Etext of Inland Waterways
or The Cruise of the Restless
by James Otis
1889

CHAPTER I.

THE TOW LINE. 

NEAR Market Street Ferry, in the city of Philadelphia, is located
the shipping and commission house of Gilman & Baker; and lying
at the pier directly opposite, on a certain day this summer, was a
jaunty but odd- looking yacht, thirty-five feet in length, with the
name Restless in gilt letters on her bow. 

In general design she was not different from the ordinary steam
yacht; but the short smokestack rising from the hurricane deck aft
caused her to appear, as the cook of a tugboat nearby expressed it,
"like she had been stripped half naked." Every one who saw her
stopped for a moment at least, and several, on learning that she
was what is known as a "naphtha launch," pronounced most
emphatically against the use of such power. 

"It's bad enough to run the risk of bein' blowed up by a reg'lar
steam craft," the cook of the tug said musingly; "but after it comes
to sailin' with what's worse'n a powder magazine aboard, I'm ready
to stay ashore. When two or three barrels of oil are where a match
will send the whole craft flyin' like a sky rocket, it's mightily near
temptin' of Providence to run her from here to Camden." 

The cook had no further opportunity to express his opinion
regarding the Restless, for just then his own craft steamed off to
answer the signal of a brig in the stream, and the approaching
owners of the yacht were spared the pain of hearing her supposed
defects commented upon. 

Philip Gilman and Harry Baker were the two boys who believed
themselves particularly fortunate in possessing such a steamer, and
they had left their fathers' place of business to join a friend, Nat
Hinkle, who had this moment made his appearance on the pier. 

"We've been waiting nearly an hour for you," Harry said petulantly.
"Father insists that we can't make the voyage unless it shall be
possible to get an outfit for one hundred dollars, and with the list
which we made out last night that doesn't seem probable." 

"Why not leave off some of the articles?" Nat asked cheerily. "I'd
be willing to get along almost any way for the sake of running the
Restless from here to the St. Lawrence River. I'm sorry you have
been waiting, but it hasn't been ten minutes since father consented
to the scheme. He doesn't think a naphtha boat is safe." 

"If he took a run down the river in this one I fancy he would think
differently. Since he has consented, however, let's attend to the
outfit at once, in order to start to-morrow if possible, for
everything depends upon how much we can buy for a hundred
dollars." 

"Where is the list?" 

"Here; and we are going to Wanamaker's first. In case of a failure
there, we will strike out the tent and fishing material, although I
dislike to go without them." 

The boys lost no time in deciding the important question. Upon
arriving at the store they set about pricing each particular thing
needed, a method which might have prolonged this portion of the
task until all three were discouraged, and but a small assortment
had been selected, when one of the salesmen said: 

"I've been on such cruises myself, therefore have a pretty good idea
of what will be actually needed. Give me the list and I promise to
select such an outfit as will be necessary, without exceeding your
limit." 

"We're making a dismal failure of the job," Phil replied, with a
sigh of relief, "and unless you succeed, the scheme of a long
voyage will fall through, for three fellows can't get through without
considerable stuff." 

Half an hour later the sympathetic clerk handed them a bill, in
which nothing essential had been omitted, and a number of
necessary articles were added, the whole forming a very complete
sea and shore equipment; but yet the total cost was nearly twelve
dollars less than the amount specified. 

"That will help us out on the tender we want to buy," Phil said in a
tone of satisfaction, as he glanced over the items; and then he
produced an order from the firm of Gilman & Baker, authorizing
the delivery of the outfit on board the yacht Restless. 

The work of provisioning the craft was to be performed by Mr.
Gilman himself, therefore the boys had nothing more to do but
receive and stow away the goods, a task which was not finished
until late that evening. 

A space of about three feet long directly abaft the cabin and
forward of the engine was to be used as a kitchen, and here the
cooking utensils were packed in a locker. The tent, cot beds and
hammocks were stored in the standing room, while the remainder
of the outfit, together with the wardrobe, was distributed among
the many receptacles in the cabin. The extreme bow was occupied
by the oil tank, therefore it became necessary to put the provisions
wherever they could best be kept clean and dry. 

Both Philip and Harry owned double-barreled fowling pieces, and,
as a matter of course, these, together with a generous supply of
ammunition, were added to the outfit. 

It was not until ten o'clock on Friday morning that all the
preparations were completed, and the boys wanted to begin the
cruise at once, paying but little attention to the warnings of an old
shipmaster who contended that it was "unlucky" to weigh anchor
on that day. 

"Better hold over till Monday," he said, with a prophetic shake of
the head. "I've known more trouble to come of a Friday sailin' than
could be told in a year's time. When I was in the China trade we
left Hong Kong - -" 

The boys left the would-be story-teller just as he was "clearing
deck for action," because time was too valuable just then to be
wasted listening to yarns. Their belongings were all on board the
Restless, and there appeared to be no good reason why even an
hour should be spent in any other manner than journeying toward
the proposed destination. 

"If you really want to leave port on what sailors call an unlucky
day, I see no particular argument against it." Mr. Gilman said, in
reply to Phil's urgent request that they be allowed to depart without
loss of time. "Who is to be captain?" 

"Phil," Harry and Nat replied in chorus, 

"Then it shall be as he says. And now, in case of any trouble,
remember that it is better to follow one poor plan to the end rather
than half execute three thoroughly good ones. Obey orders until
the majority are firmly convinced that the safety of all demands a
change, when you are at liberty to depose the leader. In event of
dissensions, and some will arise before the voyage of four months
is ended, consult with us at home before proceeding to extreme
measures, unless the matter should be so urgent that there is no
time to be lost. You are almost men and, I believe, can govern
yourselves; consequently there is nothing more for me to say. If the
captain believes it is well to begin the cruise in defiance of all
superstition, I will make no objection, since you are the ones who
must gain or lose by the result." 

The boys hesitated no longer. In anticipation of leaving port on this
morning, all the good-byes had been spoken, and it only remained
to take leave of Mr. Gilman, who represented Messrs. Baker and
Hinkle in the matter of attending to the details of the voyage. 

As a common fund the young yachtsmen had one hundred dollars,
and after this had been paid to them by Gilman & Baker's
book-keeper, they went on board the Restless, which was dancing
about on the swell caused by a ferry-boat as if to prove her right to
the name. 

The city clocks were striking the hour of twelve when the hawsers
were finally cast off, and under full pressure of naphtha vapor the
yacht left her dock, bound for the St. Lawrence River and beyond. 

There was no attempt made to "speed" the little craft during the
run up the river; it was sufficient for the voyagers that they were
under way, and the yacht steamed leisurely on until Bordentown
was reached late in the afternoon. Here she was made fast at the
most convenient point for entering the canal at an early hour next
morning, and the boys set about prepping their first meal on
shipboard. 

The alcohol stove worked like a charm, and Nat, who had assumed
the duties of cook, declared that it would be no more than sport to
provide the party with three "square" meals each day. When the
time for washing the dishes arrived, however, his position did not
appear quite so pleasant, and but for the assistance rendered by the
other members of the crew, his labors would have been prolonged
until a very late hour in the evening. 

Tired though the boys were, sleep did not come at their bidding.
The novelty of the situation was sufficient to keep all eyes open
until past midnight, and when they awakened next morning the
fleet of boats which had arrived during the evening were being
hauled toward the lock, the captain of each doing his best to get in
first. 

"We can't stop for breakfast now," Phil said as he made a hurried
toilet. "If we wait for all these clumsy crafts to go through, it will
be nine o'clock before it is possible to get under way." 

Harry went on shore to pay the toll of ten dollars while Phil and
Nat warped the Restless toward the lock, it not being deemed
advisable to start the engine until she was inside the gates. 

Until this moment the yacht's captain had not fancied there could
be any difficulty in navigating his craft on a canal; but as the lock
tenders insisted on his pulling the little boat between two unwieldy
barges, either one of which would have crushed her like an egg
shell had it swung down upon her, he began to have serious
misgivings as to the chances of reaching New York without an
accident. It was useless to shout to those near by, for not a man
paid the slightest attention to his fears, and when the water was let
in, the huge hulks swayed from side to side with many a
resounding bump against the light timbers of the yacht. 

"Phil, you and Nat stand by with the fenders while I get up steam
so that we'll have a show of slipping past these boats at the first
opportunity. Keep your eyes open, for if they jam us too hard this
cruise will be ended before it has really begun." 

"If they swing in toward us, it's precious little we can do to prevent
it," Nat said apprehensively, and then he shouted to the skipper of
the nearest boat: 

"Can't you take in the slack of that bow line? Our craft won't stand
much of this kind of squeezing." 

"That's your lookout," the man replied gruffly, and in a manner
which proclaimed unmistakably the fact that with him it had been
"two pulls at the whisky flask and one on the hawsers," while the
crew of the other boat appeared to think the request very comical. 

"There won't be anything to laugh about if you stave two or three
timbers for us," Phil called out sharply. 

"Why didn't you stay back till the big boats got through, if you're so
much afraid?" 

"Because we had the right to come in ahead of the others," Phil
replied angrily, and after assuring himself that there was no
immediate danger, he turned once more to the engine. 

Meanwhile the canal boatmen were making preparations for
leaving the lock, and the crew of the Restless were so busily
engaged in caring for their craft that neither took note of the fact
that the men had passed a tow line directly under the yacht's stern. 

The one great advantage of naphtha for both fuel and power is the
celerity with which the necessary pressure can be obtained. Before
the gates of the lock were opened Phil had everything in readiness
for the start, and calling Harry to stand by the engine, he went to
the wheel. 

Once the barriers were opened, the skippers of both barges were
eager to get out; the lock tender shouted for Phil to go ahead in
order that the steamer waiting in the canal might enter without loss
of time, and every one in the vicinity seemed to think it necessary
he should add to the general din by shouting at the full strength of
his lungs, 

Phil rang the bell for the engineer to open the injector, and the
Restless darted forward, as if rejoicing at escaping from such
undesirable company. 

She had hardly cleared the gates, and the freight steamer outside
was heading directly for her, when the onward motion suddenly
ceased, even though the screw continued to revolve at full speed.
At the same time it appeared as if a series of heavy blows were
dealt the hull, causing the little craft to quiver from stem to stern. 

"Hold on!" Harry shouted frantically. "The screw has caught up the
canal-boat's tow line, and you'll have the timbers stove if the
propeller isn't stopped!" 

"Close the injector!" Phil cried. "You are handling the engine, not
me." 

For a few seconds it seemed as if the Restless would come to grief
between the steamer and the barges, for her crew had "lost their
heads," and the end of the tow line was beating against the hull
with a force that could be felt very perceptibly. 

It was Nat who proved himself to be a valuable member of the
party in such an emergency. While Phil and Harry were shouting to
each other, he dropped the fender, ran aft and closed the injector,
shut off the supply, and reached the bow again in time to do his
share toward averting the impending collision. 

During these few seconds the unwieldy boat, propelled by
two-mule power, had forged out of the lock, and was now pulling
the Restless around stern foremost, while a chorus of cries from
the loungers or boatmen in the immediate vicinity, as each gave
orders at the same time to the nearly bewildered boys, only served
to make the confusion greater. 

"Cut the rope!" Phil shouted as he did his best to push the yacht's
bow from the steamer, and the boatman who was the cause of all
the trouble cried angrily: 

"I'll knock the head off the first one who puts a knife to that tow
line! I don't count on buyin' sich things for every greenhorn who
comes along to whittle." 

"If you'd kept it where it belonged, there wouldn't have been any
trouble," Nat retorted. "Now that our screw has picked it up
through your own foolishness I'll use a knife or something, so take
good care not to be in the way." 

It appeared very much as if there would be a rough and tumble
fight, for the skipper of the boat, having armed himself with a stout
club, was preparing to leap on board the Restless; but the
impatience of those in the rear caused them to insist that
something definite should be done without delay, and Nat had
plenty of assistance in his work of severing the rope. 

The little craft had been released none too soon; already was the
steamer crowding down upon the second boat, and in a few
seconds the result might have been disastrous. 

The drunken captain was using very forcible language as he
threatened Nat, and the latter, believing discretion to be the better
part of valor, started the engine once more. 

Fortunately Phil had not left the wheel, and after describing a full
circle at the expense of rubbing in a very unpleasant manner over
the shallow side of the canal, the Restless darted ahead with the
end of the tow line thumping and pounding against the counter in a
manner which told of serious damage to be inflicted in case the
obstruction was not speedily removed. 

"We can't stop here, or the whole fleet will be on top of us," Phil
said, in reply to Harry's proposition to shut off the steam. "It is
against the rules to tie up at a bulkhead, so we shall have to run
until we come to a basin, and if the timbers are stove we can't help
it. Slow down a little, Nat, so's to make it as easy for her as
possible." 

The cook obeyed orders; but the thumping was not decreased
materially, and the crew of the Restless felt quite positive she
would not long be in condition to continue the voyage. 

CHAPTER II.

UNPLEASANT NEIGHBORS. 

CRIPPLED though the yacht was, the boys found no difficulty in
keeping ahead of the slowly moving fleet of laden boats, and after
what seemed a very long while the Restless arrived at the little
settlement known as Baker's Basin, so called because of the
pond-like body of water which leads from the canal. 

