many a hunter has lost his life
+from little cuts no worse than yours, when they were caused by the claws
+of a wild beast. My father would not let me come out unless I carried
+this."
+
+"What is it, Jack?" asked Herb, curiously.
+
+"A strong tincture of permanganate of potash," was the reply. "Just
+remember that, will you; and it's got to be powerful enough to hurt like
+fun; eh, Jimmie?"
+
+"Indade it did, that," was the immediate response; while the Irish boy
+screwed up his good humored face in a knot.
+
+Jack went back to his fishing, for he had already managed to take one
+pretty good specimen of the Lake Superior speckled trout that would have
+weighed nearly four pounds; and was eager for more.
+
+All the while he sat there, employing every device he knew of to tempt
+the finny denizens of the depths to bite, he kept one eye to windward.
+That low bank of clouds interested him; for it seemed to presage a
+storm.
+
+Since everything possible had been attended to in order to ward off any
+evil effects of a gale, Jack did not stop fishing until he had succeeded
+in catching a fine mess, that would please the heart of Buster.
+
+Josh was preparing the fish as fast as they were caught. Indeed, he
+dispatched Nick several times to see if there were any more forthcoming;
+when the sportsman would toss ashore his latest catch, and the cook's
+assistant hurry back with the prize, his hungry eyes fairly glistening
+with anticipation.
+
+Of course it was a royally good supper that followed. Josh cooked the
+trout in the same capable manner he had served the lake white fish; and
+every fellow declared they had never tasted anything more delicious.
+
+Still, there was plenty for all, and to spare. Even Nick had to shut his
+eyes with a deep sigh, because he had reached the extreme limit of his
+capacity; and a pan of trout remained untouched.
+
+The growling of the thunder now became more pronounced. Across the
+heavens the zigzag lightning shot, in a way that was as terrible as it
+was fascinating. Supper done, the boys clustered near the fire, talking,
+and watching the coming of the gale. Again and again had Jack and George
+gone around, to see that every tent peg was clinched in the ground.
+
+"They're going to hold, unless the wind tears the blessed things to
+flinders!" Jack had announced; and at the same time he had seen to it
+that the boats were protected by the friendly point of land from the
+giant waves that would soon be sweeping in from the sea beyond.
+
+Already were they rising in majestic grandeur that was awe inspiring.
+The storm was about to swoop down upon the shore line, and hurl the
+rising sea against the mighty rocky barrier, as it had done for
+countless ages past without success.
+
+"Oh! ain't I just glad I'm not out there!" exclaimed Nick, as he
+shudderingly surveyed the darkening picture of warring elements.
+
+"But look there, fellows; what d'ye call that?" cried Herb, as he
+pointed a quivering finger at some object that had suddenly come in
+sight from the east.
+
+It was a little motor boat, wallowing in the rising sea, and doomed to
+certain destruction unless able to make shelter immediately. And with
+the waves dashing wildly against the rocks, those aboard would never see
+the small opening through which the motor boat boys had come to their
+present snug harbor!
+
+"It's the _Flash_!" shouted Jack; "and unless we manage to show them the
+way in, it's good-bye to Clarence and Bully Joe! We must do it, fellows.
+Come on!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+HELPING AN ENEMY
+
+
+Jack kept his wits about him.
+
+He had snatched up something as he ran to the very point where he might
+best be seen through the flying spray. It was the conch shell which,
+with its apex sawed off, made a horn or trumpet that could be heard a
+mile away, under even the most discouraging conditions.
+
+Reaching the point for which he had been aiming Jack immediately started
+sending a hoarse blast out over that tumultuous sea. The others waved
+their hats, and made suggestive motions toward the small inlet, to show
+that a boat could enter the cove where the stream of water emptied into
+the Big Lake.
+
+"They see us!" shrilled Nick, dancing up and down in his excitement; for
+in this moment all past animosity was forgotten, because human lives
+seemed in jeopardy--the lives of those who had gone to school, and
+played baseball with them, in the days that were past.
+
+"Yes, they're waving their hands!" declared Herb.
+
+"And now they put about!" George added. "Careful there, Clarence! You
+nearly keeled over then on your beam ends. That was a narrow squeak! I'd
+hate to have the poor old _Flash_ meet such a fate, not to speak of her
+crew."
+
+"It's all right now, fellows!" cried Jack. "They're heading for the
+inlet. Run over, and be ready to give any help needed. In times like
+this let's forget that Clarence and Joe have always been up against us.
+We're all Americans now; and we must stick together!"
+
+"Bully talk!" said Josh, hastening after George and Jack, leaving Nick
+to amble along in the rear.
+
+Clarence knew how to handle his boat with considerable skill; and once
+he drew close in, he was able to see how the ground lay. Those on shore
+also directed him as best they could; and the net result was that the
+_Flash_ finally shot around the point, arriving in the little sheltered
+bay that a kind nature seemed to have provided for just such
+emergencies.
+
+As Jack had more than once said, could they but look back hundreds of
+years, no doubt they would find that it had sheltered fleets of Indian
+canoes many a time, when the storm king rode the waves of the Great
+Lake.
+
+When the _Flash_ had been moored safely, her crew came ashore. Joe
+Brinker was looking a bit sullen, as though he did not much fancy the
+idea of accepting aid from these fellows, whom he had always looked upon
+as enemies. But Clarence walked straight up to Jack, holding out his
+hand.
+
+"I say it's mighty decent of you, Stormways, to throw us a line this
+way," he declared, with considerable feeling. "I admit I was badly
+rattled, and thought we were in for a wreck. Neither of us glimpsed this
+opening here, and we'd sure have swept by, if you hadn't signalled. I'm
+sorry now I ever--"
+
+"Let by-gones be forgotten while we're here, Clarence," spoke up Jack.
+"See, the storm is whooping things up out there now, and it's just as
+well you're not on the lake."
+
+Clarence did look, and shuddered at what he saw; for it was not a
+pleasant spectacle, with the lightning flashes, and the heaving billows,
+seen through the flying spray that even reached them by the tents.
+
+"Get busy, fellows!" George called. "Carry everything inside. Yes, take
+that pan of fish, and the coffee, Nick. I guess our callers are hungry,
+and will be glad of a bite. Quick now, for here she comes with a rush!"
+
+Hardly had they found shelter, and the flaps of the tents been secured,
+when down the rain pelted, to the accompaniment of the most tremendous
+thunder crashes any of them had ever heard; while the fierce wind tried
+its best to tear the canvas shelters from over their heads.
+
+But the work had been well done, and the tents stood, though wobbling
+more or less under the fierce onset of the wind.
+
+Clarence and Joe had been taken in with Jack and George, while the other
+four occupied the second tent. Seated on the ground, the two newcomers
+proceeded to break their fast, and drink what remained of the coffee.
+
+"Guess you wonder what kept us back so long?" remarked Clarence, after
+they had finished the meal, and while a little lull came in the tempest
+without.
+
+Jack and George looked at each other and smiled.
+
+"We might give a good think," remarked the latter; "seeing that I pushed
+the nose of my _Wireless_ boat so hard into Mud Lake that it took an
+hour and more for the other two to pull me off."
+
+"Huh! that's where you were lucky, then, George," continued the other.
+"We didn't have any chums to do the pulling act; and so we just had to
+flounder there for hours and hours. I reckon we must have spent the best
+part of two days sticking in the mud. Happened that nothing came along
+but some big steamers; and they wouldn't stop to help a poor little
+motor boat off."
+
+"Well, how did you get away finally?" asked Jack, interested.
+
+"Worked our way out of it by ourselves; and we're proud to tell it,"
+Clarence proceeded. "I managed to climb up into a tree that hung over
+the boat, and threw down branches until we made a mattress that would
+bear our weight. Then we got out a block and tackle we carried, and
+fixed it in a way to get a strong pull. I kept the engine working for
+all she would go, while Joe bent to the tackle; and inch by inch we
+finally yanked the _Flash_ out of her mud berth."
+
+"Good for you!" remarked George, with real emphasis. "Looking back,
+there's always some satisfaction in remembering how you managed to get
+out of a bad hole by means of your own wits."
+
+"All the same, we wished many times we had some chums handy, who would
+give us a pull," said Joe, whom the meal and hot coffee had put in a
+better humor.
+
+All night long the storm raged on the lake. Any vessel that was so
+unlucky as to be caught out in it was to be pitied, or at least those
+aboard were. Morning saw its abatement; but the seas were beating wildly
+against the rock bound north shore and it was sheer folly for any one
+to dream of putting out while such a condition of affairs lasted.
+
+So they concluded to make a day of it. Clarence for the first time in
+his life began to realize what fine fellows these motor boat chums
+really were; and how they stood ready to forget all the trouble that he
+and his crony had been only too willing to shower upon them in the past.
+
+They talked of dozens of things, some of which were connected with their
+life in school at home, and others that bore upon the recent series of
+happenings on the St. Lawrence river.
+
+"Looks like we wouldn't have any more bother with Clarence after
+this," said Josh to Herb, as they watched Jack and the other two doing
+something at the camp fire that afternoon, just as though the best of
+friends.
+
+"I hope we won't," replied the other; "but you never can be sure of
+Clarence. He's tricky; and besides, impulsive. Just now he means to drop
+all enmity toward us; because we've fed him, and treated him white. But
+wait till something rubs him the other way. That's the time to see if
+the thing is more than skin deep."
+
+During the midst of their conversation George purposely mentioned the
+name of Jonathan Fosdick.
+
+"What; do you know the old apple grower, too?" demanded Clarence,
+looking surprised.
+
+Of course Jack told how they had found the old man sick in his stable;
+and helped him to his house.
+
+"And he told us all about his runaway boy, Andy, too; and how word came
+he was working in a fishing camp up along this shore," George went on.
+
+"Yes, we promised that if we ran across the fellow we'd tell him he was
+wanted at home the worst kind," Clarence remarked.
+
+"And he was that thankful he just loaded us down with stuff--eggs,
+butter, and such. Couldn't do enough for us," Joe added, grinning at the
+recollection.
+
+"History repeated itself then, for we promised the same thing," laughed
+Jack.
+
+"And he just wouldn't take a cent in payment for the things we got,"
+remarked George. "But see here, Clarence, it looks like we're in for
+another race between the _Flash_ and the _Wireless_, to see which can
+get to the mouth of the Agawa first; for I hear there's a big fish camp
+there, run by a man at the Soo, where they take tons and tons of white
+fish, the trout not being for sale."
+
+"I guess I get the notion that's struck you, George; and let me say
+right here, I still believe the _Flash_ to be the better boat," Clarence
+went on, stubbornly.
+
+"Shall we try it out then, tomorrow, when we leave here; in a friendly
+way of course, I mean?" George asked, eagerly.
+
+"Take him up, Clarry!" said Joe.
+
+"All right then, we'll call it a go," declared the other. "Only I wish
+we had something worth making a run for, a prize of some sort."
+
+"It will give me some pleasure to be the one to tell Andy Fosdick that
+he's wanted bad at home," George observed.
+
+"Then we'll call it a go; and this time you'd better look out for
+yourself, because the _Flash_ has had a knot an hour added to her speed
+since we raced last. And besides, I didn't have any heart in that trial
+of speed, you know. That smuggler was forcing me to run my boat, to get
+him out of a pickle; and for me to win only meant that my boat would be
+lost to me. I was really glad to play him a trick in the end, and throw
+the race."
+
+Jack and George may have had their own opinions with regard to the truth
+of the matter; but they knew enough to keep their tongues still. While
+the dove of peace hovered over the camp, it would be folly to stir these
+fellows up again.
+
+Overhead the sun shone in a clear sky. Only for those waves the motor
+boat club could have easily continued on their cruise. But with the
+waning of the afternoon the seas began to sensibly decline.
+
+"I prophesy a good day tomorrow for our race, George," Clarence
+remarked, as, in company with the others he sat by the fire, enjoying a
+feast that Josh and his assistants, Nick and Jimmie, had prepared for
+the crowd.
+
+Jack and George were both of the same opinion since all the well known
+signs seemed to point that way. They sat up until a reasonable hour,
+chatting and singing; and Clarence realized as never before what a fine
+thing he and Joe were missing in never having found a chance to join
+this merry group before.
+
+The night was a peaceful one. At early dawn the camp was astir, for much
+had to be done ere they might put out on the calm lake.
+
+"Looks like a big mirror; didn't I tell you that wind had blown itself
+out?" remarked Clarence, upon casting his first glance beyond the point.
+
+At eight they were all ready to leave the snug harbor that had opened so
+opportunely for the storm threatened crew of the _Flash_.
+
+Clarence had charts also, and doubtless studied them eagerly when he had
+an opportunity to go aboard his boat again. For although this was only a
+friendly race, he always threw himself into whatever he did with a vim,
+heart and soul, that made defeat all the more bitter, should it come.
+
+Of course Jack, deep down in his heart, knew full well that this was
+only a temporary truce in the warfare that had always existed between
+himself and Clarence. Once away from their society the other would soon
+drift back to his old way of thinking and acting. But Jack decided that
+not because of any unfriendly act on the part of himself or chums should
+these two find cause for again digging up the buried hatchet.
+
+Leaving the cove, the four boats were soon moving along the glassy
+surface of the calm lake, headed almost due west. Somewhere, many miles
+away, lay the first goal, the mouth of the Agawa, which was to mark the
+expiration of the race.