"It's a case of going overboard to cut the rope from the screw," Phil
said, as he gave the signal to stop. "By opening this draw we can
get in out of the way of other boats until such time as we are ready
to continue the journey." 

None of the villagers were in sight; but the boys knew there would
be no offense given by helping themselves, under the
circumstances, and in a few moments the yacht was moored inside
the towpath, at the rear of a small storehouse. 

There was no particular necessity to set about the work at once,
and all three made preparations for an elaborate breakfast, the
unusual and early exercise having whetted their appetites until an
ordinary amount of food seemed all too small to allay their hunger. 

With but one stove, and that a small one, considerable time was
required for the ordinary operations, therefore it was nearly noon
before this very important portion of the day's duties had been
finished. 

"If you'll put the food away, Nat, and wash the dishes, Harry and I
will try our luck on the screw. We must undress, of course, and I
reckon it will be a cold job before we're through. You see --" 

At that moment a rough-looking man came down the towpath, and,
observing the yacht, turned in at the basin as if to make a social
call. 

He nodded familiarly, surveyed the Restless critically, and then
said in a whining tone, as he stepped aboard without waiting for
the formality of an invitation: 

"Say, boys, can't you give a feller some of that 'ere grub? I'm a
carpenter who has been on the tramp for a job, an' it's a good many
days since I've seen such a layout as you've got there." 

He was not the sort of a person any of the boys would have cared
to be brought into very close contact with; yet as he had asked only
for food, no one wanted to refuse him, and Phil replied: 

"You are welcome to what you need." 

"Now that's what I call generous," the man said, with a coarse
laugh, and, instead of taking the food ashore, as Phil had supposed
would be the case, he seated himself at the folding table in the
standing room, beginning the meal in a provokingly leisurely
manner. 

Harry was about to make an angry protest, but Phil checked him
with a gesture, and said: 

"Let's get at the work. Nat will attend to matters here," and when
they were in the cabin, he whispered: "He's going it rather strong,
but we won't spoil his dinner by acting as if we thought he wasn't
good enough to be allowed on board." 

"If we are to run a floating restaurant for tramps, I suppose it's all
right; but in the future they must be content to have their meals
ashore." 

After this slight exhibition of temper he undressed himself, and in
five minutes later the undesirable guest was almost forgotten as he
and Phil stood in the water to their chins, discussing the best
means of getting at the offending rope. 

Both had sharp knives, and each in turn dove beneath the surface
to work as long as possible at the manilla hawser, which was
wound around the shaft so tightly as to be nearly as hard as metal.
They could remain under water but sixty or seventy seconds at a
time, and the work progressed very slowly, only two or three
threads being brought up at each laborious effort. 

"At this rate we shan't get through before sunset, and won't reach
New York until to-morrow morning," Harry said, as he stopped for
a moment to rest. 

"You can't get out of the canal after ten o'clock to night on account
of to-morrow's bein' Sunday," a voice cried from the deck and
looking up, the boys saw their unbidden guest seated comfortably
on one of the forward lockers, filling a short black pipe, with the
air of one who intends to extract the greatest possible amount of
enjoyment from his surroundings. 

The announcement that they would be forced to remain in that, or
some other equally undesirable place for thirty-six hours,
prevented Phil from paying any attention to the free and easy
manners of their guest, and he asked in dismay: 

"Isn't it possible under any circumstances to get through the locks
after ten?" 

"I don't reckon the governor of this 'ere State could do it, 'cause
them as tends the gate ain't any more fond of workin' than other
folks, an' they're bound to knock off whenever the rules allow 'em.
This is a snug place for you, a good deal better'n can be found
between here an' Brunswick, so things ain't so bad as they might be
after all." 

"We could go back to Trenton," Nat suggested. "It would be more
pleasant staying there." 

"I don't want to turn round after we have once started," Phil replied
after some thought. "If this is the worst hardship we shall run
across during the cruise there won't be much suffering," and then
looking up, as if noticing for the first time the occupation of their
guest, he added, "See here, stranger, we don't fill pipes at the same
table we eat from, and if you feel like smoking there's nothing to
prevent your going ashore." 

"That's all right, my boy. If I'd knowed you was so pertic'lar I'd a'
brought along some two for a dollar cigars; but as you say, there
ain't nothing to keep me aboard, an' I'll toddle on. Hope you won't
get lonesome betwixt now an' Monday morning." 

Then he walked leisurely out to the towpath, nodding his adieux in
a jaunty manner, and sauntered back in the direction from which
he had come. 

"It wouldn't have done any harm if he'd thanked us for the five or
mix square meals he's stowed away. There was enough on the table
when he sat down for half a dozen hungry men, but it has all
disappeared," and Nat continued his work of washing the dishes. 

Phil looked after the stranger an instant, and then said
thoughtfully: "We won't feel sorry for having given a hungry man
something to eat. But we may as well hurry up this job, even if it is
necessary to stay all night, for the water chills a fellow through and
through." 

From this time until late in the afternoon the boys worked with a
will, Nat doing his share after the cook's duties had been
performed, and not until then was the hawser entirely removed. 

There was no possibility of getting through the canal before ten
o'clock, and they settled down with a certain degree of patience to
the fact that the enforced halt could not be avoided. 

A supper of ship's biscuit, potted meats and hot tea was easily
prepared, and after it had been disposed of they made themselves
comfortable in the cabin. Harry urged that the tent be set up in
order to try the experiment of shore living; but both Phil and Nat
were opposed to it because of the extra amount of labor involved,
and the probability that their stay would be short. The cabin
lockers could be lengthened by means of a sliding shelf until they
formed reasonably roomy beds, and before nine o'clock these were
called into service, for all hands were thoroughly tired. 

It seemed to Phil as if he had but just fallen asleep when the
motion of the yacht aroused him, and before his eyes were fairly
opened the sound of voices came from the standing room. 

"There's only three of 'em on board, I tell you, an' we can bluff
them into setting up whatever we want," he heard someone say in
cautious yet familiar tones. "If we work the thing right there's
nothin' to prevent our travelin' like swells from here to
Brunswick." 

For a few moments Phil was literally bewildered, and then like a
flash of light came the knowledge of where he had heard that voice
before. 

"It's the tramp whom we fed," he said to himself, "and it begins to
look as if we might have a little trouble." 

The fowling pieces were in the locker upon which Nat was
sleeping, therefore it was necessary to waken his companions
before it would be possible to prepare for any offensive measures,
and to this end he stole softly across the cabin with the intention of
covering the cook's mouth to prevent any word that might tell the
intruders their presence had been discovered. 

In doing this, however, he made the fatal mistake of passing his
hand from the sleeper's forehead down, and before Phil could
prevent him Nat started to his feet, crying loudly: 

"What's the matter? Who are you?" 

Phil hurriedly began to explain matters when the tramp replied,
evidently believing the question had been addressed to him: 

"Don't get skeered; it's only me -- the friend what took dinner with
you this noon. I was kinder 'fraid some of these 'ere reckless fellers
might make trouble, so I come to see if things was all right." 

As he spoke he pushed back the sliding door, which the boys had
not thought it was necessary to lock, and walked boldly in. 

"Look here!" Phil cried angrily. "We've had enough of this, and I'll
give you two minutes in which to get on shore!" 

"Don't get excited, my boy; I'm here to spend the night with you in
a sociable manner, an' this ain't the right way to treat a friend," the
intruder replied, as he seated himself on the locker just vacated by
Nat. 

Phil's first thought was to grapple with the man and, by the aid of
his companions, throw him out bodily; but before he could make
the first move toward carrying this into execution two other men
entered the little cabin, filling it rather more than comfortably full,
and by this very contraction of space preventing the young
yachtsman from making an attack. 

Neither Harry nor Nat had spoken; the former stood near the after
door, trying to decide upon some plan of action, while the latter
began lighting the cabin lamps, a very necessary proceeding,
whatever course might be adopted. 

Even if Phil had not overheard the fragment of conversation from
the standing room, he could have told by the actions of the men
exactly what they proposed to do. All three had seated themselves
on the lockers as if to show their determination to remain aboard,
and to prove how thoroughly he felt at home, the spokesman
deliberately lighted his pipe. 

"I'm 'fraid you boys ain't overly glad to see us," the tramp said, as
he began to puff great volumes of smoke, filling the cabin so full
of the noxious vapor that it was with difficulty one could discern
objects at the opposite end. "It's only your good that we've come
for, an' the least that can be done is to give these gents, who are
partic'lar friends of mine, a bite of something to eat." 

"If there is a constable in town I will give you free lodgings!" Phil
cried, no longer able to control his anger. 

"Well, seein's how there ain't anything of the kind this side of
Trenton, I reckon it'll be better to treat us somewhere near civil, an'
then there won't be any hard feelin's on our part." 

"Do you intend to leave this boat?" Harry asked, in a voice
trembling with rage. 

"Of course we don't, after takin' so much trouble to get here. Now
listen to me," and the man changed his tone of pleasantry for one
of anger: "We've come to stay till this craft reaches Brunswick,
whether our company's agreeable or not. If there's any kickin' you
may be the ones who'll have to go ashore, so the least you say an'
the better we're treated, the easier matters will be for all hands.
Now fetch out something to eat." 

The anger which the boys felt could not blind them to the fact that
resistance would be useless while they were without weapons, and
after a brief pause Phil replied, in a tone of apparent submission: 

"You ate all the cooked food we had. It seems rather rough to be
ordered around in this way aboard our own craft; but since we
can't help ourselves I suppose it will be necessary to prepare
supper for you gentlemen." 

"Now you're talkin' sense, young feller. Treat us square an' you
won't find three more sociable men in the country; but once our
hair is rubbed the wrong way there's no holdin' us." 

The tramp grinned as he spoke, probably thinking himself a very
witty fellow, and Harry whispered to Phil: 

"Are you going to obey that gang?" 

"Keep close to me, and be ready to follow my example when the
time comes," Phil replied, as he opened one of the upright lockers
to get the dishes. Then he added to Nat, "bring out some of the
potted meat, and help set the table." 

"We'll tend to that part of it," the spokesman of the tramps said,
quickly. "Pass the grub to me, an' I'll see that it's put where my
friends can get at it handy like." 

"It will be necessary to eat in the standing room in order to admit
of putting up the stove here where the wind won't extinguish the
flame," and Phil produced the yacht's cooking apparatus, placing it
directly in the corner of the cabin. 

Meanwhile Nat, warned by a peculiar look from his friend, began
to take from the port locker the choicest of their provisions. 

The tramps waited until Phil lighted the alcohol stove, and was
breaking eggs as if to make an omelette, after which they went
forward where the folding table was yet standing, the two strangers
beginning their meal by devouring several biscuits plentifully
covered with butter. 

Phil continued his duties of cook until the men were seated, and
then, with a meaning look at his companions, he said sharply: 

"Nat, get the bacon from the starboard locker." 

Before the order could be obeyed he raised the mattress which
covered it, opened the cover, and leaned over as if searching for
something. 

It was hardly a moment that he was thus occupied, and on standing
erect once more his fowling-piece was this shoulder with both
hammers cocked. 

"I will put two bullets into the first man who takes a step in this
direction!" he cried, "and there will be one or two more dead
tramps in this place if you are not on shore before I count ten!" 

"Don't give them so long as that!" Harry shouted, as he also
appeared at the door with his weapon ready for immediate use.
"Shoot first and order them away afterward." 

This was a change in the aspect of affairs for which the unbidden
guests were not prepared. There could he no doubt in their minds
but the boys would do exactly as they threatened, for the law
would uphold them in such a course, and they scrambled ashore in
a hasty manner, tumbling over each other in their anxiety to get
beyond range of the unfriendly- looking weapons. 

No halt was made by the departing visitors until their precious
bodies were hidden behind the storehouse, and then Phil said, with
great emphasis, as he stepped into the standing room to guard
against a possible attack: 

"This serves us right for keeping guns in the locker where they
can't be got at in time of need. That first tramp didn't see any guns
around, so he concluded we were unarmed; and if he had been
smart enough to stay where he first sat we'd been forced to dance
to his piping." 

"But what are we to do now?" Nat asked. "I don't believe they will
give in so easily." 

"Get the hawsers inboard and we'll pull out into the middle of the
basin, where there'll be no danger they can set the yacht on fire." 

"Why not raise steam and run down the canal to the next lock?" 

"Because we should be no better off so far as assistance from the
shore is concerned; and, besides, they could make it uncomfortably
warm for us from either bank." 

The force of this argument was apparent to all, and the Restless
was soon anchored in the basin twenty feet from the shore, while
her crew, none of whom felt very much like sleep just then,
remained on the alert for the slightest suspicious sound. 

CHAPTER III.

DIFFICULT NAVIGATION. 

THERE was sufficient light to enable the boys to see surrounding
objects quite distinctly, and they kept their eyes fixed upon that
portion of the canal lying in the immediate vicinity of the
storehouse. 

Nearly an hour had passed, and Nat was beginning to think it
might be as well for him to take "forty winks" or more while
everything was quiet, when Harry whispered: 

"I can see one of the gang. He just came around from the corner of
the building, and is now hidden by the deep shadow on this side." 