+
+"Ready, both of you?" demanded Jack, as the two rival speed boats ranged
+alongside the _Tramp_, one on either quarter.
+
+"Ready here!" answered Clarence, briskly.
+
+"Same here, Jack!" called George, hovering over his engine, which was
+running at about its next to slowest notch.
+
+"Then go!" shouted the starter; and instantly both craft shot forward
+like arrows, while the rattle of their exhausts sounded as if a battle
+were in progress.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+"WIRELESS DAY"
+
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Josh, wildly excited, and glad for once to be on the
+narrow speed boat.
+
+"May the best one win!" called Jack, as he watched the rivals drawing
+ahead of the two slower boats.
+
+"That means us!" laughed Bully Joe.
+
+"Just wait and see!" answered Josh; between whom and Joe there had
+always been more or less bad blood.
+
+Herb had given his staunch engine all it could stand; and as the _Tramp_
+stood by him, they were soon left far in the lurch.
+
+"Talk to me about speed," observed Herb, as Jack turned his face that
+way, "strikes me the _Wireless_ has her work cut out for today, to beat
+Clarence."
+
+"You heard what he said about the improvement made when at the
+machinist's. It was a knot an hour increase, I believe," Jack remarked,
+casting a look down at the throbbing motor of the _Tramp_.
+
+"That's right," Herb spoke up. "But you know we did some tinkering to
+George's engine, and he has always said that it ran better afterwards.
+Anyhow, it looks like a pretty race."
+
+"I think so with you, Herb," Jack admitted. "Judging from here, they're
+running neck and neck now."
+
+"Yes," continued the other, "but don't forget that tricky Clarence is
+always up to something. Two to one he's got a bit more speed held in
+reserve."
+
+"Well, George knows him like a book," laughed Jack. "And make up your
+mind he'll keep something held back himself. Don't you remember he did
+before? Possibly Clarence may be the one to run up against a surprise
+after a while."
+
+As the racers drew farther and farther away, those in the other boats
+began to think of other things. None of them had half the interest in
+the outcome of the rivalry as did George. With him there were many old
+accounts to square; and he meant to make a good job of it, if he had his
+way about the matter.
+
+For some miles the two speedy motor boats kept along, neither appearing
+to gain half a length on the other. If one seemed to be going ahead, the
+skipper immediately busied himself stopping the advantage. It was as if
+both were holding themselves in for the home stretch.
+
+Josh was on needles and pins all this while. He paid little attention to
+what lay in the rear. Part of his time was taken up in scanning the
+watery waste ahead, through the powerful marine glasses. And when not
+thus employed he sat there, quivering with suspense, wondering whether
+there would come a sudden stoppage of the engine, which might spring
+from one of its eccentric tantrums.
+
+But, strange to say, the motor seemed to be doing its best today, as if
+bent on meriting all the good things its builders had said in their
+catalogue.
+
+"I see it!" suddenly hoarsely whispered Josh, in a mysterious way, as
+though he did not wish those in the other craft to overhear him.
+
+"You mean the little bay at the mouth of the river?" queried George,
+setting his teeth hard together; for he knew that the crisis so long
+awaited was at hand.
+
+"Sure, look for yourself, George," handing him the glasses.
+
+"Yes, I believe you're right," returned the skipper of the _Wireless_,
+as he once more turned his attention to his engine. "Now, get in the
+middle of the boat, Josh, and don't move any more than you can help."
+
+"You're going to open up, then?" asked the tall, ungainly lad,
+feverishly.
+
+"I am. Are you ready?" George went on.
+
+"My hair is parted exactly in the middle, I believe," chuckled Josh.
+"You know Buster used to say that was one thing you made him do when he
+was on board here. Let her go, George! Get the jump on him; it may count
+in the end!"
+
+A shout from Bully Joe was the first knowledge Clarence had that his
+rival had taken the bit in his teeth, and shot ahead. Instantly the
+speed of the _Flash_ was increased; and the two powerful engines began
+to throb like little giants; while the sound of the exhausts, from which
+the mufflers had been entirely removed, was like the tattoo of a couple
+of snare drums calling the long roll.
+
+Josh steadied himself as best he could; though when the boat was rushing
+through the water at this frightful speed it did not seem so cranky as
+when at rest.
+
+"George, we're gaining on him!" he said, in a husky voice that trembled
+with the excitement under which Josh labored.
+
+"I see we are; and still I could get a bit more out of old _Wireless_ if
+hard pushed. Don't worry, Josh; we're bound to show Clarence up for a
+bluffer this time, sure."
+
+"If only something don't happen!" gasped the anxious Josh, with an
+intake of breath that was like a big sigh.
+
+"Make your mind easy on that score," said George, positively. "Nothing
+is going to break down. She's running as smooth as silk, and never
+missing a stroke. Oh! ain't this great, though? I've looked forward to
+this ever so long. Wouldn't I like to be close enough right now to see
+the look on Clarence's face."
+
+"It's as long as a foot rule, I warrant you!" chuckled Josh. "Don't I
+know them two fellows though? They take a beat hard. Ten to one that if
+you are ahead when we come to the bay, they'll go on past, and never
+enter at all."
+
+"Well, now, that wouldn't surprise me one little bit," remarked George.
+
+Slowly but surely was the _Flash_ falling behind, or rather the other
+boat forging ahead. Doubtless Clarence must be trying every device known
+to ambitious racing skippers in order to just coax a little more speed
+from his engine; but it was now keyed up to top-notch, and utterly
+incapable of doing a particle better.
+
+Already Clarence must know that he was badly beaten, unless fortune
+stepped in to bring about an accident to the _Wireless_.
+
+"That's what he's playing for now," said George, when his companion
+suggested this very thing. "But I reckon Clarence will find himself
+barking up the wrong tree. This race has just got to be mine. You hear
+me warble, Josh?"
+
+It was not often George spouted slang; but the excitement had seized
+upon him to such an extent now, that he hardly did know what he was
+saying.
+
+Minutes crept along.
+
+Now the _Flash_ was a stone's throw in the rear, and losing all the
+while.
+
+"Careful about the turn, George," cautioned Josh, as they came near
+where the bay opened up. "We don't want to lose this thing at the last
+stretch. Now you're safe to turn in. Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! siss! boom!
+crash! we win!"
+
+The _Wireless_ safely made the turn, and thus Josh announced her
+victory.
+
+"What did I tell you," Josh went on. "Look at 'em, George! They're
+spinning on right past, and don't mean to come in at all. Clarence won't
+even look this way, but keeps staring ahead. Talk to me about taking a
+beat to heart, there never was a fellow as bad as Macklin, in baseball,
+hockey or any sport. Well, good-bye to you, fellows! Come again when you
+can't stay so long. It's _Wireless_ day, you know!"
+
+There was no answer to the shout with which Josh wound up his remarks.
+He saw Bully Joe wave his hand in a derisive way, and then the _Flash_
+passed by at full speed, as though the race were still on.
+
+There was a big camp on the shore, and several boats drawn up on the
+beach. Many signs told that this was one of the favorite places along
+the north shore for the white fish men to gather. Doubtless innumerable
+barrels of this delicate inhabitant of the Great Lakes were shipped from
+this coast during each season; with the supply still undiminished.
+
+It had been agreed upon that George was not to go ashore until the rest
+of the little motor boat fleet arrived. This was not for half an hour or
+so, since the _Comfort_ was not capable of doing better than ten miles
+an hour, and the more speedy _Tramp_ had to accommodate her pace to that
+of the steady boat.
+
+Nick and the rest gave the victor a good cheer as they turned the point,
+and entered the bay at the mouth of the famous trout river.
+
+Then the three craft made for the beach, off which they anchored, to go
+ashore in the smaller boats.
+
+There were some shanties and tents in sight, with a number of rough
+looking men; who however seemed glad to welcome the boys. The smell of
+fish was everywhere, as was natural.
+
+"Do you happen to have a young fellow here in this camp by the name of
+Andy Fosdick?" Jack asked a man who seemed to be the boss.
+
+"Yes, but just now he's out at work. There's a boat coming in and p'raps
+Andy may be one of the crew," the other replied.
+
+They waited until the boat landed, and those who were in it jumped out.
+Jack could use his judgment, and he immediately selected a sturdy
+looking young chap, with a skin the color of an Indian's, as the one
+they sought.
+
+"Come along, fellows," he said to his chums; "and we'll find out."
+
+He made straight for the young man; who, seeing the procession
+approaching, and all eyes glued eagerly on him, stood there looking
+curious, and a bit apprehensive, Jack thought.
+
+"Are you Andrew Fosdick?" Jack asked, as they reached the spot where the
+other stood, one hand resting on the edge of the boat, from which his
+comrades were already shoveling their catch of fish.
+
+"That's my name, though I generally answer to plain Andy," replied the
+fisherman wondering doubtless what all this meant, and why these boys
+should want to see him.
+
+"Bully!" exclaimed Nick. "Found him the first shot! We're sure in great
+luck on this cruise, fellows!"
+
+"Tell him what you want with him, Jack," urged Herb, who saw the other
+was being consumed with anxiety.
+
+"We have come straight from your father, Andy," said Jack, softly. "He
+wants you to come home to him."
+
+Then they saw a hard look pass over the dark face of Andy Fosdick.
+
+"It ain't no use, boys," he said, bitterly. "He run me off long ago, and
+I don't go back there again. I'm gettin' to forget my name even is
+Fosdick, and that settles it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+CAUGHT NAPPING
+
+
+Jack was shocked at the words and manner of the young fisherman. His
+chums even half turned away in disgust, believing that their mission was
+doomed to failure. But Jack did not give up a thing so easily.
+
+"Wait," he said, quietly; "I don't believe you know, Andy. When did you
+hear from home last?"
+
+"Never once," gritted the other, morosely, showing that his wrongs had
+eaten into his very soul. "Didn't want to, neither. Made up my mind I
+cud take care of myself. Done it too, all these years. Got money laid
+up; and goin' to be married in the fall."
+
+"Then you didn't know your mother was dead?" Jack went on.
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Andy, starting, and showing signs of emotion. "I never
+heard that Ma was gone! Yes, I'm sorry I didn't see her again. She was
+never so bitter as dad; but only weak like."
+
+Jack heard him sigh, and knew a start had been made.
+
+"Listen, Andy," he went on; "your father is subject to strokes. One of
+them will carry him off. It may be today, or tomorrow, but not a great
+while can he stay here. He is bitterly sorry for what he did. He wants
+to tell you so, to ask you to forgive him before he too dies."
+
+Andy's head fell on his broad chest, and Jack believed he saw his frame
+quiver with some sort of gathering emotion.
+
+"He has made his will, and left you everything, Andy," he continued. "If
+you are to be married, that will be your home. He begged us to find you,
+to tell you all this; and that if you would only come back to forgive
+him, he would die happy. Won't you do that, Andy? Once he goes, the
+chance can never come to you again; and you're bound to feel mighty
+sorry as the years go by."
+
+Nick nudged George, and whispered.
+
+"Did you ever hear the beat of that, George? Ain't our Jack the born
+lawyer though? He ought to be in your dad's office, studying for the
+bar, that's what."
+
+"Hold your horses, Buster!" answered the one addressed, eagerly waiting
+to see what effect Jack's logic might have upon Andy.
+
+The struggle however was short. Presently the young fisherman glanced
+up; and as soon as he could see the look on his bronzed face Jack knew
+his case was won.
+
+"I'll go back to the old man," he said, firmly. "I guess 'taint right he
+shud die and not have a chance to say what's on his mind. And thank ye
+for tellin' me."
+
+"But when will you go?" Jack continued. "There is need of haste, because
+nobody can say just how long he may live."
+
+"A boat'll be along this arternoon, and we ship some barrels on her.
+Guess the boss'll let me off when he larns the reason," Andy replied.
+
+"If you like, I'll tell him the whole story?" Jack suggested.
+
+And this he did a little later. He found the boss full of sympathy,
+rough man as he seemed to be. And Andy readily received permission to
+break the contract he had made for the season.
+
+"Well, what's doing now?" queried Herb, as the bunch wandered around,
+observing the various interesting phases of the fishermen's business;
+for a boat was loading with barrels full of the catch, which were going
+direct to the Soo, from where they would be carried by express to
+Chicago, or other distributing points.
+
+"Too late to go on today," said Jack. "Besides, I want to have a try
+with some of the big speckled trout that they tell me lie around here.
+They take plenty, but have to throw them back, or eat them, as the law
+does not allow any sale of trout. Think of a seven pounder on my rod."
+
+"Well, get at it then, Jack," laughed George. "You'll never be happy
+till you do hook a monster. We'll promise to help you eat him, all
+right; eh, fellows?"
+
+"All he can bring in, and then some," declared Nick; making his mouth
+move in a suggestive way that caused his mates to laugh.
+
+"Be careful, Buster," warned Herb. "You know you said you meant to cut
+down on your grub. Instead of losing, you're gaining weight every day.
+If you keep on like that, Rosie won't know you when we get back home."
+
+But Nick only grinned as he replied calmly: "Well, Rosie ain't the whole
+thing. There are others, perhaps."