Even as he spoke the other two tramps appeared in view for an
instant as they crept toward the bank of the basin in such a stealthy
manner that there could be no doubt but that they meditated
mischief. 

"There is a chance those fellows may be thinking of swimming
across, with the belief it will be possible to get on board without
our knowledge. Go aft, Harry, while I watch here, and Nat walks
back and forth to make sure we're both attending to business." 

After another long time of waiting, during which not a sound was
heard, the tramps came out of cover, and walked down the towpath
in the direction of New Brunswick. 

"I guess they've come to the conclusion that it is no use to try to
catch us napping; but we won't run any risks. One shall sleep an
hour while the other two watch; and by that means we'll be on duty
only a couple of hours apiece. You take the first trick below, Nat,
and Harry shall have the second." 

In the absence of any immediate danger it is not difficult for one to
close his eyes in slumber after a hard day's work, and the cook did
not waste many moments lying awake. 

From this time until sunrise the utmost vigilance was maintained,
but there was no sign of the enemy. The tramps had disappeared;
but since it was quite possible they might return with an increased
force, the yachtsmen did not feel secure. 

After breakfast had been served the same rule was observed in
regard to guard duty; and at no moment during the twenty-four
long hours which followed was the Restless without two sentinels. 

"We've made what might be called a bad beginning," Nat said, as
he awakened Phil a few moments before sunrise on Monday
morning, "and if this thing comes from our having started on
Friday morning, the sooner we turn around and try it over again,
the more certain we'll be of ever seeing the St. Lawrence River." 

"We won't act quite so foolishly as that," Phil replied laughingly.
"After the yacht is in the canal once more you set about getting
breakfast, while Harry and I run the craft." 

"We may meet those very particular friends of ours who want to
make the trip to New Brunswick." 

"If we do, both guns will be where we can use them, and I'll
answer for it that no one gets on board without our full
permission." 

After this no delay in continuing the journey was made; it required
fully half an hour's hard work to get the little craft out of the basin,
and then as Nat set about cooking breakfast the Restless darted
down the canal, as if rejoiced at having her liberty. 

Several times during a run of six miles did Harry fancy he saw
their old enemies; but on each occasion the alarm proved to be
without foundation, and after breakfast had been eaten in the
standing room while Phil remained at the wheel, they
congratulated themselves on having finally escaped from such
unpleasant acquaintances. 

"We are getting so near the end of the canal, and there are so many
boats around that they don't dare to make any -- Hello! who's that?" 

As he spoke he pointed toward the towpath, where a boy of
seventeen or eighteen stood beckoning frantically for them to steer
nearer the bank. 

"To judge by his clothes he must be a tramp, too," Harry said in a
whisper. "Perhaps he's one of the gang we've been watching for,
and is trying to get us in where the others can jump aboard." 

"They can't think we're such fools as to give them a chance to try
that game, no matter how near they were to the path," Phil replied.
"Let us find out what he wants." 

"Don't do it. There's no sense in taking any risks, and, besides,
we've shown all the charity we can afford to at this end of the trip." 

Phil did not heed his friend's remonstrances. At this point the canal
was unusually wide, and he gave the yacht a sheer which sent her
within a few feet of the path, Harry standing with his gun raised
expecting each instant to see the three men. 

"It will serve us right if we get into a regular row," he muttered,
and before any reply could be made to the remark the stranger
asked, as he stood on the very edge of the bank: 

"Won't you give a fellow a lift for a few miles? I'll do all I can to
earn my passage. It's mighty hard, slow work tramping along the
path on a hot day like this." 

"Where are you bound?" Phil asked, as he gave the word to slow
down, for the stranger was now forced to run at full speed in order
to keep within speaking distance. 

"To New York, where I count on getting work enough so's I can
buy a railroad ticket to Watertown, in the northern part of the
State, where my people live." 

"Shall we do it?" Phil asked, as he signaled for Nat to stop the
engine entirely. 

"I don't fancy picking up any and everybody we may meet," Harry
replied. "It seems rather fishy for him to be begging a passage on a
canal if his parents live within reach of the postal service." 

The stranger must have heard the last portion of Harry's remark,
for he said earnestly: 

"I know things look against me, and you are not to be blamed for
believing I'm a regular tramp; but that isn't true. Six weeks ago I
ran away from home rather than work on a farm, and I would walk
every step of the way back rather than ask father for money with
which to come back. When I do get there, though, you can bet I'll
stay till I see a sure chance of earning a living in the city." 

"How far have you traveled?" Phil asked. 

"From Philadelphia. That was the place I struck for when I ran
away, and during five weeks I've been hunting a job, but couldn't
get one. When my money gave out there was nothing to be done
but take a trip on Shank's mare, and I followed along the canal in
the hope of getting a chance now and then on some of the boats;
but so far I haven't had much luck. If you only take me as far as
New Brunswick it will be a big favor, and perhaps I can scrub the
decks or the cabin to pay for the passage." 

"Oh, take the poor fellow in," Nat said in a low tone. "He surely
can't do us any harm, and it seems selfish to say no when it's only a
question of giving him a chance to sit down." 

Harry had nothing to say. He was more suspicious than the others
but no less generous, and construing his silence as consent, Phil
said, passing a line ashore: 

"Pull her bow in till you can jump aboard, and we'll land you in
New York if nothing breaks." 

There was no delay on the part of the stranger; it seemed as if Phil
had hardly ceased speaking before he obeyed, and once more the
Restless glided on towards her rather vague destination. 

The stranger introduced himself as "Jim Powell," and, this
formality over, was about to make his promise good by scrubbing
the floor of the standing room when Phil checked him by saying: 

"There's no necessity of doing that until we get into port. Have you
seen three tramps anywhere around here!" 

"Three? I've seen fifty," was the laughing reply. "There are places
where it seems as if the tow path was actually crowded with them.
It is -- say, can it be that you are the ones I heard a party of men
talking about last night?" 

"I shouldn't wonder; we had a visit from some Saturday night
while lying at Baker's Basin." 

"Then I can tell you something interesting. There are five who
count on doing considerable damage to your craft about three
miles further down. They were laying plans to pelt the yacht with
rocks, and if any of you were hurt there might be a chance to get
on board." 

"Do you have any idea of where they will be?" 

"None, except that it was at a point below here where there are
plenty of trees to shelter them. By dropping the windows and
running at full speed whenever we come to such a place there
couldn't be a very great amount of damage done." 

"You're right. Harry, pull one of the mattresses aft to cover you on
the port side, and stand by the engine in case it should be necessary
to stop suddenly. Nat, you and Jim lower the windows, and then
bring anything here which will shield me." 

These orders were obeyed in the shortest possible space of time,
and the yacht had a vague resemblance to a blockade runner as she
dashed on with a quantity of bedding and the tent shielding the
wheel on the port bow, and a similar barricade aft. Every window
was open, and such things in the cabin as might be broken, were
placed on the floor under the lee of the lockers. The engine was
running at full speed, and Harry lay close beside the rail, protected
by a mattress. 

"We are coming to a piece of woods!" Phil shouted as the Restless
began to turn a slight bend in the canal. "Nat, you and Jim get into
the cabin out of the way!" 

The little craft was running so rapidly that but few seconds elapsed
from the time the words were spoken until she was opposite the
place referred to, and the boys had but just thrown themselves on
the cabin floor when a perfect shower of missiles came from the
grove. 

Had the Restless been near the bank, or running at ordinary speed,
as would have been the case but for Jim's warning, the plot must
certainly have succeeded. Under the circumstances, however, the
only damage done was to the glossy paint which had been
scratched in a dozen places. Four heavy rocks entered the cabin;
one passing entirely through, and the others falling harmlessly on
the floor. 

"We're well out of that scrape!" Harry exclaimed as he came
forward after shutting off some of the oil supply to prevent the
yacht from making such time as was against the rules of the
waterway. "It's mighty lucky we were prepared for them." 

"You're right!" Phil replied emphatically, "and we have to thank
Jim for the warning." 

From that moment the repentant runaway was treated as a friend
rather than a stranger, and Phil began to think seriously of inviting
him to remain on board until the yacht arrived at his home, for it
would be necessary to pass through Watertown before reaching the
St. Lawrence. 

The unavoidable delay at the last lock, and the tortuous course of
the Raritan River, so far prolonged the voyage that instead of
making fast to a dock in New York City that evening as he had
anticipated, the yacht came to an anchor off Staten Island. 

As a cook for a small party Jim was an unqualified success, and
before the first meal at which he assisted had been prepared, Nat
willingly reduced himself to the rank of "helper." 

Now that there were four, the crew was divided into two distinct
watches, Phil and Harry standing the first trick; and it can readily
be understood that all hands were on the alert until it was
sufficiently light to permit of their running up the harbor, where at
eight o'clock the yacht was made fast to a pier near Chambers
Street Ferry. 

"We may as well stay here one day and see the town," Phil said
while they were engaged in "cleaning ship"; "and in the morning
we'll make an early start." 

"I'll try for a job as soon as this work is done," Jim added in a tone
which showed he had no idea that he was to be allowed to remain
on board any longer; "and I hope you fellows won't run afoul of
another crowd of tramps; but in case --" 

"Look! Look there!" Nat shouted, pointing toward the head of the
pier where a tugboat was backing in as a heavy barge loaded with
hay was being swung around by the current while trying to make
fast to the end of the dock. "There's going to be a collision unless
--" 

The crash came before he could finish the sentence. As the
steamer stood motionless for an instant when the screw was
reversed that she might shoot ahead, the heavily loaded vessel
struck her on the port side amidships, crushing the timbers and
planking, and literally riding up on the hull until it seemed certain
the tug would be swamped. 

Nothing could be done to avert the catastrophe, and, believing the
least delay would be fatal, the crew scrambled over the shattered
rail on to the bow of the craft which was doing so much mischief.
The engineer was the last to reach the deck, and then the vessel
had rebounded, as it were, being so far away that the frightened
man was forced to leap into the water. 

The danger had appeared to be so imminent that no one thought of
anything save his own safety, and the engine, which an instant
before was started at full speed, now forced the tug ahead swiftly,
while the momentum caused her to right almost immediately.
Instead of being in a sinking condition, she was apparently all
right, and under a full pressure of steam darted out into the stream,
threatening destruction to everything in her erratic path. 

A brig, which was being towed down the river, received the first
blow, and was pulled toward the opposite shore, evidently in a
sinking state, while the force of the collision shifted the tug's helm,
causing her to head toward the point from which she had just
come, 

As a matter of course, the boys were watching the career of the
wild steamer; but no one thought of the possibility the Restless
might be in danger until the tug was within an hundred feet of the
pier, coming at full speed directly for the little yacht. 

CHAPTER IV.

A NARROW ESCAPE 

THERE was something particularly terrifying in the appearance of
the tug as she dashed through the water, controlled only by the
mighty power of steam which was urging her on an errand of
destruction, and three of the boys aboard the Restless stood gazing
at her as if fascinated by the peculiar danger. 

Jim was the only member of the party who preserved the least
semblance of control over his fears. The others had abandoned all
hope of saving their yacht and stood on the port side ready to leap
aboard the steamer at the first crash; but just at that moment the
former's one thought was regarding the possible safety of the little
craft by means of which he had been spared so many weary miles
of walking. 

There was not even time to cast off the stern hawser, because in
order to do that it would be necessary to traverse the length of the
yacht; but he let go the forward rope, and at the instant when it
seemed as if the runaway tug was upon the smaller boat he gave a
vigorous push, sending the bow of the Restless away from the pier
barely a second before the steamer struck. 

Had the blow been full amidships the yacht would have been cut
down in the merest fraction of time; but Jim succeeded in giving
her so much sheer that the huge cutwater glanced past, sending her
yet further away, and the pier actually shook under the shock as
the tug struck head on, recoiling several feet, when, with another
shift of the helm, she dashed up the dock where half a dozen
vessels and barges were moored. 

The blow on the yacht's rail was sufficient to send Jim backward
into the water, while the swell from the powerful screw dashed
him to and fro among the piling, in imminent danger of being
crushed to death. 

The crew of the yacht, bewildered quite as much by their narrow
escape as by the tossing and plunging of the boat, had no idea of
the boy's peril, but stood gazing at the scene of destruction as the
tug battered first one craft and then another, without a single
thought of him who had probably saved their lives. 

It was the engineer of the tug, himself just saved from drowning, to
whom Jim was indebted for his rescue. The man rushed toward the
Restless when his craft was first headed that way, probably
thinking he could leap from the yacht to her deck, and he reached
the edge of the wharf a moment after Jim was thrown into the
water. 

"Ahoy on the yacht!" he shouted. "Can't you see that one of your
crew is likely to drown if you don't stop gaping at them vessels, an'
do something to help him?" 

Having thus attracted the boys' attention to their comrade's peril he
ran at full speed toward the scene of confusion, and it can readily
be fancied that the owners of the Restless stopped "gaping." 

Jim was swimming the best he knew how toward the boat; but,
hampered as he was by his clothes, made very little headway. 

The bow hawser was trailing in the water, and this Phil hauled
aboard, throwing one end to Jim at the instant that two other tugs,
coming to catch the runaway, entered the dock. So excited were all
hands that it was possible he might have been run down but for the
fact of his getting a firm clutch of the rope at the first attempt, the
boys literally pulling him from beneath the very bow of the
foremost steamer. 

"That was a narrow squeak," Jim stammered as he clambered over
the rail, so nearly exhausted that he made no effort to rise to his
feet, but lay at full length on the deck. 

"Why didn't you yell?" Phil asked sternly. "You would surely have
been run down by those tugs if a man hadn't told us you were in
the water. We didn't even know you had gone overboard." 

"I knew it," Jim replied with a grimace. "I was just pushing the
yacht out when the steamer struck us, and the blow sent me
headlong, while the swell banged me about so much that there
wasn't breath enough left in my body to scream with." 

"This is the second time you have done us a good turn, and the
Restless would be on the bottom now if you hadn't been aboard. If
you want to stay till we get to Watertown, or wish to finish the
cruise with us, just say so. We're ready to share anything we've
got," and Phil looked round at his companions as if to see what
they thought of his hospitable proposition. 

Harry nodded his head to show that he approved of admitting this
new member to their party, and Nat said emphatically: 

"An hour after he joined us I would have agreed to this same plan,
and now it's the very least we can do." 

"You won't ever know how thankful I am, 'cause it's no use for me
to try to find words to express it; but I'll work so much that you
can't say I didn't pay for what grub I ate." 

"You'll do no more than each one of us; every fellow must perform
a fair share," Phil replied quickly; "but we can settle all that some
other time. See them trying to catch the tug!" 

The latter was doing a great amount of damage as she rammed
first one and then another of the craft at the head of the dock, and
no less than twenty men were trying to get on board of her, a
matter which was extremely difficult owing to the wild plunges
back and forth across the narrow waterway. After a few moments,
however, she forced herself nearly to the bulkhead, and, the
helpless vessel now hemming her in, her rightful engineer
succeeded in clambering aboard. 

When the engines finally stopped she appeared to be quite as
nearly a wreck as did those vessels she dashed into so viciously,
and these looked as if they had been visited by a small-sized
cyclone. 

During the next hour confusion reigned in the vicinity of this
particular dock, and there was such a coming and going of tugs,
warping vessels from one side to the other, and so general a
shifting of berths that Phil said solicitously: 

"At this rate we shall soon be nearly as bad off as if the steamer
had struck us. They are swinging these vessels around so recklessly
that we will get a bad squeeze unless our quarters are shifted pretty
soon." 

"Where can we go to?" Nat asked. 

"Almost anywhere up the river. Perhaps it would be better to pull
beyond the ferries." 

"If we are to get up steam why not keep on to Yonkers, or some
other town on our road?" Harry asked. 

"There is no especial reason why we should stop in this city,
except to get a boat, and I fancy we can buy one as cheap almost
anywhere." 

Neither member of the party was very anxious to go ashore,
therefore Harry's proposition was agreed to by all without
discussion. A few strokes of the air pump, a lighted match applied
to the supply of oil, two or three turns of the naphtha valve,
half-a-dozen strokes of the second pump, and the Restless was
ready to continue the journey so long as the supply of fuel should
hold out. 

With Phil at the helm, Harry near the engine, where he could slow
down or stop her in case of danger, and the other members of the
crew finishing the work of "cleaning ship," she left the scene of
destruction, dodging here and there to avoid clumsy barges, or
stopping from time to time while the huge ferryboats crossed her
bow, until the city had been left behind and it was nearly plain
sailing again. 

Jim was not idle a single moment of the run up the river. It seemed
as if he did not consider that his services in saving the Restless
from destruction entitled him to a passage home, but felt that it
was necessary he should take upon himself all the work possible
by way of payment. 

More than once did the other boys insist on his trying to extract
some enjoyment from the sail, but his answer was always the
same: 

"This isn't anywhere near as hard as walking would be, and I'll feel
more comfortable in my mind if I keep on squaring accounts." 

"What you did this morning would have paid your way if the
voyage should last twice as long as we propose to make it," Phil
replied gravely each time, but Jim never relaxed his efforts. 

On reaching Yonkers the yacht was made fast for the night, even
though it was early in the afternoon. The fresh provisions which
they had proposed to buy in New York were to be purchased, and
Phil thought it would be best to replenish the oil tank while there
was ample opportunity. 

To this end he and Harry went on shore, leaving Nat and Jim to
"keep ship" and receive the goods which would be sent down. 

The last mentioned member of the crew could no longer find any
work to do, consequently this halt resolved itself into a long
loafing time, which was enlivened by a visit from two men who
came alongside in a row- boat. They were very curious regarding
the destination of the Restless, the port from which she hailed, the
length of time allotted for the cruise and, in fact, every item of
information relative to the yacht and her owners. 

These questions were not asked in an offensive manner, and Nat
had no hesitation in giving his visitors the fullest particulars, even
carrying his hospitality so far as to invite them on board for an
inspection of the craft and her engine 

After remaining nearly an hour, the men rowed to a small catboat
at the next dock above, and in a short time the boys saw them set
sail on their way up the river. 

Neither Jim nor Nat thought there was anything strange in the
curiosity which had been displayed, and only spoke of the visit
incidentally when the remainder of the crew came aboard. 

"I suppose it would seem queer if we refused to answer ordinary
questions, and probably we shall find a good many curious people
before we get back," Phil said, thoughtfully, when he heard of the
visit; "but, at the same time, it isn't well to tell strangers too
much." 

Nothing further was said regarding the callers, for at that moment
the stores began to arrive, and soon all hands were busy stowing
them away. 

When this work was finished, Phil proposed that Nat and Jim take
a look at the town, but neither felt inclined for exercise, and the
remainder of the day was spent in discussing the probable length
of time before the prospective trip through the canal should be
finished. 

"There's no use standing watch to-night," Phil said, in reply to
Harry's question. "Lying so near the center of the city, with vessels
all around us, we have nothing to fear, so it will be best to get what
rest we can while there's a chance." 

None of the crew were averse to retiring at an early hour, and, now
that they were in a measure accustomed to their floating home,
slumber visited them at the first summons. 

It seemed to Phil as if he had been asleep several hours when he
was awakened by the violent tossing and plunging of the yacht,
and two or three minutes elapsed before he realized that such a
condition of affairs was radically wrong. 

He had but just begun to have a dim idea that danger of some kind
threatened them, when the loud tooting of a steamboat whistle,
mingled with shouts of command, caused him to spring to his feet
in alarm. 

"Turn out, fellows," he cried. "A tug must be trying to come in
alongside of us!" 

An instant later, and before his companions were fairly awakened,
he was in the standing room gazing around in perfect
bewilderment. 

Instead of being at the dock the Restless appeared to be at sea with
vessels and steamers close aboard, the twinkling lights rising and
falling in every direction. Dead ahead loomed up the enormous
hull of a paddle-wheel boat, and from her deck he heard the angry
question: 

"What's the matter aboard that yacht? Are you anxious to be run
down?" 

It was several seconds before he could make any reply, and then he
said, helplessly: 

"We must have gone adrift. Where are we?" 

"You'll be at the bottom in about five minutes at this rate. Why
don't you get out of the way? Stand by to fend off; we can't lay here
all night!" 

Then the engineer's gong was heard; the huge wheels churned the
water into foam, and the steamer bore directly down upon them. 

By this time the remainder of the crew had come from the cabin,
and Harry asked, in alarm: 

"What has happened? That craft is going to run us down!" 

"Get forward here, and push off as she comes!" Phil shouted. "We
shall be under her wheels in an other moment unless something is
done!" 

Nat and Harry sprang to his assistance, but Jim delayed long
enough to get one of the tent poles from beneath the locker. He
had just raised it when the swirl of waters sent the yacht's bow so
far away from the steamer that the frightened boys could not reach
the towering hull, and this change of position forced the stern
around in a corresponding degree. 

Anticipating this danger Jim had already started aft, and he arrived
there just as it seemed certain the little craft would be sucked
beneath the mighty wheels. 

Now the tent pole was the most effective instrument he could have
had. Launching one end against the stranger's hull he set all his
weight against it, shoving with an energy born of the knowledge of
imminent peril, and this proved barely sufficient to send the
Restless a few feet beyond the revolving paddies. 

The yacht pitched and tossed upon the swell as if bent on going to
the bottom, and then the big steamer passed, leaving the boys
literally faint from the consciousness of the great danger so
narrowly escaped. 

There was little time to congratulate each other; a dozen moving
lights could be seen close at hand, and warning whistles came
from out of the darkness as if the river was crowded with steam
craft. 

Only for a moment did Phil stand irresolute, and then he cried,
running aft with all his speed: 

"Help me start the engine and work quick. The next time it may
not be possible to get out of the way. We've made an awfully tight
squeak of it." 

The boys began to have a dim idea of what had caused the yacht to
be in this dangerous position, and all hands worked with a will
until there was sufficient pressure to move the screw, when Phil
said to Harry, as, calling the others to join him, he went forward: 

"Stay aft ready to stop or send her back at the first signal." 

No one had the slightest idea of what portion of the river they
might be on; but it could be no more dangerous to go ahead than to
lie still in the track of passing craft, and word was given to start
the engine at half-speed. 

"Keep a sharp lookout," Phil said to Nat and Jim, "and at the same
time you had better overhaul the hawsers ready to make fast if we
are lucky enough to find a pier before morning." 

"There isn't a single rope aboard!" Nat cried after a moment. "Even
the anchors are gone!" 

"Light the lanterns! Jim, you put up the signal-lights, that should
have been done in the first place. I reckon there is good reason
why the yacht went adrift." 

After these orders had been obeyed, and while the little steamer
was running slowly toward the row of gaslights which told of the
river front, an examination was made, and what was learned did
not tend to make them very cheerful in mind. 

Every movable thing outside the cabin was missing, with a few
trifling exceptions, and there was not sufficient rope to make fast
with upon their arrival at the dock. 

"Most likely these visitors of yours were the thieves," Phil said,
after a short pause. "They had a chance to see everything, knew we
were green at the business of sailing, and made a good haul. The
wind blows pretty fresh and we have been carried down the river
to the point from which we started yesterday morning. That's all
there is to it, and perhaps after this we shall be more careful about
inviting strangers aboard." 

"Do you think it is possible we are so far from Yonkers?" Jim
asked in surprise. 

"Certainly; it doesn't require much study to tell us this city is New
York, and," he added, after looking at his watch, "it is nearly
morning. The wind and current combined have brought us thus far,
and the only wonder is that we were not run down two or three
hours ago, for the yacht was probably set adrift at a reasonably
early hour in the evening." 

"I don't believe the men who came aboard at Yonkers are the
thieves," said Nat. "Besides, they seemed anxious to get up the
river as soon as possible." 

"There was nothing to prevent them from coming back after dark,"
Phil replied. "Now the important thing is to get into a dock, and as
soon as daylight comes, we shall have to make such a big hole in
our money buying things to replace those which have been stolen,
that I fancy it will be necessary to get along without a tender." 

"We might send home for more," Nat suggested. 

"I wouldn't like to let father know we have been such fools. At this
rate it is only a question of time before some one steals our heads,
and the least we say about the matter the less we shall be laughed
at," 

During this conversation the Restless had been steadily drawing
near the piers, and ten minutes later she was alongside a bulkhead,
the boys making shift with the tent poles to hold her in position
until a lot of new hawsers could be purchased. 

CHAPTER V.

A BARGAIN. 

WHILE waiting for the great city to awaken to the noise and
tumult of another day, the boys had plenty of time in which to
discuss the robbery, and although circumstances seemed to point
to the visitors of the previous afternoon as the guilty parties,
neither Nat nor Jim believed such was the fact. 

The latter argued that it would not have been necessary for them to
take the precaution of sailing up the river if they intended to
commit the crime, and also that there was no reason why they
should have put themselves in the way of future identification by
coming aboard. 

"They could see what was in the standing-room by going on the
dock," he said, "and it would have been foolish to run the risk of
exciting our suspicion by asking the questions." 

"So long as there is precious little chance of ever catching them it
doesn't make much difference who they are. What interests us
most just now is the fact that we must spend nearly all our money
buying hawsers and anchors," and Phil gave vent to a long-drawn
sigh, "In addition to getting on without a tender, we must be very
economical in the way of provisions, or we shall be on short
allowances before leaving the canal." 

Then Phil made a careful estimate of such articles as it was
absolutely necessary they should have, and by the time it had been
finished the day was so far advanced that he could make the
purchases. 

Not until twelve o'clock were they ready to leave the dock, and
once more was the Restless in condition to continue the voyage,
while the treasury had been sadly depleted. 

The yachtsmen were not in particularly high spirits when the little
craft's bow was again pointed up the Hudson. All realized fully
that so far they had been very careless, and when the snarl of
ferryboats and tugs was passed, thus giving an opportunity for the
entire crew to be forward, Phil said emphatically: 

"There's one thing certain, we shan't have any more trouble
because of not standing watch, for two shall be on duty every
moment, even if we are forty miles from a human being. After
going to sleep once, allowing thieves to do as they pleased, we
ought to learn part of the lesson." 

There was no chance for an argument on this score, for every
member of the crew shared his opinion, and after scolding
themselves roundly, all hands so far recovered their usual spirits as
to be able to enjoy the charming sail on that most beautiful river. 