+
+"Listen to the traitor, would you?" exclaimed Josh. "Won't I tell on
+him, though, when we get back? I bet he's thinking right now of that
+cute little elephant, Sallie Bliss!"
+
+"All right," admitted Nick, brazenly. "Who's got a better right, tell
+me? And even you admit that she is cute. Just mind your own business,
+Josh Purdue. The fact is, you're just green with envy because of my
+noble figure. Pity you couldn't have a little of my fat on your bones!"
+
+"Noble figure!" exclaimed Josh, pretending to be near a fainting spell.
+"Shades of my ancestors, excuse me! I may be envious, but I ain't
+conceited, like some people, and that's the truth."
+
+Jack left them in this sort of warm argument; but he knew that no matter
+what was said, Nick and Josh would not openly quarrel.
+
+He asked numerous questions as to the most likely spots for the big
+trout; and having secured some bait, started into business. While thus
+employed he saw the steamer come along, and the boat loaded with barrels
+go out to meet her, as she stopped her engines.
+
+"There's Andy stepping aboard, carrying his grip," Jack said to himself.
+"And I'm glad he proved so sensible. The old man will be wild to have
+him again. Yes, it was a lucky day for him in more ways than one when we
+started for his house to get a supply of butter, eggs and milk. Nick
+thought the luck was all on our side; but he can never see far beyond
+meal time."
+
+As the afternoon grew on, and the steamer became hazy in the distance,
+Jack began to have some bites. And then came the thrilling moment when
+he found himself engaged with one of those famous monster speckled
+beauties for which this region is noted, and specimens of which he had
+seen in the breeding ponds of the Soo government fish hatchery.
+
+It was a glorious fight, never to be forgotten; and at last Jack had his
+prize in his hands. Nor did the luck stop there. The fish were hungry,
+apparently; for in less than five minutes Number Two gave him even a
+harder struggle than the other victim; and in this case also Jack won
+out.
+
+So they did have trout galore for supper; and even Nick was surfeited
+for once. All of the boys declared that they had never tasted anything
+finer than these big Lake Superior trout, freshly taken from the icy
+waters of the big reservoir, and cooked as only Josh Purdue could do it.
+
+"Yum! yum!" Nick went on, after being actually pressed in vain to have
+another helping; "I'd like to stay right here for a month. Seems to me
+I'd never get tired of that pink flesh trout. Don't ever want to hear
+mention of a Mississippi catfish again after this."
+
+"How about Canada kitties?" asked Herb, maliciously.
+
+Nick declined to answer. That was a subject on which his comrades knew
+his mind full well; and he did not mean to argue it again.
+
+Mutely he pointed to the skin of the lynx which had fallen to his gun,
+mutilated a little, to be sure, by the charge of shot that had been the
+means of its death; but worth its weight in silver to the fat Nimrod;
+and Herb closed up like a clam.
+
+In the morning they prepared to go on again; though Herb and Jack
+had, when by themselves, seriously talked over the subject; and were
+beginning to arrive at the conclusion that this tremendous fresh water
+sea was hardly the best cruising ground for such small craft as the
+motor boats; and that they would be wise to cut short their former
+intention of reaching Duluth.
+
+"Better keep an eye out for dirty weather, boys!" the boss of the camp
+had observed, when shaking hands as they said good-bye.
+
+Nick could see no signs of anything ahead that looked like a storm; and
+he was inclined to believe the other must be wrong in his guess.
+
+"Must be one of them old croakers we hear so much about," he remarked to
+Herb, as they went on along the coast of the Big Lake. "Always expecting
+things to happen that don't come to pass. I don't see any storm, do
+you?"
+
+"Not a sign," replied the skipper of the _Comfort_; who was anxiously
+keeping tabs on his engine, as though he had reason to fear a repetition
+of the former trouble.
+
+But in the end it proved to be George who brought the little expedition
+to a halt. After acting so splendidly in that fierce race with the
+_Flash_, lo and behold, the motor of the _Wireless_ broke down during
+the early afternoon.
+
+They tinkered at it for an hour and more, Jack coming over to take a
+hand; but apparently little progress was made. Jack was worried. They
+were too far away from the fish camp to think of towing the disabled
+boat back; and a harbor did not offer within reaching distance beyond.
+
+The afternoon began to wane, and there seemed nothing for it but that
+the three motor boats should anchor just where they were, and pass the
+night on the open water. All would be well if the weather remained fair,
+and no strong southerly wind arose during the night. Jack did not like
+to think what might happen in case such a thing did come about.
+
+So as night came on they made things as snug as possible, ate supper
+aboard, and determined to keep up their courage, in the belief that
+nothing would happen to alarm them.
+
+But about an hour after midnight Jack, being on the watch, was thrilled
+to hear a sudden and entirely unexpected boom of thunder.
+
+Instantly everybody was awake, and stirring; loud voices began to be
+heard, as the others thrust their heads out of the tarpaulin covers that
+served as boat tents when the crews slept aboard; and excitement
+reigned.
+
+The very thing that Jack had dreaded most of all seemed on the verge of
+coming about; since they were caught on the open lake at night, with a
+storm threatening.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+A NIGHT OF ANXIETY
+
+
+"Hey! here's Nick getting into his cork jacket already!" called Herb.
+
+"All right," said the one in question, firmly. "Think I want to get
+washed out on that pond without something to hold me up? Remember, I'm a
+new beginner when it comes to swimming. And then I've got more to hold
+up than the rest of you."
+
+"Well, help me get this tent down first," remonstrated Herb. "We don't
+want to be caught by a storm with these things up, you know."
+
+"But it might rain?" Nick protested.
+
+"Let it. We've got oilskins; and perhaps there'll be plenty of time left
+to get into the same. Take hold there."
+
+Herb was right; and the crews of all the little motor boats had already
+started to stow away the big covers. Jack kept things as snug as
+possible aboard the _Tramp_, in case of a downpour; and that was not at
+all the thing he feared most.
+
+They were within fifty feet of cruel looking rocks. If the wind broke
+out from any quarter that would send the big billows churning against
+that barrier, the fate of the motor boat fleet could be easily guessed.
+
+In a little while everything had been done that seemed possible; after
+which they could only sit there, and await whatever was to be handed out
+to them.
+
+Nick and Josh were plainly nervous; and even Jimmie showed some signs of
+apprehension, nor could they be blamed for this timidity.
+
+"What if one of the boats is swept away?" suggested Josh; who, being in
+the narrow-beam _Wireless_ understood that he had much less chance for
+safety than those who manned the other craft.
+
+"No danger of that happening," Jack replied, quickly. "The only thing we
+have to fear is being smashed up against these rocks. Our boats would
+cave in like puff balls."
+
+"That's what," Josh went on. "Perhaps fellows, we ought to go ashore in
+the dinkies while we have the chance. Even if we lost the boats we'd
+save our lives. And I promised my folk at home I wouldn't take any
+unnecessary risks, you know."
+
+But George only sniffed at the idea.
+
+"Rats!" he exclaimed. "There you go just as usual, magnifying the
+danger, Josh. As for me, I'm going to stick like glue to this old
+_Wireless_. Just see me deserting her because a little squall chances to
+blow up. Get ashore if you feel like it. And you too, Buster; only
+remember, if we should be blown miles away, you two fellows would be apt
+to starve to death in this lonely region."
+
+"That settles it," said Nick, immediately.
+
+If there was any chance of his starving, he stood ready to accept all
+sorts of perils rather than face that possibility. And doubtless George
+knew all this when he put the case so strenuously.
+
+Josh too decided that he did not want to go ashore. If the others could
+stand the danger, he would too.
+
+"It may not be so bad for us, fellows," observed Jack. "Because, if you
+look up, you'll see that the clouds are coming from the land side. And
+every bang of thunder up to now has been from that direction too. The
+storm this time doesn't mean to cross the lake, and hit this shore. And
+unless it changes around, we'll be protected from it by these very rocks
+we feared so much!"
+
+"Bully! bully! Good for you, Jack!" cried Nick, as if greatly relieved.
+"I'm feeling so much better I almost believe my lost appetite is
+returning."
+
+"Well, it's so, ain't it?" demanded the other.
+
+"Sure it is," echoed Jimmie, with delight in his voice.
+
+"That's the best news I've heard this long while," remarked George, who
+despite his seeming valor, was secretly much distressed over the
+outlook.
+
+The thunder increased in violence. Then they heard the sweep of the wind
+through the pines and hemlocks on the shore. And in less than ten
+minutes the rain was pouring down like a deluge.
+
+They had secured things so that little harm would be done. Still, the
+outlook was far from attractive, with several hours of darkness ahead;
+during which they must keep on constant guard, not knowing at what
+minute the wind might take a notion to veer around to some quarter, that
+would send the waves dashing against the rockbound shore so near by.
+
+It seemed as severe a gale as the one they had experienced only a short
+time before. Indeed, Jack was of the opinion that the wind was even
+greater, though they did not feel it the same way, because of the
+shelter obtained from the land.
+
+They would never be apt to forget that night, no matter how time passed.
+Watching was serious business for Nick; and three times he was known to
+creep over to where Herb kept his cracker bag, doubtless to interest
+himself in a little "snack," so as to briefly forget his other
+troubles.
+
+Nor did Herb have the heart to take him to task about it. Their
+situation was so very distressing that he could think of nothing else.
+Every time the lightning flamed athwart the black sky the boys would
+look out at the troubled waters stretching as far as the eye could see;
+or else send an anxious glance toward the grim rocks that loomed up so
+very close over their bows.
+
+Hours seemed like days. Nick groaned, and declared he ached in every
+bone.
+
+"What d'ye think of me, then?" demanded Josh. "You're well padded; while
+I reckon my poor old bones are going to stick through, pretty soon. I
+dassent stand up, because George won't let me; and you can. I wish you
+had my berth, Buster."
+
+But at last Herb declared that there were certainly signs of dawn coming
+in the east. Every eye was turned that way; and upon learning that the
+news was true the boys began to take on fresh hope.
+
+"Well," George said for the tenth time, "I'm glad of one thing, and
+that is we managed to get my engine in working order last night before
+supper. Goodness knows what a fix I'd have been in otherwise, if we had
+to put out to sea when the wind changed."
+
+"Oh! murdher! I hope it won't do the same!" exclaimed Jimmie, who
+overheard the remark, and was filled with dismay as he surveyed the wild
+scene that stretched away off toward the southern horizon.
+
+"Can't we manage somehow to cook something warm?" asked George.
+
+"Yes, that's it," immediately echoed Nick, beginning to bustle around in
+the steady old _Comfort_. "We'll all feel so much better if we have
+breakfast. Nothing like a full stomach to put bravery in a fellow, I
+tell you."
+
+"Oh! how brave you must feel all the time, then!" observed Josh,
+sarcastically.
+
+But Jack knew that this time the fat boy spoke the truth. When people
+are wet and shivering things are apt to look gloomy enough; but once
+warm them up, and let them eat a hot meal, and somehow a rosy tinge
+begins to paint the picture.
+
+They knew just how to go about the matter; and those wonderful German
+Juwel kerosene gas stoves filled the bill to a dot; as Nick declared,
+after the delightful aroma of boiling coffee had begun to reach his
+eager nostrils.
+
+And while the wind still howled through the pines up on the high rocks,
+and the billows rolled away toward the south, growing in size as they
+drew farther off shore, the motor boat boys sat down to a tasty
+breakfast.
+
+"Now, this isn't so bad," observed Nick, as he started in on what had
+been dished out to him by Herb, who this time had done the cooking.
+
+"It will be for the boss if he don't get to work in a hurry," Josh flung
+across the watery space that separated the boats.
+
+"Don't worry on my account," laughed Herb. "I've got a mortgage on the
+balance in the fryingpan, and he'd better not touch it on his life."
+
+"Think the bally old storm is over, Jack?" asked Nick, presently.
+
+"The worst of it is, and I believe the wind seems to be dying down a
+little," came the ready reply, as Jack swept the heavens with anxious
+eyes.
+
+"I thought that last gust came out a little more toward the west,"
+remarked one of the others.
+
+"I'd hate to know that," Jack said. "For old sailors say that when the
+wind backs up into the west, after being in the north, without going all
+the way around, it means a return of the storm, from another quarter."
+
+"Time enough to get ashore yet!" muttered Josh.
+
+"Go ahead, if you want to," George said grimly. "Take some grub along,
+if you make up your mind that way. But I don't stir out of this boat
+unless I'm thrown out. Understand that?"
+
+An hour later, and Jack saw that his worst fears were realized.
+
+"Wind's getting around fast now, fellows," he announced.
+
+"It sure is," Herb admitted; for he had been noticing the increased
+roughness of the water for a little while back.
+
+"What must we do, Jack?" asked George, with set teeth, and that look of
+determination in his eyes that stood for so much.
+
+"Hold out as long as we can," came the reply in a steady voice. "Then,
+when the danger of our being dashed against the rocks grows too great,
+we'll just have to up-anchor, and start our engines to moving. It will
+be safer for us out yonder than so near the shore."
+
+Another half hour went by. Then the little boats were pitching and
+tossing violently, as the full force of the onrushing waves caught them.
+
+"Can't stand it much longer, Jack!" called out George, who was having
+the most serious time of all.
+
+"Then we might as well make the move now as later!" called Jack. "So get
+going, both of you. And remember to stand by as close as you can, so
+that we may help in case an upset happens to any boat."