By running until a late hour in the evening they arrived at
Tarrytown without further misadventures, and the yacht was made
fast to a pier, her crew being so tired that the only pretence at
"cleaning up" was by Jim while standing his portion of the watch
during the night. 

Here it might have been well if all hands had enjoyed their
well-earned rest, for not even a visitor troubled them, and at
daylight next morning the journey was resumed, Jim cooking
breakfast while Phil steered and the others washed down the
decks. 

This run ended at Poughkeepsie, for the boys had no idea of
pushing the little boat to her utmost speed, and there was no
particular event to mark it, save that Jim made a fish chowder
which his companions thought the most delicious thing they had
ever eaten. 

Another early start, and on this day, which was Friday, the crew of
the Restless were determined to make Albany even if it should be
midnight before they arrived. Harry watched the engine jealously
lest any of the bearings should become heated, while Nat and Jim
alternately relieved him. 

Just after the dinner-table had been cleared and the dishes washed,
while Nat was sitting by Phil's side, they were hailed by the
occupants of a small sloop which was vainly endeavoring to beat
against the light head wind. 

"Jemmima!" Nat exclaimed, "there are the men who came to see
us at Yonkers -- the ones whom you thought were the thieves. Now
it is certain they couldn't have come back after leaving that town,
otherwise we would have seen them before." 

"That is true," Phil replied, in a tone of perplexity, and then
answering the hail he cried, "Ahoy on the sloop! What do you
want?" 

"Pull in on this side of the river where we can talk with you." 

"Shall we do it?" Phil asked Nat in a low tone. 

"Why not? We can soon settle the question as to whether they
could have stolen our stuff, and that would surely be worth while." 

It was necessary to describe half a circle in order to reach the
sailboat, and while this was being done Jim and Harry came
forward to learn the meaning of the delay. 

"Isn't this the same craft we saw at Yonkers?" one of the men
asked, when the yacht ran alongside and a hawser was passed
aboard to prevent the boats from drifting apart. 

"Yes," Phil replied, "and on that same night we were robbed of
every movable thing fore and aft." 

"River thieves!" the spokesman exclaimed, and then, as if a sudden
thought had occurred to him, he added: "Did you have any idea we
might have been the culprits?" 

Phil was confused by the directness of the question, and he
betrayed the fact most decidedly as he replied with a stammer: 

"Oh, no; only it seemed a little queer that after you had asked for
so many particulars the thing was done." 

"That would hardly be sufficient evidence by which a
well-founded suspicion could be raised," the second man said
gravely. "We did go on board your craft, but only through
curiosity, and after learning that she was bound over the very
course we intended to take. As a very great favor to us, will you
kindly make sure we have nothing of yours on our boat?" 

"I am perfectly satisfied already," Phil replied, now sorry he had
spoken of the robbery. "The fact that you have got so far up the
river against a head wound is enough: and I hope you won't think
again of my foolish words, which were uttered simply because you
were the only people with whom we had any extended
conversation in Yonkers." 

"I am more than sorry there should have been even the shadow of a
suspicion against us," the man who had hailed them said, earnestly,
"for we are about to ask a great favor of you." 

"Don't think we are prejudiced in the slightest," and now Phil tried
to atone for the injudicious remark by an unusual courtesy of
manner. "We will do whatever is possible to aid you." 

"We prefer to make it a matter of business at the start, and the
favor will be in your acceptance of our offer. We are bound for
Herkimer, on the line of the canal, and it is of the utmost
importance we should get our boat there within a certain time.
These head winds have delayed us beyond what we calculated on,
and it becomes necessary to take a tow or lose considerable
money. If you will give us a lift to that place we will pay fifty
dollars, and feel under many obligations. It cannot delay you very
much after we are in the canal, where all boats are restricted to a
speed of four miles an hour, therefore the great inconvenience will
be only from here to the first lock." 

While the man was speaking Phil thought that this might be a good
opportunity to replenish the treasury with but little cost to
themselves, and their finances were at such a low ebb as to make
the proposition enticing. 

"What do you say, Harry?" he asked. "Fifty dollars is nearly the
amount spent to replace what was stolen, and if we earn it there
will be no need of sending home to ask for money, as we shall be
obliged to do unless we cut the journey considerably short of the
St. Lawrence River." 

"Can we tow the boat?" Nat asked, eagerly. 

"Of course." 

"How much time shall we lose by doing it?" 

"Not much more than one day." 

"Then I go in for accepting the offer rather than cut the cruise
short." 

Harry was not so ready to decide; he felt quite as eager as did his
companions to earn the money, yet feared it might require too
much time. 

"Your yacht can tow our boat four miles an hour after we reach the
canal," one of the men said; "therefore the only question to be
considered is whether you are willing to lose less than half a day
from here to the first lock?" 

As a matter of course, Jim was not entitled to any voice in the
discussion; but Phil asked for his opinion, and he thought, as did
the others, that it was a wonderfully good opportunity to make up
the losses caused by the thieves. 

"We'll try it, at all events," Phil said, after a short pause. "We shall
be able to tell in an hour whether the yacht can pull you or not, and
if it is a failure there will have been no harm done." 

The men were profuse with their thanks, and after one introduced
himself as Dave Summerfield, and the other as Ned Bristow,
bound from Newark to Herkimer on a combined trip of business
and pleasure, the sloop was made fast astern. Both the men
remained in her, since it was necessary one should steer, therefore
the boys were quite as much alone as before; but the yacht's
labored movements told that the journey would be delayed even
more than had been anticipated. 

After running at full speed until nearly midnight, the day's sail was
ended at Albany, and when the crew of the sloop declined an
invitation to sleep on board the yacht, the port-watch went below,
leaving two very tired boys on duty in the standing-room. 

Jim and Nat were on guard when the sun rose next morning, and
they prepared an appetizing breakfast before awakening the others. 

"If we are going to put in as many hours as we did yesterday, there
will be more work than sport to this cruise," Harry said, with a
yawn, as he came on deck. "I feel even more tired than I did last
night." 

"Pulling the sloop was what detained us," Phil replied. "It is
positive the Restless can't go at more than half speed with such a
drag astern, and we must now decide whether the job is to be
continued." 

"I should say 'no' without any discussion if we didn't need the
money so badly," Nat said, promptly; "but in view of that
melancholy fact, and also that the rules of the canal forbid a
greater speed than four miles an hour, I think it is best to keep the
tow-line." 

"I had rather do almost any amount of work than send home for
more funds," Phil added, decidedly, and this brought the
conversation to a close, for the others were equally averse to
acknowledging their carelessness. 

Breakfast served to lend a more cheerful aspect to the matter, and
the journey was resumed at a reasonably early hour. 

The men in the sloop appeared eager to get on as fast as possible,
and they rendered no slight amount of assistance at the entrance to
the canal. With them to aid in fending off there was but little
danger the yacht would be crushed by the clumsy boat which
entered at the same time, and the boys felt quite well acquainted
with them when the Restless passed out through the gates. 

By running at full speed they could make about the regulation
time, and no unnecessary halts were indulged in during the day;
therefore it was believed by the yachtsmen that they were forty
miles from Albany when darkness overtook them. 

"This is as good a place as we could ask for in which to spend
Sunday," Phil said, as he ran alongside the bank opposite the
towpath, at a point where a clump of trees would afford grateful
shelter from the sun next day. 

"You don't count on staying here until Monday, do you?" Bristow
asked, in surprise. 

"Certainly; we can't get through the locks even if we should start." 

"We might at least keep on to the next one, and save just so much
time." 

"I had rather start an hour earlier. Besides, it will be more pleasant
lying here than where half a dozen boats are hauled up. We can set
the tent and be comfortable, with no one to trouble us." 

Then, having made the yacht fast, Phil and Harry began cleaning
the engine, while Nat and Jim prepared supper. Neither Bristow
nor his companion made any further protest just then against
remaining until Monday, but appeared to be having a private
discussion on board their own craft. They refused the invitation to
join the boys at table, and did not even pull alongside the yacht
until the tent was about to be taken on shore, when Summerfield
asked, gruffly. 

"Do you still hold to the idea of lying here till Monday!" 

"Of course," Phil replied, in surprise. "Even if we had no
objections to Sunday traveling, there would be little use in running
to the next lock, so far as saving time is concerned" 

"Then we shall go on alone," Bristow said. "It is important that we
arrive at the earliest possible moment, and an hour is of
considerable value. How much shall we give you for towing us this
far?" 

"I hardly know. Phil replied, in perplexity. "Why not let us carry
out the original bargain?" 

"I have told you why. Think the matter over, and well square
things before leaving." 

Then the men went ashore to cook their supper by a fire built on
the bank, and the boys looked at each other in dismay. They were
eager to earn the money, and it was a sad disappointment to lose it
when the hardest portion of the work had been done. 

"How far away do you suppose the next lock is?" Nat asked, after a
short pause. 

"I don't fancy it can be more than half a dozen miles, certainly not
ten," Phil replied. 

"It won't take three hours to do it, so why not agree to their plans,
for we want that fifty dollars?" 

Both Harry and Jim believed as did Nat, and Phil called to the
men, announcing the decision to run as far as possible next
morning. 

"That is where you are sensible. We would be sorry to push on
ahead; but, as I said before, it must be done unless you continue
the journey." 

"If you save an hour by such a plan I'm very much mistaken," Phil
said, in a tone so low that only his companions could hear the
words. 

Watch was kept as usual, neither Bristow nor Summerfield
offering to do their share, and half an hour after sunrise the
Restless was in sailing trim. A mistlike rain had begun to fall at
midnight, and the general indications were that this unpleasant
weather would continue during the day. 

"Tent life wouldn't be the most charming thing in the world on a
morning like this," Bristow said, with a laugh, as he and his
companion got out the towing line once more. 

"The rain isn't any less disagreeable in the standing room than it
would be on shore," Phil replied, as he took his seat at the wheel,
while Harry attended to the engine. 

"We shall at least find a comfortable place in which to spend the
day," Summerfield said, and from that moment, without any
especial reason for doing so, Phil began to believe the men had
some motive, other than a desire to conclude the journey quickly,
for wishing to reach the lock. 

For five minutes the yacht dashed ahead much as usual, and then
her speed gradually decreased until she came to a full stop. 

"What's the matter?" Bristow shouted. 

"That's exactly what I am going to find out," Phil replied, as he
went aft. "I fancy the injector wasn't open enough." 

"I fixed it properly," Harry said, "and the fact that we have been
running at all proves it." 

A hasty examination of the engine showed that everything was
apparently as it should be; but yet the machinery remained
motionless. Phil worked both pumps; opened, closed and opened
the valves again without success. The supply of oil seemed to be
entirely cut off. 

"Nat, look at the tank, and see if it has been leaking," Phil cried,
and a moment later came the reply: 

"It is nearly full. There doesn't seem to be a bit of trouble at this
end." 

"Anything serious?" Summerfield asked as he pulled the sloop up
and came aboard the yacht over the stern. 

"There is some difficulty with the feed pipes. I never knew any
good to come of running Sunday," and Phil spoke in a petulant
tone. 

"Nonsense! The day has nothing to do with your engine. How long
will it toke to overhaul the pipe?" 

"Not less than three or four hours. We must work inshore and tie
up, for we can't drift around here while I am at the job." 

"We'll soon fix that part of it," Bristow said cheerily, and by using
the oars on the sloop the Restless was soon moored to the bank,
after which Phil made ready for the task to be performed before
the journey could be continued. 

CHAPTER VI.

AN IMPERATIVE DEMAND. 

THE two men watched Phil with the utmost attention for fully half
an hour, and at the end of that time Bristow said impatiently: 

"At this rate you won't be able to go on before afternoon. It looks
as if you would be obliged to take the craft entirely apart. Do you
think the damage can be repaired?" 

"That depends upon how much of a machinist I am," Phil replied.
"At all events, it is certain we shan't go any further to-day, and it
isn't fair to keep you here when we may have to lie still even
longer than that." 

Before a reply could be made a canal boat drawn by a
sorry-looking mule appeared from around the bend, and
Summerfield hailed the man at the tiller: 

"How far is it to the next lock?" 

"About five miles, as nigh as I can reckon." 

"Are you going there?" 

"I am for a fact. You don't allow a decent man would haul up here
when Benner's place is so nigh, do you?" 

"Who is Benner?" 

"You'll find out after drinkin' one horn of the stuff he keeps. Folks
'round this way allers make it a pint to stay there over Sunday if
they're in the neighborhood. You'll find a lively set of boys at
Benner's." 

Bristow looked significantly at his friend for a moment, and then
said to Phil: 

"We'll leave the sloop here and go on ahead. If you don't overtake
us by noon, Monday, I'll come back to see, what the matter is." 

"But suppose I can't make the necessary repairs, and am obliged to
take the yacht back to Albany?" 

"If you have to tow her, it will be just as well to go to Fonda, so
we'll see you anyhow." 

Phil would have objected to being left in charge of the craft if
there had been an opportunity; but the men did not wait for his
reply. 

"Swing in toward this bank a little, and we will go with you as far
as Benner's," Summerfield cried out to the skipper of the boat. 