+
+Of course George knew his chum had the cranky _Wireless_ in mind when he
+said this; but the peril was not alone confined to the one boat.
+
+Accordingly the engines were started, the anchors gotten aboard after a
+tremendous amount of hard work; and the little motor boat fleet put to
+sea, with the intention of trying to ride the storm out as best they
+might.
+
+If the engines only continued faithful all might yet be well.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+PERIL RIDES THE STORM WAVES
+
+
+There were anxious hearts among the young cruisers as they started to
+leave the vicinity of the shore, and head out upon the big heaving seas.
+
+So long as they could keep the boats' bows on the danger would not be so
+great as if they tried to turn; when those foam-crested waves would
+strike them sideways, and threaten to turn them on their beam-ends;
+which would mean destruction.
+
+The motors sang like angry bees whenever the little propellers chanced
+to be exposed after a retreating wave had passed. This was where the
+greatest peril lay; for the strain on the engine and shaft was terrific
+at such times, owing to the rapid change of pace.
+
+So Jack, Herb and George found themselves compelled to stick constantly
+at the job, manipulating the lever, so as to shut off power with each
+passing wave.
+
+They did not make fast time away from the shore; but at the end of half
+an hour had reached a point where it seemed the height of folly to go
+farther.
+
+"How is it, George?" Jack sang out.
+
+"Everything moving smoothly over here so far," came the reply.
+
+"And you, Herb?" continued the commodore of the fleet.
+
+"No fault to find, only it's hard work; and I hope we don't have to keep
+it up all day," replied the skipper of the _Comfort_.
+
+"I don't think that is going to happen," Jack observed. "Seems to me the
+wind is dying down. When that happens, the waves must gradually grow
+smaller. Perhaps by afternoon we may be able to proceed, and hunt for a
+harbor farther along."
+
+"Well, now," George remarked. "I wouldn't be sorry any, let me tell you,
+fellows. I've been balancing here like a circus acrobat this blessed
+hour and more, till my legs are stiff."
+
+"Think of me, would you!" bleated Nick.
+
+"Shucks! you're like a ball, and nothing ought to hurt you!" declared
+Josh.
+
+"I've got feelings, all right, though," the fat boy protested. "But I
+certain do hope we get our feet on solid ground right soon. I'd just
+love to see a fire going, and smell the hickory wood burning."
+
+"Yes, it's something more than hickory wood you're longing to smell,
+and we all know it for a fact," Josh fired back at him.
+
+Nevertheless, they one and all did find encouragement in what Jack had
+stated. The wind was certainly beginning to die out; and while as yet
+there could not be any appreciable difference noted in the size of the
+rollers upon which they mounted, to plunge into the abyss beyond, that
+would come in time.
+
+During the morning that followed the boys who handled the engines of
+those three little power boats found occasion to bless the makers of the
+staunch motors that stood up so valiantly under this severe test.
+
+They had taken on an additional supply of gasoline while at the Soo, and
+there was little danger of this giving out. Still, as Nick said, this
+energy was all wasted, and reminded him of soldiers "beating time."
+
+Now and then the boys were able to exchange remarks, especially the
+three who were not kept busy during this time.
+
+Jack listened to what was said, and while he made no attempt to break
+into the conversation, he gathered from it that at least Nick, Jimmie
+and Josh were about ready to call the westward cruise off, and turn
+around.
+
+So he made up his mind that the matter must be threshed out the very
+next time they could gather around a fire on shore. As for himself,
+Jack was thinking along the same lines, and ready to go back to Mackinac
+Island's quiet waters, in the straits between Lakes Huron and Michigan.
+
+Noon came along, to find them still buffeting the waves; but there had
+been a considerable change by then.
+
+"After we've had a bite," called out Jack, at which Nick instantly
+showed attention; "I think we'd better make a start out of this. The
+waves you notice no longer break, and while your boat would roll more or
+less, George, I don't think you'd be in any great danger of turning
+turtle, do you?"
+
+"Oh! I'm only too willing to put out," came the answer. "Anything but
+this horrible marking time. I like to see the chips fly when I use an
+axe. I want to see results. And here, this blessed little motor has been
+churning away for hours, without getting away from our old stand. Yes,
+let's eat and run."
+
+"That would be bad for digestion," spoke up Nick. "I don't believe in
+hurrying over meals. I was warned against doing it, unless I wanted to
+waste away to skin and bones like Josh here."
+
+"Oh! you can take as long as you like," said Herb; "only get busy now,
+and dish up anything you can find. There's some cold baked beans handy;
+and open some of that potted beef; it ought to be tasty with the
+crackers and cheese."
+
+"I'm on the job right off," declared Nick. "You know you never have to
+hurry me about getting things to eat."
+
+"Mebbe that's why your digestion is so good," said Herb, sarcastically;
+but the fat boy only grinned as he crawled back to where the eatables
+were kept.
+
+Later on they did head more toward the west, and start moving through
+the swinging seas. Constant watchfulness became necessary, for there was
+always danger that in some unguarded moment one of the billows might
+roll a boat over like a chip.
+
+So they kept going on, constantly varying their course to meet
+emergencies, and making progress along the coast. It was splendid
+manoeuvring for the young pilots of the motor boats; though they rather
+thought they had had quite enough of it, and would be only too glad to
+call a halt.
+
+Jack was watching the shore line ahead, whenever he could, in order to
+learn if a haven came in sight. He had Jimmie frequently use the glasses
+when they were on a wave crest; and kept hoping to hear him cry out that
+he believed he had sighted the harbor they hoped to make before night
+came on.
+
+As the waves still further diminished in size, they were enabled to make
+better time, since they no longer feared an upset. Indeed, about the
+middle of the afternoon they ceased entirely to head the boats into any
+billow; and all of them declared that they felt proud of what had been
+accomplished.
+
+"I say, Jack!" called out George, as the two boats happened to draw near
+each other.
+
+"Well, what is it?" answered the one addressed, popping his head up.
+
+"How does it come, d'ye suppose, that we haven't seen a blessed steamer
+all this morning, going in either direction?" George went on.
+
+"Why," replied Jack. "Because they had warning from the weather bureau
+that a storm was coming, and delayed starting out. These captains know
+what it is to meet up with a Lake Superior storm."
+
+"Yes," spoke up Jimmie, "it's only the nervy little boats like ours that
+laugh at all the blows as comes along. Look at us, would ye, smashin'
+through the big waves like the sassy things. Slap! bang! and come again,
+would ye? Sure, it's weather on'y fit for motor boats, it do be."
+
+"Yes," laughed George, "we're all mighty brave about now; but I tell you
+boys, I felt squeamish for hours when the storm was on. I knew what
+would happen to us if the wind whipped around before morning. Excuse me
+from another experience like that. Wonder where Clarence and Joe were
+then?"
+
+"That's so, they did go on," Jack remarked. "I hope they had shelter. I
+wouldn't want my worst enemy to be wrecked on such a terrible night."
+
+A short time later Jimmie cried out again: "There do be a steamer comin'
+along there, Jack!"
+
+"Steamer nothing!" echoed Josh, who happened to be using George's
+glasses at the same time. "I've been watching that thing for five
+minutes now. And do you know what I think it is, fellows?"
+
+"What?" demanded Jack, who could not leave his duties even for the
+minute that it would take to glance through the glasses.
+
+"A wreck!" exclaimed Josh, with thrilling emphasis.
+
+Then everybody sat up, and began to look eagerly in the direction
+mentioned. It was far out over the troubled waters; and the object could
+only be seen when it happened to be lifted on the crest of a wave.
+
+"It is that same, upon me worrd!" cried Jimmie, presently. "I cud say
+the thing thin as plain as the nose on me face."
+
+"And boys, there's some kind of a flag floating on it," Josh went on.
+
+"Upside down?" questioned Nick, eagerly.
+
+"Looks like it to me," came the answer.
+
+"Then it's a wreck, all right; because that's the signal of distress,"
+Nick continued, now raising Herb's glasses for a look.
+
+"Oh! my! I believe it's them!" he ejaculated a minute later.
+
+At that Jack could stand it no longer.
+
+"Here, Jimmie, you grab hold, and run this boat," he said. "Keep her
+nose pointed just as she runs now, and whatever you do, don't swing
+around, broadside on."
+
+Then, as Jimmie took hold of the wheel, the skipper raised the glasses
+for a look, while George awaited his report with ill-concealed
+eagerness.
+
+"There, look now, Jack!" cried Josh.
+
+Presently Jack took down the glasses, and there was a grave expression
+on his face.
+
+"What did you see, Jack?" demanded George. "Something that's bothered
+you some, I can tell by the way you frown."
+
+"That's a sinking craft, all right, George," replied the other, as he
+turned on all the power his engine was capable of producing, and sent
+the _Tramp_ speeding directly into the waves. "More than that, I'm
+afraid I did recognize it, and, just as Nick said, it's the power boat,
+_Mermaid_, carrying the banker, Mr. Roland Andrews, and his party. Boys,
+we must hurry to their rescue before they go down!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+PAYING THE PENALTY
+
+
+Immediately the little fleet of motor boats had taken up a course
+leading directly for the floating wreck. It looked like the height of
+folly for such miniature craft to thus put boldly out upon the bosom of
+that great inland sea; and nothing save a call to duty would ever have
+influenced Jack to make the venture.
+
+They were strangely quiet as they continued to buffet the oncoming
+waves. Once in a while some one would ask the wielder of the marine
+glasses what he could see, and in this way all were kept informed.
+
+Nick was trembling, so that there were times when he could hardly hold
+the glasses to his eyes.
+
+"I see her!" he suddenly shouted in rapture. "Sallie's still there,
+fellows! I can tell her among the lot. There, she sees me, I think, for
+the darling is waving her handkerchief! She wants me to hurry along,
+fellows; perhaps the blessed waterlogged power boat is getting ready to
+dip under! Can't you throw on just a little more speed, Herb? Please
+do, to oblige me."
+
+No one thought to laugh, nor did Josh come up true to his name just
+then; for somehow they seemed to understand that it was a grave matter,
+and no time for joking.
+
+Jack could see the figures on the partly submerged boat with the naked
+eye now, they were getting so close.
+
+"Do you see the other girl, Rita Andrews?" he asked Jimmie; and was
+more pleased than he cared to show when the Irish boy answered in the
+affirmative.
+
+"Oh! I only hope we get there in time!" groaned Nick, as he fumbled at
+the cork life preserver, as though intending to put it on again.
+
+"What are you going to do with that thing, Buster?" demanded Herb,
+sharply.
+
+"Get it around me," the other replied, unblushingly.
+
+"But you won't need it; there's not the least chance of our upsetting
+now."
+
+"All the same," Nick responded, calmly; "how do I know but I may have to
+jump overboard after Sallie? She might slip in her great joy at seeing
+her preserver so near. And a pretty fellow I'd be not to keep myself
+ready to do the hero act. Besides, Herb, how do we know that the bally
+old boat mayn't take a notion to duck under, just when we get close by?
+I believe in being prepared."
+
+"You're right, Buster," nodded the skipper. "Take my cork jacket too if
+so be you think you'll need it. But please don't go to jumping over just
+to show off. You might drown before her very eyes."
+
+"Oh! I'll be careful, Herb. But since you say so, I believe I will keep
+your cork affair handy. She might need it; because you see, Sallie is no
+light weight, any more than me."
+
+He crouched there waiting, doubtless counting the seconds as they
+passed, and anxiously taking note of all that went on in the quarter
+whence they were headed.
+
+Jack himself grew more nervous the closer they drew to the wreck. He
+realized that those on board were in extreme peril; for the powerboat
+seemed to be gradually sinking lower, inch by inch. At almost any time
+now it might give one tremendous heave, and then plunge, bow first, down
+in many fathoms of water, perhaps dragging some of the people aboard to
+death.
+
+But at the same time Jack was figuring just how he and Herb must
+approach the wreck on the leeward side, where it would in a measure
+protect the small motor boats from the sweep of the seas. Here they
+would be able to take aboard as many of the imperiled ones as the
+rescuing craft could reasonably hold.
+
+Jack also noted that there was a large lifeboat on the sinking craft.
+Possibly the oars had been swept away, rendering the craft helpless and
+useless. But if it could only be launched, the crew might occupy this,
+and be towed to safety by one of the little motor boats.
+
+He fashioned his hands into a megaphone, while Jimmie tended the engine
+for a minute, and in this way called out:
+
+"Have that boat launched. It will hold the crew, and we will give them a
+tow to the shore. Quick, sir; you have no time to lose!"
+
+He saw the captain of the powerboat, still wearing his uniform, though
+without the jaunty blue cap that had once been a part of his makeup,
+give hurried orders. Then the lifeboat was shoved off the low deck,
+being held with a rope.
+
+And a few minutes later the _Tramp_ and the _Comfort_ hauled in close
+under the lee of the big powerboat.
+
+"Ladies first!" sang out Nick, as he balanced himself so as to be able
+to render any needed assistance.
+
+Greatly to his joy Sallie seemed to choose the _Comfort_ as her refuge.
+Perhaps she recognized the fact that it was by all odds the largest of
+the three motor boats, and hence more suitable to her heft. But it would
+be hard to convince Nick that this was the true reason. She saw him,
+and was willing to entrust herself in the charge of one who bore
+himself so gallantly.