The request, which sounded very much like a demand, was
complied with, and as the clumsy craft swept past within a few
inches of the sloop's stern, both men jumped aboard, Bristow
shouting: 

"We'll see you to-morrow." 

"Well," Nat said as he watched the boat until she was some
distance away, "for people who are in such a very great hurry to
reach Herkimer, they are acting queerly according to my way of
thinking. We may not be in condition to leave for several days, if it
becomes necessary to tow the yacht where a machinist can be
hired, and in that case they would be delayed a good deal more
than by lying here over Sunday." 

"It's their lookout; but I'm beginning to wish we had settled with
them last night. Very likely the strain of pulling that sloop is what
has caused all the trouble, and how we are going to remedy it is
what I don't know." 

Then Phil went to work again, the others acting as assistants; but at
noon he was no nearer completing the job than when he began.
The rain still continued to fall, and matters were far from being
pleasant. Jim proposed that the tent be put up on shore where, with
a camp fire he could prepare an elaborate dinner, and his
companions agreed, Phil saying when his opinion was asked: 

"We shall all feel better for something in the way of a feast. Harry
can stay with me while Nat plays second fiddle to the cook." 

Not until late in the afternoon were the amateur machinists
summoned ashore, and then the long task was nearly completed. A
valve in the pipe which did not set properly was the cause of the
trouble; and now that the difficulty had been discovered, Phil felt
that the hardest portion of the work had been finished. 

"There's one thing certain," he said when they were testing Jim's
skill as cook, "we shan't be able to leave here much before noon
to-morrow, and I fancy those men will come for their boat by that
time. It would have been a clear saving of at least a day for them if
they had taken her along. I wish she was behind that canal boat, for
I don't like the idea of towing such a load." 

"They could have hired a team at the next lock, and it is strange
they didn't do something of the kind if it was so important to reach
Herkimer at a certain time," Harry said, musingly. 

"It's none of our business what they do, so there's no reason why
we should worry," and Nat dismissed the subject thus
unceremoniously in order to pay more attention to the "spider
cake" which Jim had prepared as a sort of pleasing surprise. 

In view of the fact that he knew it would be possible to repair the
damages, Phil proposed that no more work be done on this day,
and the tired yachtsmen rested in the tent until morning, the
watches having been begun immediately after dinner. 

At the first break of day all hands were on board; the tent was left
ashore for the sun to dry, and the repairs pushed forward with the
utmost celerity. 

At two o'clock in the afternoon, with a pressure of twenty pounds
as indicated by the gauge, the Restless started, Nat steering the
sloop until her owners should be overtaken. 

To the great surprise of the boys none of the men were at the lock.
After spending several moments in making useless inquiries of the
gatekeepers, Phil visited Benner's groggery, and there learned that
two strangers had taken passage on the canal boat Mary Jane; but
they had left no word for the boys. 

"We'll tow the sloop to Herkimer, if they don't turn up before we
arrive there," Phil said to his companions, "and now in addition to
dragging that weight, some one must steer her. We are getting a
good price for the job; but they won't be able to say the money
wasn't 

The boys had expected to overtake the Mary Jane in a few hours at
the most; but when night came she was still ahead, so much did
the sloop retard the little yacht's progress. 

"If we can't run as fast as one or two mules pull a loaded boat, it's
time we tried some other kind of a steamer," Harry said
laughingly. "I wouldn't be surprised if they got to Herkimer and
half way back again before we met them." 

"I fancy we are going just about as swift as a canaler," Phil replied.
"The yacht drags her share of dead water in this narrow channel,
and the sloop does the same, therefore it's little wonder we move
slowly. Now that our passengers have gone ahead, however, we
can take matters leisurely, and have the satisfaction of knowing we
are earning good wages --" 

He was interrupted by a shout from the bank of a small stream
which evidently served as a feeder to this portion of the water-way,
entering the canal opposite the towpath, where had been
constructed a series of sluices to shut it out entirely whenever the
level should be raised too high. 

As the boys turned around they saw Bristow, Summerfield and a
stranger, all of whom appeared to have landed from a rowboat. 

"Steer this way," the former shouted. "We began to think you were
never coming." 

The yacht was stopped as quickly as possible; but not before she
had gone a considerable distance beyond the point where the
owners of the sloop were standing. 

"Can't you come out to us?" Phil replied. "We will have to turn
completely around in order to get there, and I shall make a snarl of
it trying to swing the sloop." 

"Set her adrift; we can pick her up again," Bristow Said
peremptorily, and Harry muttered: 

"It would serve them exactly right if we cast off the hawser, and
left the crowd to finish their journey the best way possible, since
they are too lazy to pull half a dozen strokes." 

"Think how nicely their money will help out on our losses," Phil
whispered, and then he gave the word for Jim to let go the tow
line. 

It required several minutes to turn the yacht in the narrow channel
without running her aground, and during this time the men made
no move when it would have been only necessary to come a short
distance in their boat to avoid all the trouble. 

Phil finally succeeded in reaching the point where they awaited his
coming, and he said, throwing a heavy line ashore: 

"You can get aboard by hauling her nose around,so there will be
no need of making her fast." 

"But that is the very thing we want you to do, my boy,"
Summerfield said in what he probably intended should be a
friendly tone. "We have met a friend of ours, and find that it is no
longer of such great importance to reach Herkimer so soon." 

"Then we are to leave you here?" and Phil plainly showed the
pleasure he felt at being rid of the troublesome sloop. 

"We intend to remain in this vicinity some time, but don't propose
to have you leave us yet awhile if satisfactory arrangements can be
made," Summerfield replied. 

"What do you mean?" 

"You are out on a pleasure trip, therefore a few days added to the
journey can be of no consequence when your leave of absence lasts
all summer. We have some business which you can attend to in the
yacht, and we will pay you well for her use. It's only a question of
putting up the tent here and having a regular lark while earning
considerable money." 

"What do you want us to do?" Harry asked impatiently. 

"Go to Schenectady for some goods and freight them up the stream
a short distance." 

"But you have just passed through that city!" Harry exclaimed. 

"That doesn't prevent us from wanting to send after our property,"
Bristow said, with a smile. 

"But boats leave there every day, and it would be cheaper to have
what you need come up on some of them." 

"Not understanding the matter as well as we do, you are liable to
be mistaken," was the reply, in a half satirical tone. "The only
thing to be discussed between us is whether you are willing to let
your craft and your services for two or three days, providing we
pay twenty-five dollars for each and every twenty-four hours'
detention." 

"But why don't --?" 

Summerfield interrupted Harry by saying: 

"There are no 'buts' about it; it is to our advantage to have the use
of a boat like yours and such a crew as she has on board. We shall
make enough out of our speculation to warrant the payment of the
amount named. Do you accept the proposition?" 

"Say, why don't some of you fellows come out and tow me in, if
you are going to stay there all day?" Nat cried, in a tone of
irritation. "Presently a canal boat will come along and there will be
a shipwreck, with your humble servant as the only mariner in
distress." 

"Back the yacht out and get his hawser," Bristow said, as he
jumped on board the Restless. "When you pull the sloop ashore all
hands can talk the matter over; but I shouldn't think there would be
much need of discussion in view of the prices offered." 

Phil obeyed; a dozen turns of the screw astern and as many
forward were sufficient to rescue Nat from a possible collision,
and then the yacht was made fast to the bank, while the boys sat in
the bow deliberating upon the unexpected proposition. 

"It wouldn't do any particular harm to remain here a week, or even
longer," Phil began by saying; "but the whole thing seems so
strange that I'm afraid we might get into some kind of trouble.
Why didn't they stop for their goods when they came through
Schenectady?" 

"We could easily leave if there was any crooked business," Harry
suggested. "It looks like a good chance to get all our expenses
without working very hard. If they choose to pay so much in order
to run back and forth on the canal, I don't know as it concerns us." 

At this moment the third man, who had been standing on the
extreme end of the narrow point of land which made out into the
canal, as if watching for somebody or something, stepped quickly
to the other two, and, after whispering a few hurried words, leaped
on board the yacht, while Bristow and Summerfield cast off the
hawser. 

"What's the matter?" Phil asked, rising from the locker as if to bar
their way to the standing room. 

"We want you to run a short distance up the stream," Bristow said
in a low tone. 

"I'm not going to put the boat into water that doesn't look deep
enough to float a canoe! We don't care about running her on a
rock." 

"Keep in the middle of the stream, and you will have a depth of
four or five feet for the next two miles," the stranger replied. 

"But I don't want to leave the canal," Phil insisted. 

"Start her ahead if you know how," the man said to Bristow.
"There's no knowing who may be in the craft which is coming
around the bend, and it won't do to be seen loafing here." 

It was evident Bristow did not know how to obey this order, for he
said persuasively to Phil; 

"The whole amount of the story is that we have discovered oil in
this vicinity, and it is of the greatest importance that we keep out
of sight. Do as we wish, and I guarantee no harm will come to your
craft." 

Phil looked at his companions as if to learn their views in the
matter, and while he thus hesitated the stranger said angrily: 

"Summerfield, haven't you got sand enough to make a crowd of
boys do as we want? Let them send the boat ahead, or I'll take a
hand in this chat myself." 

The party thus appealed to hesitated no longer. Grasping Harry by
the collar he dragged him aft as he whispered, for the voices of
those an the approaching craft could now be heard quite distinctly: 

"I will give you thirty seconds in which to start that engine, and if
the boat is not moving then, there will be trouble for all
concerned." 

CHAPTER VII.

THE SECLUDED DWELLING. 

MUCH as Harry disliked to obey Summerfield's imperative
demand, he knew it would be worse than useless to resist, for there
could be no question but that the men were ready to execute every
threat made. Apparent submission had won the day for them at
Baker's Basin, and, profiting by that experience, he started the
engine at half speed. 

In the standing room Phil was pursuing similar tactics; after the
stranger grasped the steering wheel and spoke in such a
threatening tone to Summerfield, he threw himself on the locker,
saying in a low but firm voice: 

"You shall be held responsible for any damage done to the yacht,
and at the first opportunity I will oblige you to answer in a court of
law for this unwarranted seizure of our property." 

By this time the little craft was moving through the water, and
such fact restored the stranger to something approaching good
humor. 

"We don't intend to work any injury either to you or your
property," he whispered, "and you will realize that after we have a
chance to explain. Just now it is of the utmost importance that we
remain hidden from view, therefore it was impossible to pursue
any other course, since to stop long enough to argue the matter
would have been fatal. Wait half an hour, and there will be no
reason to complain." 

"Judging from present appearances that is exactly what we shall be
obliged to do," Phil replied grimly, and then he shook his head
meaningly at Jim, who was glancing alternately from him to the
fowling- pieces which hung in the cabin just above the port locker,
as if to say that they might be useful. 

Nat remained seated on the starboard rail, not having changed his
position since the men thus virtually took possession of the boat;
but the expression of his face told that he was not disposed to
submit tamely to the indignities offered. 

Steered by the stranger the Restless ran up the stream about half a
mile, and, as the sun sank behind the tree tops, glided into a small
pond three quarters of a mile in diameter, on the western shore of
which stood a rudely built cabin from twenty-five to thirty feet
square. 

"We'll come to an anchor here if you will give your engineer the
signal to stop," the helmsman said in a very friendly tone, and
when the screw ceased to revolve, as Phil obeyed the request, the
Restless was swung around in such a manner as to straighten out
the hawsers attached to the sloop and the small boat, thereby
preventing the crafts from coming together as would otherwise
have been the case. 

It was such a manoeuvre as could have been performed only by
one well acquainted with the management of steamers, and Phil
gave vent to a low murmur of admiration. 

"Not so badly done, eh?" the stranger said as he dropped the
anchor and turned to face the owners of the yacht. "I have had
considerable experience in work of this kind, and reckon your boat
won't suffer from any handling of mine. Bristow, moor your sloop
a short distance off, and then we will go ashore after making our
peace with these young gentlemen." 

Summerfield and Harry now came forward, and the former said, as
he motioned toward the stranger: 

"This is a partner of ours, Sam Small, and a right good fellow, who
will explain why we turned pirates for the time being." 

"You have already been told that we discovered signs of oil in this
vicinity, and are now engaged in making further investigations,"
Small began. "Already some of the boatmen suspect why I am
around here, and to have been seen by any of them would reveal
nearly the whole story. It was a case where we could not delay, and
you have suffered but little at our hands, while we have shown you
a delightful place in which to spend the night. If this explanation is
not satisfactory, we are prepared to pay any fair sum for the use of
the boat during the past twenty minutes." 

There was no reason to doubt the truth of the man's statement, and
Phil felt just a trifle ashamed of himself for having refused to run
up the stream as requested, while the other boys looked as if they
believed all of the party had acted foolishly. 

"I was thinking only of the yacht," Phil stammered. "The channel
was so narrow it didn't seem as if she could make a dozen yards
without going aground, and that might be quite a serious matter
where the current is strong." 

"Then you no longer contemplate summoning us before a court to
answer to a charge of piracy?" and Small laughed as if he thought
the threat a very good joke. 

"Under the circumstances, we can hardly blame you for getting out
of sight," Nat said, and Summerfield answered, cheerily: 

"So that portion of the business is settled, and after supper we will
try to make the trade which was so rudely interrupted. Won't you
come on shore and share what Small may have on hand in the way
of food?" 

"We've got plenty of provisions, and, as the yacht is yet to be
cleaned up for the night, it is best we stay here. This will be a fine
chance to dry our tent, and if the weather is pleasant to-morrow
we'll set it up, for the canvas was rather damp when taken down." 

"In that case we can talk over affairs in the morning at our leisure,"
Summerfield replied, as he stepped aboard the small boat which
Bristow now brought alongside. 

With a kind "good-night, boys," the party rowed ashore, and the
yachtsmen were left alone, apparently free to do as they chose. 

"Well," Nat said, as they went into the cabin, where Jim
immediately began preparations for supper, "it looked one time as
if we were in a bad mess; but all hands were more frightened than
hurt. It isn't to be wondered at that these men would do almost
anything rather than have their secret discovered." 

"After our experience with the tramps it was only reasonable to
suppose this crowd were playing the same sort of a game, and thus
try to cheat us out of the money we had earned towing the sloop,"
Harry added. "Now that we are here, and in a pleasant place to
stop, I shan't be sorry to stay two or three days. In the morning
we'll try the camera, and get a picture of the yacht as she lies at
anchor." 

Each moment the boys' satisfaction at the turn affairs had taken
increased, and by the time supper was ready they were in high
spirits. With no danger of being run down by passing canal boats,
and in such a secluded spot, where it was not probable any
intruders would come, there seemed to be no reason why watch
should be kept. 

"If we are to lie here to-morrow it will be as well to clean ship in
the morning, and I advocate turning in mighty soon, for we have
done considerable hard work since daybreak," Phil said. 

This arrangement was agreeable to all, and many hours before the
lights in the solitary dwelling were extinguished, the crew of the
Restless gave themselves up to such slumber as visits the weary. 

Had the boys kept watch they would have observed that the house
was brilliantly illuminated as the night wore on, and the sound as
of heavy blows struck at regular intervals came apparently from
one of the upper rooms, a circumstance not in keeping with the
ordinary duties of that class of men to which those ashore were
supposed to belong. 

Of these things the young yachtsmen were ignorant, however, and
when they awakened, hardly more than an hour after the sounds of
activity in the building ceased, everything was in the most peaceful
condition. The songs of the birds and hum of the insects, as all
nature welcomed the new-born day, caused the scene to appear
doubly beautiful, and increased the boys' desire to make at least a
short halt here. 

Harry did not delay his proposed experiments with the camera. He
"shot" half a dozen views of the surroundings while Jim and Nat
were cooking breakfast, but was forced to postpone making a
picture of the yacht until one of the men should bring the boat out
to admit of his getting ashore. 

"I've got two views of the house, as many of the entrance to the
pond, and one up the stream," he said, in a tone of satisfaction.
"When the oil inspectors come I'll have a try at them." 

After the morning meal had been ended the work of setting things
to rights began. Although no one hurried, owing to the fact that a
long day was before them, the task was finished fully two hours
before any of the men made their appearance. 

"They like to lie in bed better than any crowd I ever saw," Harry
said petulantly, as he sat holding the camera on the rail waiting for
an opportunity to get another negative. "Suppose I swim ashore
and pull that boat out here?" 

"I wouldn't try it," Phil answered quickly. "It isn't probable they'd
object; but it is just as well not to give any cause for fault finding.
If you think we --" 

"Look there!" Nat interrupted in a whisper as he pointed toward a
small window under the overhanging roof of the house. "Who can
that be?" 

"Where?" the others asked in chorus as they sought in vain for any
strange object. 

"I saw the face of a boy or girl at that pane at glass, and when I
pointed it disappeared. They didn't tell us there was any one
besides themselves in the building." 

"You must have made a mistake," Phil replied. "If a fellow, or
even a girl for that matter, was inside, we would surely have seen
him or her last night. Most likely it was one of the men." 

"Most likely it wasn't," Nat said indignantly. "Don't you suppose I
could tell the difference?" 

"It doesn't seem probable, if you insist upon the statement," Harry
added, "and now I am certain you are wrong, for here comes the
face you saw." 

Bristow had just opened the door of the house, and he started
toward the water as Nat whispered: 

"You must think I am blind; when it isn't --" 

"Up early, eh?" Bristow cried. "I reckon you'd like to get ashore?" 

"We would for a fact," Phil replied. "I began to think you were
going to sleep all day." 

"There wasn't much chance of that, although we do stick to the bed
pretty late when we are here," said Bristow, stepping leisurely into
the boat, and paddling her toward the yacht. 

"Better put your camera out of sight," Nat whispered, "for he might
turn rusty if he knew you'd been collecting pictures of where the
oil is supposed to be." 

"A photograph of the house and pond couldn't do any harm." 

"It would show people who were at all familiar with the place
exactly where the men are working." 

"I never thought of that," and Harry made haste to slip the camera
into the locker before the man reached the yacht. 

"Didn't I see you at the window a few seconds ago?" Phil asked as
Bristow came aboard. 

"Which one?" was the question in a quick, almost angry tone. 

"That with two panes of glass in it just under the side of the roof." 

"What are you spying --" the man checked himself suddenly, and
added with a forced laugh, "Oh yes, of course it was me; I looked
out to see if you were awake." 

For an instant Ned acted as if about to make some reply; but he
refrained from speaking, and after an awkward silence, during
which he glanced scrutinizingly at first one and then another,
Bristow said: 

"If you want to go ashore, come now, for I must get my breakfast.
Keep the boat alongside, and it will be possible to land at any
time." 

The tent was bundled into the tender, all save Hank followed it,
and a few moments later Bristow disappeared inside the house,
leaving the boys to move about as they chose. 

"Now do you believe it was his face I saw at the window?" Nat
asked when they were alone. 

"I can't say; but if it was his he acted queerly. He almost called us
spies simply because, not being able to get ashore, we looked at
the old place." 

"I'll keep watch on those two squares of glass, and know whether it
could have been possible to make a mistake," Nat said decidedly,
as he turned to assist Jim, who had begun to stretch the canvas. 

Harry delayed going ashore with his companions in order to put
away his camera, which he had hastily dropped in the locker, and
he was on the point of carrying it into the cabin when all three of
the men came from the house, standing outside of the door for a
moment as if for the purpose of giving the amateur photographer
the opportunity he desired. 

"I suppose I could have got their pictures by asking them to sit for
me," he said to himself as, having exposed the plate sufficiently
long, he turned once more to place the instrument in its case. "But
they might have suspected what has already been done, and insist
on my giving up the negatives of their country residence." 

The occupants of the lonely dwelling did not long remain outside;
it seemed very much as if they had come because of something
said by Bristow, and after talking together a few minutes all three
entered the building again. 

The task of setting up the tent was a short one, and when
completed Phil rowed out to the yacht. 

"What do you say to a little hunting?" he asked. "There ought to be
game here, and it won't take a great while to find out." 

"We can't leave the yacht alone, for somebody might happen to
come up the stream." 

"I didn't intend to be quite so foolish. We've got only two guns; Nat
and Jim will stay here with the understanding that it shall be their
turn next." 

"But what about talking business with the men? Even if we
shouldn't accept their offer to go to Schenectady, it is necessary to
settle matters regarding the towing of the sloop." 

"There will be plenty of time for that; I only think of staying an
hour or so." 

Harry made no further objections; bringing the guns and
ammunition from the cabin he accompanied Phil on shore, and the
ship keepers received their final instructions. 

"We won't go so far away but that it will be possible to hear you
call in case anything happens," Phil said. "Don't get steam on
under any circumstances, and in the event of staying ashore be
careful not to lose sight of the little craft." 

Then the yachtsmen-turned-hunters went to the door of the house
where they knocked twice without receiving any reply. It was
Bristow who finally answered the summons, and he acted as if
afraid the boys might get a glimpse of the interior, for he squeezed
his body through the narrowest possible space as he came outside. 

"I only wanted to say that we are going a short distance into the
woods," Phil explained. "You are in no particular hurry to resume
yesterday's conversation?" 

"No, no," the man replied nervously. "Go where you choose, and
after having a good time, we'll square accounts or open new ones.
If by chance you should happen to meet any person don't speak of
this place, and above all, be sure not to mention our names." 

"We will be careful," Phil replied; "but I don't fancy we'll see
anybody, for we shan't go near the canal." 

Then the two walked away, and Bristow stood gazing after them
until they were lost to view in the distance, when he re-entered the
house as cautiously as he had emerged. 

Nat and Jim lounged around on the shore nearly an hour, and
during all that time it was as if the building had no occupants. Not
so much as a face was seen at the windows, and the boys
concluded to go aboard the steamer. 

"The place may be pretty enough," Nat said disconsolately; "but
there ain't much fun to be had lying around the shore." 

"I had rather find some work, and I reckon it won't do any harm to
get things ready for dinner, for when the others come back they
will be hungry." 

The little tender was paddled out to the Restless and made fast
alongside, Jim disappearing in the cabin immediately after, while
Nat made up a bed on one of the standing room lockers, where he
could see all that took place around him. 

CHAPTER VIII.

A SIGNAL. 

LEFT thus comparatively alone, Nat could find nothing in the
scene to attract his attention; even the birds had sought relief from
the sun's fervent rays by retreating to the cool recesses of the
forest, and there being no particular charm about the rude
dwelling, he gave himself up to speculations regarding the
probability of reaching the St. Lawrence before the vacation came
to an end. 

Jim was working in the cabin over some mysterious compound
with which he proposed to astonish his companions at the
dinner-table, and paying no heed to anything else. 

The profound silence, together with the heat, caused Nat's eyes to
grow heavy, and he was on the point of yielding to the desire for
sleep when a slight sound from the house aroused him. Looking
up, but without changing his position in the least, he saw three
men coming toward the shore. 

"I reckon our oil hunting employers will need their boat, Jim," he
said, lazily; and, as the amateur cook leaned forward to get a
glimpse of the beach Nat leaped to his feet in the greatest
excitement, 

"What's the matter?" Jim asked, in surprise, looking eagerly
around. 

"Did you see? Now there's no chance of a mistake this time; I
knew it wasn't Bristow at the window yesterday, even though Phil
was so certain!" 

"Say, what's the trouble?" Jim asked in bewilderment. "Have you
gone crazy?" 

"Don't be foolish," Nat replied, impatiently. "Didn't you see
anything just after I said the men were coming?" 

"Yes, I saw them." 

"Well," and Nat drew a long breath, as if trying to suppress his
excitement, "I happened to glance toward the house as I spoke to
you, and from that upper window -- the one which has only two
panes of glass -- something white, like a handkerchief, was pushed
out and waved for a second or so. Then it was pulled in quickly, as
if whoever made the signal feared being seen by the men." 

"Do you believe any one is locked up there?" Jim asked, in a
whisper, after a short pause. 

"Can you account for it in any other way? Think how queerly
Bristow acted when Phil asked him if he had been looking out? I
am certainly not mistaken to-day, for all three of the men were on
the shore when this signal was made." 

"But what does it mean?" and now Jim's excitement equaled that
of his companion. 

"That is just what I can't tell; but we'll find out before leaving this
place." 

"What's the matter with you boys?" Summerfield shouted
impatiently. "Are you both so deaf that it's impossible to hear us
until we've hailed half a dozen times?" 

"It seems like it," Nat replied, hardly knowing what he said. "Did
you want us?" 

"We would like to have the boat if you are willing to pull ashore." 

"All right; we'll be there in a minute," Nat replied, and then he
whispered to Jim, "Don't let them think we suspect anything; but
try to act the same as ever when they come aboard." 

"You'll have to straighten your face then, for anybody would think
you had seen a ghost." 

Nat tried very hard to assume an ordinary expression as he jumped
into the boat and pulled toward the shore; but, judging from the
look Sam Small gave him, he did not succeed remarkably well. 

"Anything the matter on board?" the latter asked. 

"No -- not exactly, we -- we were feeling rather worried because
Phil and Harry haven't come back," Nat stammered. 

"Don't you reckon they're big enough to take care of themselves in
a place where the largest game to be found is a squirrel?"
Summerfield asked, as he scrutinized the boy. 

"I don't know what kind might be in these woods, and, besides, it's
time they were here unless we intend to stay until to-morrow." 

"Well," and now it was Bristow's turn to stare at the boy, "that we
thought understood when you set up the tent." 

By this time Nat had recovered some portion of his usual
composure, and he said carelessly: 

"Phil and Harry may have decided to stay; but I would like to go
on. There's no fun loafing around here." 

Whether he succeeded in deceiving the men or not, nothing further
was said on the subject, for just at that moment the two hunters
appeared from among the bushes looking heated and tired; but
without so much as a feather to show for the morning's tramp. 

"Anything wrong?" Phil asked quickly as he saw by the faces of all
that the conversation had not been of the most pleasing nature. 

"Your friends got so frightened about you that it was as much as
this one could do to talk," Summerfield replied with a loud laugh,
"and we have been trying to persuade him the chipmunks were
harmless." 

Nat's face grew very red; but he refrained from making any
answer, and Sam Small said impatiently: 

"We were going out to the yacht to have a chat with all hands, so
suppose we get aboard." 