+
+Jack meanwhile had the pleasure of assisting the pretty and vivacious
+little Miss Andrews, whose first name was Rita, into his boat; to be
+followed by another lady passenger, and then the banker himself. The
+balance of the passengers managed to embark on the _Comfort_. George
+stood by, and offered to take one or two; but no one seemed to
+particularly care to entrust themselves on such a wobbly craft.
+
+The captain and his little crew entered the lifeboat.
+
+"Now, everybody get away as quick as you can!" called the man in
+uniform, "because she's going down any minute. Make haste, or we may
+be drawn under by the suction."
+
+George had taken the long rope attached to the bow of the lifeboat, and
+fastened it securely to a ringbolt at the stern of his _Wireless_. He
+now started away, as did the other rescuing craft.
+
+And none too soon was this manoeuvre accomplished. Hardly had they gone
+ten boat lengths before a little shriek from Sallie announced that the
+final catastrophe was about to take place.
+
+There was an upheaval of the sinking powerboat, a tremendous surge, and
+then only bubbles and foam on the surface told where the unlucky
+pleasure craft had vanished.
+
+Little Miss Andrews cried a bit, perhaps because of the nervous
+excitement; but her father cheered her up.
+
+"Never mind, Rita," he said. "The boat was insured, and we can get
+another and better one when we want it. But for this season I think
+we've had about enough of the water. I tell you we ought to think
+ourselves fortunate to have these fine fellows come out to us just in
+the nick of time. We'll never forget it, will we, girlie?"
+
+Whereupon Jack was delighted to see the tears give way to a bright
+smile, as Rita looked at him, and nodded.
+
+"How queer it seems," she remarked demurely, a little later. "First Jack
+had to save my hat from a watery grave; and now he has rescued poor
+little me. Yes, I mean that he won't forget us, dad. And I hope that
+we'll see him some time at our Oak Park home, don't you?"
+
+"We'll try and influence him, and also his brave chums, in whom I find
+myself deeply interested. Come to think of it, I fancy I already have
+something of an acquaintance with a Mr. Harvey Stormways, belonging in
+the town Jack calls his home. The one I met in Chicago was a banker, and
+a very clever gentleman."
+
+"That is my father," said Jack, rosy with pleasure to think that his
+parent already knew Rita's father.
+
+Later on they discovered a landing place and managed to get ashore. All
+of them were delighted to once more set foot on solid land after their
+recent harrowing experiences.
+
+And such a night they made of it. The captain had wisely secured a lot
+of stores before leaving the wreck of the _Mermaid_, so that there was
+little danger of any famine. Besides, as George said, aside, any camp
+that had been able to withstand the raids and assaults of a Buster all
+this while, would not be caught without plenty of eatables in the
+larder.
+
+Around the camp fire they even made merry, since no lives had been lost
+in the wreck. Mr. Andrews told how they had escaped the first storm,
+only to be caught in the second, and rammed by some floating object, the
+nature of which they could only guess.
+
+The pumps were manned, but by slow degrees the water had gained on them
+in spite of all their herculean efforts. And as we have seen, only for
+the coming of the motor boat boys a tragedy might have followed.
+
+In the morning Jack promised to take them out to the first steamer that
+could be signalled, the crew in the lifeboat being towed behind the
+_Comfort_.
+
+This he did, assisted by Herb.
+
+And the balance of the young cruisers stood on the wooded bank, waving
+their hats and cheering as long as they could make their voices heard.
+
+Nick was as happy as any one had ever seen him. Sallie had seemed to be
+fairly smitten with the charms of the fat boy, or else fancied having
+some girlish fun out of the meeting and their one trait in common; for
+she certainly had hovered near Buster since breakfast time, "making goo
+goo eyes at him," as Josh declared. And now Nick, wishing to be in a
+position to see better than his chums, took the trouble to laboriously
+climb a tree that hung far out over the water.
+
+Here, high above the heads of the rest, he sat and waved his red
+sweater, as an object that must attract the sparkling eyes of Miss
+Sallie longer than an ordinary hat, or white handkerchief.
+
+"Hurray! hurray!" he shouted at the top of his voice; but perhaps Buster
+may have been too violent in his gestures, or else neglected to maintain
+his grasp on the limb; for suddenly there was an awful splash, and the
+fat boy vanished out of sight in the lake, which happened to be fairly
+deep close up to the shore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+ANOTHER SURPRISE
+
+
+"Help! help!"
+
+"What's all the row about?"
+
+"Buster's fallen in again! Somebody get a rope, and lasso him!"
+
+"There he comes up! My! what a floundering time! He may be drowned,
+Jack!"
+
+But Jack knew better, and only laughed as he replied to Herb:
+
+"You forget that he's still wearing that lovely cork life preserver. It
+gives him such a manly look; and Buster thinks it adds to the admiration
+of a certain young lady."
+
+Meantime there was a tremendous lot of splashing going on in that little
+basin just under the big tree, where Nick had been perched at the time
+of his tumble.
+
+Both arms were working overtime, like a couple of flails in a thrashing
+bee; while his chubby legs shot back and forth after the manner of an
+energetic frog. All the while Buster was spouting water like a miniature
+geyser; for his mouth had happened to be wide open at the time of his
+unexpected submersion.
+
+"Throw me a rope, somebody!" he spluttered, as he continued to make
+manful efforts to keep from sinking. "What d'ye stand there gaping for?
+Can't you see I'm in danger of drowning? Hurry up your cakes, you
+sillies!"
+
+There was no doubt but that Nick believed every word he spoke; for he
+was making a tremendous display of energy that would long remain a topic
+for wonder among his comrades.
+
+Herb started to scurry around to find something that would be available
+in the rescue line.
+
+"Jack, the poor fellow may be partly stunned, and unable to keep up much
+longer. Help me find a rope, won't you?" he cried, as he passed the
+other.
+
+"Hold on, Herb, now watch how easy it is to save a drowning man," and as
+Jack said this he turned to where Nick was making a young Niagara
+Whirlpool Rapids of himself, and called sternly:
+
+"Buster, stand up!"
+
+Lo; and behold, when the imperiled fat boy proceeded to obey this command
+the water barely reached to his chest. Looking rather crest-fallen and
+sheepish he started to wade out of the lake; while the boys burst into a
+roar that must have even been heard by those on board the steamer.
+
+Nick was in a rather pugnacious humor, for him, as he arrived dripping
+on the bank. Perhaps the merriment of his mates had something to do with
+it; but the chances are he dreaded lest a pair of laughing blue eyes on
+the departing steamer may have witnessed his ridiculous upset.
+
+"Who pushed me in?" he demanded, as he gave vent to another upheaval of
+water. "Tell me that, will you? It was a mean trick, and he ought to be
+ducked just as bad as I was. Seems like a pity a fellow can't just sit
+up on the limb of a tree to wave good-bye to a pretty girl without some
+envious rival putting up a game on him. Who did it? I dare him to tell!"
+
+"Rats! you're away off your base, Buster!" cried George.
+
+"Quit raising the lake that way, can't you?" complained Josh. "Want to
+flood us out of our camp, do you?"
+
+"Buster, nobody was near you when you fell," said Jack. "I don't think
+there was one of us within ten feet of the tree. And besides, you were
+up out of reach. You let go both hands and slipped. It was your own
+fault. And we didn't help you out because I knew you had on that cork
+thing; besides, the water wasn't over your head, as I found out some
+time ago. So don't accuse anybody of being mean."
+
+"And next time you want to take the middle of the stage just let us
+know. You gave us an awful jolt," remarked George.
+
+"Why, if I'd had heart disease I'd have dropped flat," vowed Josh.
+
+"Oh! let up on me, can't you, and don't rub it in so hard?" grumbled the
+dripping Nick. "Now I've got to go and get these duds off. And it'll
+take a long while for 'em to dry. Nice way to use a new suit, ain't it?"
+
+"Well, it's lucky for the trade that you've come up here." Herb put in.
+"The clothing business will take on a boom soon. What with Canada
+pussies, and upsets into the lake, you can get away with more suits than
+the rest of us."
+
+"But I haven't got another bunch of clothes along," whimpered Nick, "and
+it's sure too chilly to run around without anything on. Jack won't you
+help me out?"
+
+"I guess I can lend you a pair of trousers, Buster, if you can get into
+them. Don't forget that fine red sweater you possess. Josh, pull it down
+from that branch, will you? So you see, you'll get along till these duds
+dry out," replied the one addressed.
+
+"But stick to the camp while you're wearing that sweater, Buster,"
+warned Josh. "Perhaps there ain't any cows around here; but even a bull
+moose would want to boost you up in a tree if he ever saw that rag."
+
+"Oh! I'll hug the fire, all right; don't you worry about me, Josh
+Purdue," was the fat boy's reply, as he made off, the water still oozing
+from his soaked garments in streams.
+
+Jack wisely put in the balance of the morning fishing, and with abundant
+success, as was evidenced from the fact that they had another delightful
+fish dinner that noon, Josh serving the trout in his usual tempting
+manner, crisp and brown.
+
+As his clothes had meantime dried, through the action of combined sun
+and camp fire, Nick gradually became himself again. It took considerable
+to upset his good nature; and the boys never could fully decide whether
+he had been in earnest concerning that episode of the "great splash," or
+simply pretending to be indignant.
+
+"And now, what's the programme?" asked Jack, as, having eaten until they
+could no longer be tempted, they sat back to talk over the future
+activities of the motor boat club.
+
+"Fellows," remarked George, seriously. "I've come to the conclusion that
+we're making a mistake in cruising over such big water as this."
+
+"Hear! hear!" called Nick, clapping his hands.
+
+"Boats as small as ours seem out of their element on an ocean,"
+continued the skipper of the _Wireless_, steadily. "They're all right in
+such places as the Thousand Islands, where plenty of harbors are in sight
+all the time. But just think what might happen up here. Suppose the wind
+had chopped around the other night, instead of kindly holding off till
+morning. What would have happened to us?"
+
+"Oh! well," remarked Herb; "we all know the answer to that riddle,
+George. Since we couldn't well make out into the open lake in the storm
+during darkness, why, every boat must have been smashed against the
+rocks. Makes me shiver to just think of it; and that's right, fellows."
+
+"Perhaps one or more of us might have gone under." George went on. "Now,
+when we got permission to make this cruise we promised not to take
+unnecessary risks--am I right, fellows?"
+
+"Sure you are, George. Hit up the pace, will you? Buster here is getting
+sleepy, waiting for the verdict," Josh said, after his customary
+fashion.
+
+"Then I'm going to offer a suggestion; and if Jack says so, I'll put it
+in the form of a motion," George continued.
+
+"Make it a motion without all this fuss and feathers," observed Herb.
+
+"I move, then, that we abandon our original intention of knocking along
+this north shore of Superior till we arrive at Duluth, where we could
+ship our boats home. It wouldn't pay us for the trouble and the danger.
+It's a barren country. If we had an accident there's no place to have
+repairs done short of several hundred miles. In a word, fellows, this is
+no hunting ground for little motor boats. Besides," with a sly glance
+toward Nick, "what if our grub gives out, as it's likely to do at any
+time, once Buster gets to feeling himself again; why, we might starve to
+death, fellows, in the midst of plenty."
+
+"You've heard the motion, fellows--that we change our programme, and
+give up this Lake Superior trip. All in favor say aye!" Jack remarked.
+
+A chorus of assents followed.
+
+"Contrary, no!" went on the commodore; but only silence followed.
+
+"Motion is carried unanimously," Jack went on. "And now, let's consider
+what is to take the place of this trip. We've still got some weeks ahead
+of us, the fishing's fine, and we're a long way from Milwaukee. Somebody
+suggest something."
+
+George and Jack had of course talked this thing over more than once
+recently. So no one was surprised when the former immediately jumped up,
+and began:
+
+"For one, I'm of the opinion we couldn't do better than return over
+part of the way we came. Between the Soo and Mackinac Island there's
+fine cruising ground to be explored. We can take a different route part
+of the way back through the St. Mary's River, and perhaps find new mud
+banks, with a few more strange animals on the Canada side. Besides Jack
+says the bass fishing is just great in some places they told him about
+at the Soo."
+
+"Hurrah! Me for the St. Mary's then," Nick shouted, to hide his
+confusion at mention of strange beasts, for of course he knew what that
+referred to.
+
+"The prospect of the merry bass frizzling over the coals coaxes Buster,"
+declared Josh; "but on general principles, fellows, I don't see how we
+could improve on that programme. Count me in on it, George."
+
+"Any other suggestions?" asked Jack. "If there are, now is the time to
+speak up, before we decide our plans. We can settle on just the day we
+ought to leave Mackinac for the run down Michigan to Milwaukee, and so
+get home on the dot. How is it, fellows? Do I hear another scheme
+offered?"
+
+"Make it unanimous, Jack," said Herb. "You know we're pretty much of one
+mind; and we ought to get all the fun going out of that programme."
+
+"Then we start back tomorrow?" said Jack.
+
+"Right after breakfast," Josh added.
+
+"Good gracious!" exclaimed Nick. "I hope none of you would be silly
+enough to ever think of leaving here before breakfast!"