Phil thought it rather queer that they were not invited to the house;
but since it was hardly his place to suggest anything of the kind he
went toward the boat, saying as Nat pushed her bow off: 

"It will require two trips to carry the crowd, and we might as well
start the ferry." 

When the party were in the standing room and Jim had been
summoned from the cabin, Small began the conversation by
saying: 

"Of course you understand the sloop is to be towed no further, and
it is time our account should be settled. How much do we owe you
for the work already done?" 

"I don't like to answer that question," Phil replied after waiting a
moment to learn if his companions had any suggestions to make.
"Mr. Bristow set the first price himself, therefore it was no more
than fair for him to say what proportion we have earned." 

"We wish to satisfy you," the gentleman referred to said, "so if my
figures are not large enough, change them to suit yourself. We
have been towed about one third of the distance agreed upon; but
the first day's work was harder than the remainder would be.
Suppose we say thirty dollars?" 

"I think that is more than the job is worth," Phil replied. "Of course
we wanted the money, otherwise we wouldn't have undertaken the
task; but none of us care to be overpaid." 

"That part of it is all right," and Bristow took a bag of money from
his pocket. "We are perfectly willing to settle on that basis." 

Nat would have joined Phil in protesting that the amount was too
large; but Harry checked him with a look, and Bristow laid on the
locker a ten and a five dollar note, together with fifteen silver
dollars. 

"Now that we have had such good luck in concluding the bargain,
suppose we talk about our offer of last night when you boys
thought we were going to steal the yacht," and Small laughed
heartily as if the memory of the scene was very comical. 

"You mean in regard to running down to Schenectady?" Phil
asked. 

"There, or anywhere else on the canal we choose to send. I promise
that the voyages won't be long, nor the work hard. The fact of the
matter is," and now Small assumed a confidential tone, "we need a
craft like this very much; but can't afford to buy one, because after
a week or ten days she would be of little use to us. Owing to those
circumstances we are ready to pay remarkably well for your
services." 

"Our business won't be any more than a continuation of your
pleasure trip," Summerfield added. "This is a beautiful place in
which to camp; you will be here every night, and there's no
question but that you can get to the St. Lawrence River and back
long enough before your vacation comes to an end, even if the
journey isn't continued for a fortnight." 

"You can readily understand, since we have explained what is
being done, that it is of the utmost importance none of us three
should be seen in this vicinity," Small said. "You boys could do the
business for us better than any one else, because none of the
boatmen would suspect the yacht was being used other than in the
way of sport. Suppose you go aft, where the consultation can be
strictly private, and decide?" 

The boys acted upon this suggestion, and the men stretched
themselves at full length on the lockers, as if it was immaterial to
them how long the matter remained under discussion, provided the
issue should finally be favorable to them. 

"What do you think, Phil?" Harry asked when they had closed the
cabin doors behind them. "Twenty-five dollars a day will soon
amount to considerable, and at that rate it wouldn't take long to
pay for the Restless." 

"The question is whether we are willing to delay the cruise. They
appear to have plenty of cash, and are not mean, as we know from
the way they just settled with us. Gracious! I left the money where
Bristol laid it." 

"I'll get it," Jim said, entering the cabin before any one could
prevent him. 

The forward doors were open, and as he stepped inside
Summerfield was saying in a tone sufficiently loud to be heard by
the boy: 

"There's no doubt but that he has been seen, and a change must be
made if we want to avoid trouble with this party." 

By the time the remark had been concluded Jim was at the
entrance to the standing room, and as the man saw him he added
quietly: 

"How simple our work would be if nobody else had an idea that oil
could be found here!" 

For an instant Jim believed they were talking about the supposed
discovery made by Nat: but the last words, spoken as if they were
but a continuation of the first, dispelled his suspicions. 

"Come for the money, eh?" Bristow asked, laughingly, as the cook
took the notes and silver from the locker near the man's feet. "I
thought it was strange if you had so much that this was of no
account. But it didn't concern me, so I said nothing." 

"The idea of going into the freighting business caused the skipper
to forget everything else," Jim replied in a bantering tone, and then
he went aft again with the cash in his hand. 

"We all think it would be best to stay here a week, at least," Phil
said as Jim came from the cabin. "Now what is your opinion? We
will allow fifteen dollars a day for the use of the yacht, and divide
the remainder among the crowd." 

"But I'm not entitled to any." 

"Of course you are," Nat said quickly. "Surely the cook should
have as much as the others." 

"My pay comes in through getting a passage home, and it will be a
big saving of time even if we stay here three weeks, so do as you
please, and count me in only for a share of the work." 

"Then it is arranged," Phil said, "including the fact that one fourth
of ten dollars a day is to belong to you, so we won't say anything
more about the wages until the time comes for a settlement. Shall
we go forward now?" 

"Wait a moment," Nat said in a whisper, and then he told what had
been seen. 

"You must be mistaken again," Phil replied; but he did not speak
so confidently as before, because he remembered the peculiar
behavior of Bristow when they stopped at the house to tell of the
proposed hunting excursion. 

"If there should happen to be any one imprisoned there, it can't
take us long to find out. We'll keep our eyes open to everything,
and the men won't be able to get much the best of us." 

Phil led the way to the standing room, announced to the men the
decision arrived at, and stated that the Restless was at their
disposal from that moment. 

"Very well," Stone said in a tone of satisfaction as he rose to his
feet. "It is a little past noon, but we will allow that the twenty-four
hours began at twelve o'clock, and the charter dates from that time.
Come," he added to his partners, "there's no reason why we should
stay here any longer." 

"But what are we to do!" Phil asked in surprise as the men leaped
into the boat. 

"Stay on board, that's all," Small replied with a laugh. "We don't
intend to work you too hard at the start. It is uncertain when the
yacht will make the first trip under our management, so you must
be prepared to move at a moment's notice. No more squirrel
hunting until the contract expires." 

"Judging from our experience of this morning we shan't indulge in
that sport again while the yacht lies here, no matter how many
opportunities offer," Phil said merrily, and by that time the men
were on shore walking toward the house. 

"Now that we have gone into the freight and express business it
will be necessary to carry it on properly, and we can't do better
than have dinner at once," Harry said, as he pulled the folding
table from beneath the locker. 

Dinner was cooked and eaten as expeditiously as possible that they
might get under way without loss of time if their employers should
suddenly give orders to that effect, and thus Jim's pudding, which
he had fancied would be such a wonderful success, received no
especial attention; the boys ate it much as if such things were of
every day occurrence while they were out yachting, and the cook
was sadly disappointed. 

While Jim and Nat cleared the table and set things to rights in the
cabin, Phil and Harry examined every portion of the engine to
make sure it was in perfect working order, and after all this had
been done the crew gathered in the standing room where they
speculated upon the precise time when their services would be
required. 

"It will be necessary to start pretty soon if they want to leave
before to-morrow," Phil said, "and I hope we'll get sailing orders
right away, for it doesn't seem the proper thing to take pay for
loafing." 

"That was the agreement. If we keep the yacht here ready for work
our part of the bargain has been carried out as much as if we were
sailing all the time," and Harry made himself comfortable on one
of the lockers with the air of a fellow who is perfectly indifferent
whether he exerts himself or remains idle. 

Now that he had so much time at his disposal Nat began to think
more earnestly of what he had seen, and, quite unconsciously, kept
his eyes fixed upon the solitary dwelling. 

"Watching for another handkerchief?" Harry asked, banteringly,
and before Nat could reply the door of the house was opened as
Bristow and Small appeared, each carrying two satchels which
appeared to be very heavy. 

"Now we're off!" Harry exclaimed in a tone of satisfaction, and he
would have raised the necessary pressure in the engine if Phil had
not checked him by saying: 

"We had better make sure before getting ready to turn the screw. It
won't take five minutes to start after they come aboard." 

It was well Harry waited. The two men rowed out to the yacht,
deposited their bundles in the cabin, and while Small threw
himself on one of the lockers as if thoroughly tired, Bristow went
on shore. 

"Are we going to leave soon?" Nat asked, and to the surprise of all
Small replied: 

"Not until after sunset." 

The boys looked at each other in dismay. 

CHAPTER IX.

A FLIGHT. 

Weed Small calmly announced that the first trip made by the
Restless under the new management was to be begun after
nightfall, the boys were panic-stricken. It had never occurred to
them that such might be the case, until this moment, and Phil was
considerably disturbed at the prospect of running through the
narrow channel when it would not be possible to see either bank
very clearly. 

"What are you going to do about it?" Harry asked in a whisper, and
Phil replied: 

"I can't see but that orders must be obeyed. We have let the yacht,
and agreed to run her, without stipulating that all the sailing should
be done in the daytime, consequently it's a case of grin and bear
it," 

"But we stand a good chance of piling her up on the bank." 

"I wouldn't back out now if I knew she'd come to grief before we
reached the canal," Phil replied, and Harry walked aft in anything
rather than a cheerful frame of mind. 

If Jim had misgivings as to the trip, no one was aware of the fact;
he continued to "putter" about, as Small expressed it, cleaning the
brass works here, or scouring the already clean paint there, until
Harry nervously insisted that he keep quiet "for five minutes at
least." 

Nat had remained in the standing room from the time the men
came out of the house, watching eagerly the window through
which he was positive a signal had been made to them. 

Until six o'clock matters were unchanged, and then Bristow and
Summerfield emerged, locking the door carefully behind them.
Paddling out to the yacht they moored the boat where she could be
got at on the return without running the Restless too near the bank,
and then came aboard, going directly into the cabin. 

The boys confidently expected that word would now be given to
weigh anchor; but no sign was made by the charter parties until
nearly half an hour after sun set. 

When the shadows of night began to fall, and there could no longer
be any question but that they were to make a night journey, Phil
and Jim set about getting out the signal lanterns. After they had
been placed in position, one an either side the upper deck, two
were swung near the engine, and Jim ventured into the cabin to
light the hanging lamps. 

"What are you up to now?" Small asked, gruffly. 

"Getting ready to leave port. We've got to make some kind of a
show, or those lumbering canal boats will run us down." 

"I suppose you have been illuminating all around!" 

"We've only got up the number required by law," Jim replied,
considerably surprised by the tone in which the man spoke. 

"Well, toddle out and pull every one down," Small said, sharply.
"When we want any lights shown, I'll send you a telegram." 

"But it will be necessary --" 

"You'll find it decidedly necessary to do exactly as I say, so obey
orders and stop chinning." 

Jim was thoroughly bewildered as he went forward and told Phil of
the singular demand. 

"What!" the captain exclaimed. "Do you mean that they count on
running without lights?" 

"That's the way it looks from what he said." 

"But I can't do it. Not knowing much of anything about the canal, it
will be hard work to keep in the channel and not smash into the
first craft we meet, to say nothing of the chance of some boat
cutting us down." 

"We will take care of that part of the business," Small, who had
entered the standing room unperceived, said, as he seated himself
by the wheel. "Get up steam, and as soon as you are ready to turn
the screw we'll be ok." 

"We can't attend to the engine in the dark," Phil said decidedly. 

"That is just what you must do; we can't afford to let it be known
that the yacht is in the canal, and if there are no lights aboard there
is a good chance of slipping through unobserved. You should have
expected some inconvenience when we offered twenty-five dollars
a day for the boat." 

This last remark was sufficient to silence Phil. He felt that they
were bound by the bargain to obey orders, and it seemed dishonest
to make any serious protest now when the fulfilment of the first
portion of the contract was demanded. 

"You and Jim stand by to raise the anchor," he whispered to Nat.
"Harry and I will attend to the engine." 

"Put her along the best you know how after we are in the canal,"
Small said as Phil started aft. "If any harm comes to the craft we
will stand good for it." 

Harry was in a frame of mind bordering upon insubordination. Phil
found him on one of the lockers near the air pump, and it took
quite a lengthy argument before he would consent to let the yacht
be started. 

"This business isn't just what it ought to be, or these fellows
wouldn't sneak around in the darkness at the risk of drowning all
hands," he said, in a tone so loud that Phil was afraid that Bristow,
who yet remained in the cabin, might hear him. "I am not willing
to have the steamer leave her anchorage." 

Phil insisted that their precautions were no more than might be
expected from those who, having made a valuable discovery, were
afraid others would deprive them of the pecuniary advantages, and
he laid great stress on the fact that they were in duty bound to carry
out the Contract. 

Harry finally agreed to obey orders; but not until Small had sent aft
to know the reason of the delay, and then the two set about raising
the necessary power. 

Five minutes later the screw began to revolve, and as the yacht ran
up on her cable the boys forward hove in the anchor while Small
headed her for the narrow channel leading to the canal. 

The voyage had but just begun when Bristow came aft with the
standing room awnings, and, at the expense of considerable labor
hung them around the engine in such a manner as to shut out from
view the two tiny globes of light visible from the apertures through
which the vapor is ignited. 

Harry shook his head as the man went forward again, and said in a
tone of deep conviction: 

"It's no use trying to explain matters in an honest way. One would
think from all the precautions that we were going to run a
blockade, and I tell you, Phil, things are not as they should be. This
desire to make the trip so secretly doesn't look right, never mind
how much oil they have found." 

"I will admit that there is good ground for suspicion," Phil replied
thoughtfully; "but just now I don't see that we can pursue any other
course than the present one. At the first real sign of wrong doing
we'll throw up