+
+"Oh! that will never happen, so long as we have an alarm clock in the
+bunch. We depend on you, Buster, to warn us when it's time to eat our
+three meals a day," George said blandly.
+
+"Now, I didn't expect that of you George," remarked Nick. "But if you
+really mean it, thank you! I'm glad to know I'm of some use to the
+crowd."
+
+"Why, Buster, we wouldn't know how to keep house without you," remarked
+Jack.
+
+"What would we be after doing with the leftovers?" ventured Jimmie.
+
+"And how would I keep my big boat evenly balanced?" demanded Herb. "Sure
+you fill a place in the circle, Buster, and a very important one. We'd
+miss you if you ever gave up the ship, and took the train back home."
+
+"Well, I promise you I won't," smiled Nick; "at least so long as you
+keep up the same sort of bill of fare we've had today. Yum! yum! what's
+the use of wasting a fine piece of browned trout like that? I call it a
+wicked shame. Here, Josh, don't you dare throw that away. Set it aside
+on that nice clean piece of birch bark. Somebody might get hungry later
+on, and enjoy a bite."
+
+This standing joke of Nick's clamorous appetite seemed never to lose its
+edge. The rest of the boys could always enjoy seeing him make way with
+his share of the meal. In fact, had a change come over the fat boy, they
+would have felt anxious, believing him sick.
+
+So Jack went back to his fishing, of which he seemed never to tire, and
+the others found something to employ their time and attention while the
+afternoon sun dropped lower toward the western horizon.
+
+By now the Big Lake looked like a lookingglass, so still had the waves
+become. A haze prevented them from seeing any great distance away--one
+of those mid-summer atmospheric happenings that are apt to develop at
+any time when the weather is exceedingly warm.
+
+Evening came at last, and they sat as usual around the camp fire, having
+enjoyed the meal Josh and his willing assistants, Jimmie and Nick, had
+placed before them. Everything looked favorable for getting off in the
+morning; and should the lake remain calm Jack believed they might be
+able to make the Soo by another night.
+
+Suddenly, and without the slightest warning a disturbing factor was
+injected into this quiet restful camp. Jack thought he heard a sound
+like a groan near by, and raised his head to listen. Yes, there was
+certainly a movement at the west side of the camp, as though something
+was advancing. And as he stared, his hand unconsciously creeping out
+toward the faithful little Marlin shotgun, a figure arose and came
+staggering toward the group.
+
+Loud cries broke out as the boys scrambled to their feet. And there was
+a good excuse for their consternation; for in this ragged, dirty, and
+altogether disreputable figure they recognized, not a wandering hobo,
+but Bully Joe, the crony of Clarence Macklin!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+Joe Brinker was a sorry sight as he staggered forward, and fell almost
+at the feet of Jack. He certainly looked as though he had been through a
+rough experience since last they saw him with Clarence aboard the
+_Flash_.
+
+"Why, it's Joe!" exclaimed Nick, as though he had just recognized the
+intruder.
+
+Jack had jumped forward, and was now bending over the newcomer.
+
+"Here, Josh, any hot coffee left in the pot?" he demanded, seeing that
+the other looked utterly exhausted, as though he might not have partaken
+of food for many hours.
+
+Josh immediately poured out a cup, and handed it to Jack.
+
+"Sit up here, and swallow this, Joe," said Jack, supporting the fellow
+with one arm, and holding the tin cup to his lips.
+
+Joe eagerly gulped down the warm drink. It seemed to do him a world
+of good right on the spot; for when a cup of hot tea or coffee is
+available, it is utter folly to think strong drink is necessary in
+reviving a chilled or exhausted person.
+
+"Oh! that tastes fine. Got any more, boys? I'm nearly starved," he
+exclaimed, almost crying with weakness.
+
+Already had Nick hurried over, and seized upon several cold flapjacks
+that possibly he had placed away, against one of his little bites
+between meals. Surely Nick ought to know what an awful thing hunger was.
+One of the most dreadful recollections of his life was a time when he
+had been compelled to go all of eight hours without a solitary scrap of
+food passing his lips!
+
+Soon Joe was devouring the flapjacks with the eagerness of a hungry dog,
+to the evident delight of Buster, who always found pleasure in seeing
+any one eat heartily.
+
+"Now tell us what happened, Joe?" said Jack, after they had watched the
+other make away with the last scrap, and look around for more.
+
+"Yes, don't you see we're just crazy to hear?" Josh exclaimed.
+
+"Did you get caught in that storm?" demanded George, suspecting the
+truth.
+
+Joe nodded his head in the affirmative, and they could see a shudder
+pass over his form, as though the remembrance was anything but cheerful.
+
+"Then the _Flash_ must have been wrecked?" George went on, horrified as
+the remembrance of Clarence's face came before him.
+
+"Gone to flinders!" muttered Joe. "Smashed on the rocks, and not a scrap
+left to tell the story. Gee it was tough, all right!"
+
+"W--was Clarence drowned?" Nick gasped, with awe-struck face; and
+quivering all over like a bowl full of jelly.
+
+"Oh! no, neither of us went under," replied Joe, promptly, to the
+great relief of all the boys. "But we came mighty near it, I tell
+you, fellers. I'm a duck in the water, you know, and I guess I helped
+Clarence get ashore. He said I did, anyway. And there we was, far away
+from everything, with not one bite to eat, or even a gun to defend
+ourselves against wild animals."
+
+"Wow! that was tough!" admitted Nick, sympathetically; as he remembered
+his own exploit when the Canada lynx invaded the camp, and how useful
+the shotgun proved on that occasion.
+
+"But it wasn't the worst, fellers! There's more acomin'!" Joe went on,
+shaking his head solemnly.
+
+"My gracious! did wild animals get poor old Clarence after all?" George
+asked.
+
+"No," Joe went on, with set teeth, "but a couple of men did that was as
+bad as any wild animals you ever heard tell of. They found us trying to
+make a fire to dry our wringing wet clothes; and they just treated us
+shameful. See this black eye I got just because I dared answer back.
+They kicked poor Clarence like he was a bag of oats."
+
+"Two men, you say?" Jack asked, frowning darkly. "What sort of men could
+they be to act like that toward a pair of shipwrecked boys?"
+
+"They looked like lumber cruisers, or prospectors that never struck
+it rich," Joe continued. "They had a grouch agin everybody. First
+thing they took what money we had, and Clarence's fine watch that was
+water-soaked and wouldn't run. Then they found out who we was by reading
+some letters he carried. I saw 'em talking it over; and then they tied
+us to a couple of trees."
+
+"Why, I never heard of such a wicked thing!" ejaculated the startled
+Nick; whose mouth kept wide open while he listened to this thrilling
+story of Joe's.
+
+"Do you think they meant to try and force blackmail?" asked the
+far-seeing George, whose father was a lawyer, it may be remembered.
+
+"They said something about him writing home for more money to buy
+another motor boat," Joe replied. "And Clarence said he never would do
+it, not even if they tortured him. But I'm afraid a few more kickings
+like they gave us will break down his spirit."
+
+"Then you managed to escape?" Jack went on, wishing to learn the whole
+thing.
+
+"Yes. I worked loose, and slipped away when neither of 'em was lookin',"
+answered the ragged and dirty figure. "But give me some more grub,
+fellers. I'm starving, I tell you. They refused to give us a bite to eat
+till Clarence agreed to do all they wanted of him. Anything, so's I can
+fill up. I've got a hole down there that feels like Mammoth Cave."
+
+Again it was Nick who hastened to procure another stock of eatables,
+crackers and cheese, or anything else that came handy.
+
+"When did you escape, Joe?" asked Jack, seriously as though some plan
+had already started to form in his active brain.
+
+"Don't know for sure," replied the exhausted one. "Sometime after noon,
+though. They was layin' down and snoozing when I got free. I wanted to
+find a knife, and cut Clarence loose too; but the risk scared me. And
+Clarence, he told me to hurry and get off for help. You see, one of the
+men was sitting up, and rubbing his eyes; so I just sneaked away."
+
+"Did they follow after you, Joe?" asked George.
+
+"Never waited to see," replied the other, "but just cut stick, and
+hurried off. Oh! I've had an awful time getting along near the shore.
+Dassent get out of sight of the lake because you see I was that scared
+I'd get lost. I tumbled a thousand times, cut my head and hands on the
+rocks, nearly slipped into the lake twice, and was just ready to lay
+down and die, when night came on. Then I saw a fire over here, and just
+managed to make the riffle. Give you my word, fellers, if it'd been half
+a mile more I never'd got to camp."
+
+"Then Clarence is still in the hands of those two rascals?" Jack asked.
+
+"I reckon he is, 'less they saw fit to let him go free; and from what I
+seen of 'em, that ain't their game."
+
+"How far do you suppose that place was away from here?" came from
+careful George.
+
+Joe sat silent for a minute. He seemed to be trying to figure what
+manner of slow progress he may have made since effecting his freedom.
+
+"I thought I'd gone nigh twenty miles, judgin' by the way I felt," he
+finally said; "but come to figger it out I reckon it mightn't abeen
+more'n five."
+
+"Toward the west, you mean; for you came from that direction?" Jack
+continued.
+
+"Yes, that's so, over that way," pointing as he spoke.
+
+Jack turned to his chums.
+
+"It's up to us, boys," he said soberly. "Clarence has never been one of
+us; but he belongs to our school. We'd never forgive ourselves if we
+went back to the Soo tomorrow, and left him in the hands of these
+scoundrels. Do you agree with me?"
+
+"That's right, Jack!" sang out George.
+
+"Sure we would be cold-blooded to think of it," Josh declared.
+
+"Them's my sentiments," Herb spoke up; and both Nick and Jimmie nodded
+their heads violently, to prove that they were in no way behind their
+comrades in wishing to do a good deed toward one who had long been an
+open enemy.
+
+"Then let's consider what way we ought to go about it," Jack proceeded,
+with an air of business. "It's out of the question for us to try and go
+back the way Joe came. We couldn't make it under hours; and from his
+looks none of us are hankering after the experience. But there is a way
+to get there quickly."
+
+"The boats?" George put in.
+
+"One boat ought to carry all who will go, and let that be the _Comfort_,
+with five of us on board, taking the two guns to make a good show," Jack
+proceeded.
+
+Nick immediately set up a whine.
+
+"I guess I have feelings," he declared. "Don't I know you're just going
+to shut me out of this rescue game? I'm ready to do my part as well as
+the next one, ain't I? What you want to leave me behind for?"
+
+"You've got to obey orders, Buster," said George.
+
+"And besides, with so many aboard, the bully old _Comfort_ might
+founder," Josh thought it necessary to remark.
+
+"Besides, you are going to have your share of the work, and along a line
+you always like," Jack went on; "for while we're gone, it shall be your
+duty to make a new brew of coffee, fill Joe here cram up with all he can
+eat, and have something ready for Clarence when we bring him back. So
+you see, Buster, your duty is as important as any of ours. Every one in
+their particular line. You can't fight as well as Jimmie here; but you
+do know how to provide against starvation."
+
+Nick smiled broadly again, entirely appeased.
+
+"Count on me, Commodore," he said, briskly. "Where's that coffeepot
+right now? I'll do my duty to the letter. Why, it's a pleasure to look
+after the wants of a hungry fellow. It gives me something of an appetite
+just to think of the work I've got cut out for me."
+
+Jack put Nick and Joe out of his mind, after trying to get a little
+information from the latter, with regard to the character of the place
+where the _Flash_ had been wrecked, and the two hard looking customers
+were supposed to be still stopping.
+
+They went aboard the _Comfort_. Jack himself decided to run the boat,
+with the assistance of Herb and George. Above all things, silence was of
+more value to them just then than speed, if they hoped to steal up on
+the captors of Clarence without being detected.
+
+"Good luck!" called Nick, as the broad beamed motor boat started quietly
+away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND
+
+
+"Look! isn't that a fire over there?" asked sharp-eyed George, as he
+gripped Jack's arm suddenly.
+
+They had been moving cautiously along for the better part of an hour,
+striving in every way possible to avoid any drumming sound, such as
+nearly always betrays the presence of a motor boat near by.
+
+And in all that time they may have only covered some four miles, or
+possibly five; for no effort was made to drive the _Comfort_ at even
+half speed.
+
+"Looks like it," Jack replied, after a quick survey. "But how is it we
+didn't glimpse it before?"
+
+"I think a point of rocks must stick out between, and we've just opened
+the pocket," George replied, in a whisper.
+
+Of course Jack had immediately shut off the power, so that old reliable
+_Comfort_ stopped her forward movement, lying there on the dark waters
+like a log; for not a light of any description did they carry aboard.
+
+"Do we go ashore now?" asked Josh, softly; for all of them had been
+warned not to speak above a whisper from the time they started forth on
+their errand of mercy.
+
+"Yes," Jack replied. "That's one reason we've been keeping so close in.
+I'll drop into the dinky, and use the paddle. Foot by foot I can pull
+the motor boat to shore, and then we'll land."
+
+"How lucky there's not a breath of wind," Herb remarked, as he helped
+Jack draw the small tender alongside, and then crawl over the side.
+
+Presently Jack was working away, having attached the painter of the boat
+to a cleat at the bow of the _Comfort_. His method of using the paddle
+insured utter silence. Had it been an expert hunter, moving up on a deer
+that was feeding on the lily pads along the border of a Canada stream,
+he could hardly have manipulated that little spruce blade with more
+care.
+
+And so, foot by foot, the motor boat was coaxed in nearer the rock-bound
+shore. When Jack had finally succeeded in accomplishing his end he next
+sought some place where those still aboard could disembark, and the
+_Comfort_ be tied up while they went about the business that had brought
+them there.
+
+"Now, what next?" asked Herb, when the entire five had reached land,
+and the boat was amply secured to a split rock, with little danger of
+any injury resulting, because there was no wind and hence no movement to
+the water.
+
+"We've got to advance," Jack replied. "So as to get around that point;
+when we'll see the camp Joe told us about. Those fellows have got a big
+rowboat, he said, but hate to work the oars. He said they first talked
+of making the boys do the rowing; and then that scheme for getting more
+money came up. Are you ready for the job?"
+
+"I am that," said Jimmie, promptly, flourishing a club that looked like
+a baseball bat; and which would be apt to prove a formidable weapon in
+hands that were as clever as those of the stout Irish lad.
+
+"Count me in," remarked Herb, who was carrying a hatchet; having nothing
+else to serve him as a threatening weapon that might strike terror to
+the hearts of the enemy.
+
+"And I'm only too anxious to look in on 'em. Let me eat 'em up!" Josh
+growled, flourishing the camp bread knife in a most dreadful fashion.
+
+George had his rifle, and of course Jack carried the repeating Marlin
+shotgun which had proven its value on many another occasion.
+
+"Then come on, and be mighty careful, everybody," Jack cautioned, as he
+led off.
+
+They remembered what Joe had said about the "rough sledding" he had
+found in his endeavor to keep close to the water's edge, so that he
+might not get lost. And every one of the five were willing to admit that
+Joe spoke the truth when he told this; for they made the slowest kind of
+progress.
+
+Still, every yard passed over took them so much closer to the goal. And
+so long as they did not tumble and make a noise that would warn the
+enemy, it mattered little or nothing about the time they took in
+covering the ground.
+
+After a long time spent in this sort of crawling business Jack believed
+he could see what seemed to be a fire flickering among the stunted
+trees.
+
+Calling the attention of the others to this, he changed his course a
+bit, in order to find an easier route, and perhaps come upon the camp
+from behind.
+
+For tenderfeet the five boys seemed to be making a pretty clever
+advance. They could now see a man stretched at full length near the
+fire, as if sleeping; though now and then a puff of smoke told that he
+was only taking it easy, and indulging in his pipe.
+
+A little farther and they glimpsed the second fellow. He towered up like
+a house, being all of six foot-three, and bulky in proportion. But then,
+as Jack well knew, a man is only a man, no matter what his size, when
+he is looking into the muzzle of a rifle and modern repeating shotgun.
+And even this giant might well quail when brought to book.
+
+The boys were now creeping through the bushes, and getting very close
+in. All the while Jack was eagerly trying to see what had become of
+Clarence. At first he could discover nothing of the other; and became
+chilled with a deadly fear that these cowards might have gone to
+extremes; though he could hardly bring himself to really believe it.
+
+George was the first to find out what had been done with the prisoner.
+
+"I see him," he whispered close to Jack's ear. "He's lying on the ground
+over by that stump of a tree."
+
+Guided by these directions Jack was enabled to also place Clarence.
+There was certainly a figure lying there, and it must be the companion
+of Joe; for the latter had said there were only two of the scoundrels.
+
+Jack bobbed his head back in a hurry, after he had made this little
+survey of the enemy's camp. For the big man had arisen to his feet, and
+started toward the very place where Clarence lay.
+
+"Be ready!" muttered Jack, seeming to understand that the crisis must
+now be very close upon them.
+
+Arriving at the spot, the giant bent over, and they could hear his growl
+as he spoke harshly:
+
+"Made up yer mind yet, younker? Will ye write thet letter jest as we
+tell ye, and let a couple o' honest though unfortunit men have a square
+chanct to rake in a leetle pile? Speak up, now, d'ye hear?"
+
+He accompanied his words by a brutal kick that gave Jack and George a
+spasm of anger.
+
+"No! no! no!" shouted the obstinate Clarence, still undismayed; for his
+pluck was the best part of him, and had always been.
+
+At that the big brute raised his heavy boot with ugly words. It was
+doubtless his full intention to dash it against the side of the helpless
+boy, regardless as to what the consequences might be. But he changed his
+mind.
+
+"I wouldn't do that if I were you, mister!" said Jack, in an even, clear
+voice, as he and George suddenly stood up in full sight.
+
+He had covered the giant with his gun, and George was ready to do the
+same for the man with the pipe the instant he bounded to his feet.
+
+"Stand still, both of you, or we'll shoot!" George shouted.
+
+This was a signal for the other three who were behind, and they suddenly
+made their appearance, waving their crude weapons menacingly.
+
+The two men were apparently taken completely by surprise. They saw that
+the tables had been suddenly turned. And somehow, although these were
+only boys who confronted them, there was a grim air of business about
+those unwavering guns that neither of the cowards fancied at all.
+
+Jack had not known what the result was going to be. He hardly anticipated
+that the men would dare attack them in the face of those weapons. And he
+had arranged with George that should they show signs of flight, no one
+was to raise a hand to prevent them.
+
+When therefore the giant gave vent to a whoop and turning, galloped
+toward the water's edge, neither of the boys pulled trigger; though Josh
+let out a shout as though he might be chasing after; which he was not,
+all the same, for he did not fancy the looks of either of the rascals.
+
+The second man took to his heels also, dodging to the right and left in
+a ridiculous manner, as if expecting every second to hear the crash of
+Jack's gun, and feel himself being peppered with bird shot.
+
+They could be seen tumbling madly into their rowboat, and pushing out on
+the lake with all possible speed.
+
+"Let 'em go!" said Josh, grandly, as he replaced his bread knife in the
+leather scabbard he had made for it, so as to avoid any chance of
+cutting his fingers by coming in contact with its keen edge, when
+rummaging in the locker aboard the _Wireless_, where the cooking things
+were kept.
+
+Jack was already stooping over Clarence, and in a jiffy had severed the
+cords that bound him hand and foot.
+
+"I'm awful glad you came, Jack!" said the other weakly. "I believe that
+coward would have killed me if I didn't give in to him."
+
+"Here, work your arms and legs as fast as you can, Clarence!" said
+George. "We've got to get out of this in a hurry now, or they might even
+find the _Comfort_, and run away with her. You're going back with us,
+you know. Joe got in and told us."
+
+The two men having put what they thought a safe distance between
+themselves and the boys, began to shout insulting remarks, and make the
+most terrible threats. Although they could not be seen out on the lake,
+it was not so difficult to know in what quarter they chanced to be at
+the time.
+
+Angered by the insults, as well as the cruel manner in which they had
+treated Clarence and Joe, George picked up the shot gun which Jack had
+lain down for a minute, and before any one could stop him had discharged
+it.
+
+That some of the many little lead pellets in that shell had stung the
+profane scoundrels in the rowboat, the boys understood from the howl
+that arose, followed by the splashing of oars, telling that they were
+pulling madly away before a second shot added to their troubles.
+
+"Now come with us, Clarence," said Jack.
+
+They did not have to be so careful making their way back to where they
+had left the steady going old _Comfort_. And once aboard, the return
+trip was quickly accomplished. In camp Clarence was soon given all the
+food and coffee he could manage; and he professed himself as very
+grateful for all the motor boat boys had done for him.
+
+Since his speed boat had met with so tragic an end, Clarence declared
+that he had had enough of cruising, and would start straight home as
+soon as they reached the Soo, if the boys would lend them enough money
+to buy tickets--which programme he and Joe carried out; nor were our six
+friends at all sorry to see them vanish from view.
+
+Leaving the Soo, Jack and his chums spent almost two weeks upon the
+crooked St. Mary's river, camping, fishing and enjoying themselves to
+the utmost. But never did they touch on Canadian soil but that poor
+Buster seemed to be dreadfully uneasy, sticking close to the fire, and
+breathing a sigh of genuine relief when once more afloat, with no
+unpleasant reminders wafted after them.
+
+Jack and Nick had made up a little programme for themselves, which they
+sprung upon their comrades later, when leaving the three boats at
+Milwaukee to be sent by rail to the home town on the Upper Mississippi.
+
+This was nothing more nor less than saying good-bye to the rest of the
+boys in Milwaukee, and taking a little run down to Chicago, "to see the
+sights, you know," as Nick cleverly put it. But everybody guessed that
+the greatest attraction which all Chicago could boast for the deserters
+would be found within the borders of Oak Park, and under the roof of the
+banker, Mr. Roland Andrews.
+
+And so the great cruise had finally come to an end. Looking back the
+boys found no reason to regret their course. True, there might be a
+number of incidents that would stand out for a long time with a bit of
+harshness; but time mellows all such things; and even Buster would laugh
+just as heartily as any of his chums when his adventure with the bull,
+or the pretty Canada pussy-cat, were mentioned.
+
+They had had such a glorious time of it that undoubtedly other trips
+must be talked over during the coming winter; and with the coming of the
+holiday season once again the motor boat boys would be found ready to
+set out again on their search for new adventures.
+
+Jocko went home with George and was a source of considerable costly
+amusement in the Rollins' home.
+
+We shall surely hope and expect to continue the pleasant acquaintance
+formed in the pages of the several books already published; and in new
+fields accompany Jack Stormways and his chums, with their gallant little
+boats, through other scenes, where true American pluck and endurance,
+such as they have always shown, must carry them through all perils to
+success.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+ Boy Scouts
+ _SERIES_
+
+ EVERY BOY AND GIRL IN THE LAND
+ _WILL WANT TO READ THESE INTERESTING
+ AND INSTRUCTIVE BOOKS_
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+WRITTEN BY
+
+That Great Nature Authority and Eminent Scout Master
+
+ G. HARVEY
+ RALPHSON
+
+of the Black Bear Patrol
+
+The eight following great titles are now ready, printed from large,
+clear type on a superior quality of paper, embellished with original
+illustrations by eminent artists, and bound in a superior quality of
+binder's cloth, ornamented with illustrative covers stamped in two
+colors of foil and ink from unique and appropriate dies:
+
+    1 Boy Scouts in Mexico;
+      or, On Guard with Uncle Sam
+
+    2 Boy Scouts in the Canal Zone;
+      or, The Plot Against Uncle Sam
+
+    3 Boy Scouts in the Philippines;
+      or, The Key to the Treaty
+
+    4 Boy Scouts in the Northwest;
+      or, Fighting Forest Fires
+
+    5 Boy Scouts in a Motor Boat; or,
+      Adventures on the Columbia River
+
+    6 Boy Scouts in an Airship;
+      or, The Warning from the Sky
+
+    7 Boy Scouts in a Submarine;
+      or, Searching An Ocean Floor
+
+    8 Boy Scouts on Motor Cycles;
+      or, With the Flying Squadron
+
+The above books are for sale by all booksellers, or will be sent prepaid
+to any address, upon receipt of 50c each, or any three for $1.15, or
+four for $1.50, or seven for $2.45, by the publishers
+
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+re-reading "Oliver Optic." No genuine boy ever tires of this famous
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+wants. Books are attractively bound in art shades of English vellum
+cloth, three designs stamped in three colors. Printed from large type on
+an extra quality of clean flexible paper. Each book in glazed paper
+wrapper. 12mo. cloth.
+
+     1 All Aboard
+     2 Brave Old Salt
+     3 Boat Club, The
+     4 Fighting Joe
+     5 Haste and Waste
+     6 Hope and Have
+     7 In School and Out
+     8 Little by Little
+     9 Now or Never
+    10 Outward Bound
+    11 Poor and Proud
+    12 Rich and Humble
+    13 Sailor Boy, The
+    14 Soldier Boy, The
+    15 Try Again
+    16 Watch and Wait
+    17 Work and Win
+    18 The Yankee Middy
+    19 The Young Lieutenant
+
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+
+
+Thrilling, Interesting, Instructive Books, _by_
+
+EDWARD S. ELLIS
+
+No boy's library is complete unless it contains all of the books by that
+charming, delightful writer of boys' stories of adventure, EDWARD S.
+ELLIS. The following are the titles, uniform in size, style and binding:
+
+    1. Life of Kit Carson
+    2. Lone Wolf Cave
+    3. Star of India
+    4. The Boy Captive
+    5. The Red Plume
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid at 75c each, by the publishers
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+[Illustration]
+
+The public and popular verdict for many years has approved of the Alger
+series of books as among the most wholesome of all stories for boys. To
+meet the continued demand for these books in the most attractive style
+of the binder's art, we have made this special edition in ornamental
+designs in three colors, stamped on side and back. Clear, large type is
+used on superior super-finish paper. The elaborate designs are stamped
+upon binder's English linen cloth, with side and back titles in large
+letterings. Each book in printed wrapper. 12mo. cloth.
+
+     1 Adrift in New York
+     2 Andy Gordon
+     3 Andy Grant's Pluck
+     4 Bob Burton
+     5 Bound to Rise
+     6 Brave and Bold
+     7 Cash Boy, The
+     8 Charlie Codman's Cruise
+     9 Chester Rand
+    10 Cousin's Conspiracy, A
+    11 Do and Dare
+    12 Driven From Home
+    13 Erie Train Boy
+    14 Facing the World
+    15 Five Hundred Dollars
+    16 Frank's Campaign
+    17 Grit; The Young Boatman
+    18 Herbert Carter's Legacy
+    19 Hector's Inheritance
+    20 Helping Himself
+    21 In a New World
+    22 Jack's Ward
+    23 Jed, the Poor House Boy
+    24 Joe's Luck
+    25 Julius, the Street Boy
+    26 Luke Walton
+    27 Making His Way
+    28 Mark Mason's Victory
+    29 Only an Irish Boy
+    30 Paul Prescott's Charge
+    31 Paul, the Peddler
+    32 Phil, the Fiddler
+    33 Ralph Raymond's Heir
+    34 Risen from the Ranks
+    35 Sam's Chance
+    36 Shifting for Himself
+    37 Sink or Swim
+    38 Slow and Sure
+    39 Store Boy, The
+    40 Strive and Succeed
+    41 Strong and Steady
+    42 Struggling Upward
+    43 Telegraph Boy, The
+    44 Tin Box, The
+    45 Tom, the Boot Black
+    46 Tony, the Tramp
+    47 Try and Trust
+    48 Wait and Hope
+    49 Walter Sherwood's Probation
+    50 Wren Winter's Triumph
+    51 Young Aerobat
+    52 Young Adventurer, The
+    53 Young Explorer
+    54 Young Miner
+    55 Young Musician
+    56 Young Outlaw
+    57 Young Salesman
+
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+
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+
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+bought, or will be sent postpaid at 50 cents each by the publishers
+
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+
+Henty Series
+
+_FOR BOYS_
+
+
+G. A. Henty was the most prolific writer of boy's stories of the
+nineteenth century. From two to five books a year came from his facile
+pen. No Christmas holidays were complete without a new "Henty Book."
+This new series comprises 45 titles. They are printed on an extra
+quality of paper, from new plates and bound in the best quality of
+cloth, stamped on back and side in inks from unique and attractive dies.
+12 mo. cloth. Each book in a printed wrapper.
+
+     1 Among Malay Pirates
+     2 Bonnie Prince Charlie
+     3 Boy Knight, The
+     4 Bravest of the Brave
+     5 By England's Aid
+     6 By Pike and Dyke
+     7 By Right of Conquest
+     8 By Sheer Pluck
+     9 Captain Bayley's Heir
+    10 Cat of Bubastes
+    11 Col. Thorndyke's Secret
+    12 Cornet of Horse, The
+    13 Dragon and the Raven
+    14 Facing Death
+    15 Final Reckoning, A
+    16 For Name and Fame
+    17 For the Temple
+    18 Friends, Though Divided
+    19 Golden Canon
+    20 In Freedom's Cause
+    21 In the Reign of Terror
+    22 In Times of Peril
+    23 Jack Archer
+    24 Lion of St. Mark
+    25 Lion of the North
+    26 Lost Heir, The
+    27 Maori and Settler
+    28 One of the 28th
+    29 Orange and Green
+    30 Out on the Pampas
+    31 Queen's Cup, The
+    32 Rujub, the Juggler
+    33 St. George for England
+    34 Sturdy and Strong
+    35 Through the Fray
+    36 True to the Old Flag
+    37 Under Drake's Flag
+    38 With Clive in India
+    39 With Lee in Virginia
+    40 With Wolfe in Canada
+    41 Young Buglers, The
+    42 Young Carthaginians
+    43 Young Colonists, The
+    44 Young Franc-Tireurs
+    45 Young Midshipman
+
+All of above titles can be procured at the store where this book was
+bought, or sent to any address for 50c postage paid, by the publishers
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+"Jack Harkaway"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Series of Books For Boys
+
+By Bracebridge Hemyng
+
+
+"=For a regular thriller commend me to 'Jack Harkaway.'="
+
+This edition of Jack Harkaway is printed from large clear type, new
+plates, on a very superior quality of book paper and the books are
+substantially bound in binders' cloth. The covers are unique and
+attractive, each title having a separate cover in colors from new dies.
+Each book in printed wrapper, with cover design and title. Cloth 12mo.
+
+     1 Jack Harkaway's School Days
+     2 Jack Harkaway After School Days
+     3 Jack Harkaway Afloat and Ashore
+     4 Jack Harkaway at Oxford
+     5 Jack Harkaway's Adventures at Oxford
+     6 Jack Harkaway Among the Brigands of Italy
+     7 Jack Harkaway's Escape From the Brigands of Italy
+     8 Jack Harkaway's Adventures Around the World
+     9 Jack Harkaway in America and Cuba
+    10 Jack Harkaway's Adventures in China
+    11 Jack Harkaway's Adventures in Greece
+    12 Jack Harkaway's Escape From the Brigands of Greece
+    13 Jack Harkaway's Adventures in Australia
+    14 Jack Harkaway and His Boy Tinker
+    15 Jack Harkaway's Boy Tinker Among the Turks
+
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+ _SELECTED WORKS OF_
+ EUGENE FIELD
+
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+[Illustration]
+
+A very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and gifted
+author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified list of
+poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him a place
+among the immortals. These books should be in every library, both public
+and private.
+
+In Four Volumes. Boxed. Cloth Binding.
+
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+
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+
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+IN WINK-A-WAY LAND
+
+The contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for the
+little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+"Eugene Field Day."
+
+
+HOOSIER LYRICS
+
+This is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered in
+Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems by
+James Whitcomb Riley.
+
+
+JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.
+
+The romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all of
+which afford suitable material for "Field Readings" and general school
+and church entertainments.
+
+
+THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems
+
+Edition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable wit
+and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that made
+Eugene Field famous. All worth while.
+
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+postal regulations, salaries of all government officials, valuable
+tables, and a vast fund of useful information found only in a hundred
+books, each costing more than we ask for this one. Substantially bound
+in cloth. Price, =50c=
+
+In paper cover, =25c=
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address in
+the United States, Canada or Mexico upon receipt of price in currency,
+postal or express money order.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. DEARBORN STREET   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ALWAYS _Ask For The_ DONOHUE
+
+Complete Editions--The best for least money
+
+
+FOR THE _VEST POCKET_
+
+
+ DONOHUE'S VEST POCKET DICTIONARY
+ AND COMPLETE MANUAL OF PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE
+
+Containing 192 pages; size, 5-3/4 x 2-3/4. It contains more words, more
+miscellaneous matter, and embraces more pages than any other Vest Pocket
+Dictionary on the market, and yet it is so admirably made that it does
+not bulk in the pocket. Besides the dictionary of the English language
+it contains a dictionary of Latin words and phrases, French words and
+phrases, Italian words and phrases, Spanish words and phrases, and
+complete manual of parliamentary practice. Type clear, paper good and
+binding excellent. It is made in the following styles:
+
+    Bound in binders' cloth, red edges, without index      =25c=
+    Bound in cloth, red edges, with index                  =35c=
+    Bound in full leather, full gilt edges, indexed        =50c=
+
+
+LEGAL RIGHTS OF CITIZENS
+
+Police powers and duties defined. The law of the citizen alphabetically
+arranged. Full explanation of the laws of arrest, with 125 citations of
+court decisions. A =Vest Pocket= compilation for the innocent citizen to
+know his rights in time of trouble.
+
+    Cloth,        =25c=
+    Leather,      =50c=
+
+
+ COMPLETE
+ Civil Service Manual
+
+ HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMINATIONS
+ HOW TO OBTAIN POSITIONS
+
+
+Contains also Sample Questions for Examinations, embracing all the
+public offices and positions in the National, City, County and State
+Governments. Giving full details of the history, aims, opportunities,
+rules, regulations and requirements of the Civil Service. By =Prof. C.
+M. Stevens, Ph. D.= 114 pages. Vest Pocket size, bound in flexible
+cloth.
+
+    Price, Cloth,             =25c=
+    Leather, gilt edges,      =50c=
+
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address in
+the United States, Canada or Mexico upon receipt of price in currency,
+postal or express money order.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. Dearborn Street   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+
+_COMPLETE EDITIONS--THE BEST FOR THE LEAST MONEY_
+
+ Book-Keeping
+ _WITHOUT A MASTER_
+ For Home Study
+
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ FOR THE USE OF
+ Students, Clerks, Tradesmen and Merchants
+
+ _By_
+ JOHN W. WHINYATES
+ _Expert Accountant_
+
+This work gives a clear and concise explanation of all the principles
+involved in the science of keeping correct accounts; with specimens of
+books used in both single and double entry. The principles of the art
+of book-keeping are clearly defined in plain language, so that the
+student acquires with ease the exact knowledge necessary to the correct
+recording of accounts.
+
+Size, 6-1/2 x 9-1/2 inches.
+
+It is Substantially Bound in Cloth
+
+Price, $1.00
+
+
+_For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will be sent to any address,
+postage paid, on receipt of price, in currency, money order or stamps._
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ _701-727 S. DEARBORN ST._   _CHICAGO_
+
+
+
+
+CHOICE FICTION LIBRARY
+
+_FAMOUS BOOKS FAMOUS AUTHORS_
+
+UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME
+
+
+This is the =only cloth bound edition= on the market of these famous
+books in which several of the titles are complete in one volume, to
+be retailed at this low uniform price. The following are the titles
+embracing only the best sellers by the most widely read authors.
+
+    Aikenside                                _Mary J. Holmes_
+    Beautiful Fiend                  _E. D. E. N. Southworth_
+    Black Beauty                                _Anna Sewall_
+    Black Rock                                 _Ralph Connor_
+    Bride's Dowry                    _E. D. E. N. Southworth_
+    Camille                            _Alexander Dumas, Jr._
+    Cousin Maud                              _Mary J. Holmes_
+    Dora Deane                               _Mary J. Holmes_
+    Faithful Unto Death              _E. D. E. N. Southworth_
+    Golden Heart, A                          _Bertha M. Clay_
+    Her Only Sin                             _Bertha M. Clay_
+    Inez                               _Augusta Evans-Wilson_
+    Ishmael                          _E. D. E. N. Southworth_
+    King Solomon's Mines                   _H. Rider Haggard_
+    Mad Love, A                              _Bertha M. Clay_
+    Maggie Miller                            _Mary J. Holmes_
+    Mildred                                  _Mary J. Holmes_
+    Miss McDonald                            _Mary J. Holmes_
+    Self-Raised                      _E. D. E. N. Southworth_
+    Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde       _Stevenson_
+    Story of a Wedding Ring                  _Bertha M. Clay_
+    Ten Nights in a Bar Room                   _T. S. Arthur_
+    Treasure Island                  _Robert Louis Stevenson_
+    Victor's Triumph                 _E. D. E. N. Southworth_
+    Woman Against Woman                   _Mrs. M. E. Holmes_
+
+_Always--to get the best books for the least money ask for the Donohue
+Complete Editions._
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postpaid at 25c per copy, or any five for $1.00,
+by the publishers
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. Dearborn Street   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+
+Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+ _THE WORLD'S GREATEST_
+ Comic Books
+
+Each Book Contains Many Comic Pictures. Cover in Colors. Price 25 Cents
+Each, Postpaid.
+
+
+     =A SON OF REST, by Nat M. Wills.= The king of vaudeville
+     artists. Chuck full of wit and humor. 100 pages of monologs,
+     parodies, jokes and gags.
+
+     =I BLEW IN FROM ARKANSAW.= A trip of fun through Hoosierdom,
+     funny railroad stories, darky sayings, jokes and yarns.
+
+     =IN DIXIE LAND, by Opie Read.= Late stories by the greatest
+     character delineator and story teller living, humorous,
+     pathetic.
+
+     =WITH A BUM SHOW OUT WEST, by Ned Pedigo.= Monologs, gags,
+     songs, haps and mishaps. Humorous experiences, sketches, all to
+     amuse the wild and woolly west.
+
+     =HAPPY THO' BROKE, by C. A. Fox.= The limit, up-to-date. The
+     experiences of one who left his happy home to play a lone hand
+     in the game of life.
+
+     =THEY'RE OFF.= Flashes and sparks from world of fun. The best
+     "turns" and "stunts" on the vaudeville stage. Learn to tell a
+     good story and you are a jolly good fellow.
+
+     =FURTHER CONFESSIONS OF A CON MAN.= The title fully describes
+     the book, maybe you've met him. Get a copy of the book and
+     laugh at the ways of the Innocent.
+
+     =WHEN THE LID IS OFF. Limit of laughs.= A free for all
+     exhibition of the hilarious within the radius of clean,
+     unobjectionable funnyisms.
+
+     =BEYOND THE HILLS, by Opie Read.= New railroad stories, yarns
+     and character sketches, negro melodies, stories and yarns.
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers, or sent postpaid to any address at
+25c each, any two for 45c, any three for 63c, or any five for $1.00 in
+stamps, currency, postal or express money order by the publishers.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 South Dearborn Street, CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ Transcriber's Notes:
+
+ --Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_); text in
+   bold by "equal" signs (=bold=).
+
+ --Printer, punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently
+   corrected.
+
+ --Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved.
+
+ --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.
+
+ --Expanded oe ligatures: manoeuvring (p. 185), manoeuvre (p. 193).
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Motor Boat Boys on the Great Lakes, by 
+Louis Arundel
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40903 ***