Go Ahead Boys and Racing Motorboat
by Ross Kay
Hypertext Meanings and Commentaries
from the Encyclopedia of the Self
by Mark Zimmerman

BY ROSS KAY

Author of ``Dodging the North Sea Mines," "With Joffre on the
Battle Line," "Fighting in France," "The Go Ahead Boys on
Smugglers' Island," "The Go Ahead Boys and the Treasure Cave,"
etc. etc.

Preface

Every normal boy loves a motor-boat, but words fail to express
his enthusiasm when that boat is also a racer. Behind the events
recorded in this story are certain facts, so that the tale is
largely true. The author will be glad if the account of life in
the open, the adventures and fortunes, good or ill, the contests
and exciting experiences interest his readers even partly as much
as they did the boys who shared in the actual occurrences. I have
tried to write a story filled with action, but devoid of
sensationalism and false representations. If my boy friends enjoy
the company of the Go Ahead boys I shall feel repaid for my labor.

Ross Kay

CONTENTS                                                        
I       THE START  
II      ON THE WAY   
III     JOHN DISAPPEARS  
IV      THE LOST IS FOUND  
V       THE MISSING BAG
VI      IN THE TAVERN  
VII     AN UNWELCOME PARTY  
VIII    THE COMING OF THE CALEDONIA  
IX      A FRIEND IN NEED  
X       IN TROUBLE  
XI      RESCUED
XII     A BATTLE WITH ARMS AND LEGS  
XIII    A SURPRISE   
XIV     A SURPRISING PASSENGER  
XV      AN UPSET  
XVI     THE RESCUE   
XVII    SENDING FOR SAM
XVIII   A TEST   
XIX     THE LOST FISH  
XX      SAM'S WARNING  
XXI     THE SUMMONS IN THE NIGHT  
XXII    A COLLISION  
XXIII   THE CALL IN THE NIGHT
XXIV    THE MAN IN THE BOAT-HOUSE  
XXV     THE OWNER OF THE BOND  
XXVI    CONCLUSION  

THE GO AHEAD BOYS AND THE RACING MOTOR-BOAT

CHAPTER I

THE START

"Here we go!"

"We're off!"

"Look quick, or we'll be out of your sight."

The long, low motor-boat glided smoothly out from the dock to
which it had been made fast. Behind it the water boiled as if it
had been stirred by some invisible furnace. The graceful lines of
the boat, its manifest power and speed, formed a fitting
complement to the bright sunshine and clear air which rested over
the waters of the Hudson River.

On the dock, which the Black Growler was leaving so rapidly
behind her, were assembled various members of the families
represented by the four boys on board the motor-boat. Younger
brothers and sisters, two uncles, several aunts, not to mention
the various fathers and mothers united in a final word of
farewell. Handkerchiefs were waved and the sounds of the last
faint call came across the intervening waters.

The Black Growler was leaving Yonkers to be gone more than a
month. The trip was one to which the Go Ahead boys had looked
forward with steadily increasing interest.

In the first place the boat belonged to Fred Button, one of the
quartet. Fred now was at the wheel and the expression of pride on
his face as he occasionally glanced behind him at his companions
was one that indicated something of the feeling in his heart. And
indeed there was a substantial basis for Fred's pride. Among the
many boats on the river the Black Growler moved as if she
belonged in a class of her own. People on board the cat boats or
yachts, and even the passengers on a great passing steamer, all
stood looking with manifest interest at the dark-colored little
boat which was speeding over the waters almost like a thing
alive.

Fred Button, the owner and present pilot of the swift motor-boat
was the smallest, or at least the shortest, of the four boys. His
age was the same as that of his companions, all of whom were
about seventeen. His round body and rounder face were evidences
that in time what Fred lacked in length he might provide in
breadth. Among his companions he was a great favorite and
frequently was called by one of the several nicknames which his
comrades had bestowed upon him. Peewee or Pygmy, the latter
sometimes shortened to Pyg, were names to which he answered
almost as readily as to his Christian name.

His most intimate friend of the four was John Clemens, whose
nickname, "String," indicated what his physique was. He was six
feet three inches in height, although his weight was not much
more than that of the more diminutive Fred. "The long and the
short of it" the two boys sometimes were called when they were
seen together.

Grant was the one member of the Go Ahead boys who easily led in
whatever he attempted. His standing in school was high and his
time in the hundred yards dash stood now as a school record. His
fund of general information was so large that some years before,
in a joke he had been dubbed Socrates. That expressive name,
however, had recently been shortened to Soc.

George Washington Sanders, one of the most popular boys in his
school, frequently was referred to as Pop, by which designation
his friends indirectly expressed their admiration for one who,
even if he bore the name of the Father of his Country, was
laughingly referred to as the Papa of the Land. This nickname in
the course of time had been shortened to Pop.

Already the four Go Ahead boys had had several stirring
experiences in their summer vacations. One of these had been
spent at Mackinac Island where their adventures had been chiefly
concerned with Smugglers' Island. Together they had made a voyage
to the West Indies where their experiences on a desert island
have been already recorded.[1] Together they had investigated the
mysteries connected with an old house near George's country home,
a place shunned by the country folk because of its reputation of
being haunted.[2] Another delightful summer had been spent by the
boys in a camp in the Canadian woods.[3] All these experiences
had only prepared the way for the days which now were confronting
them.

[1] See "The Go Ahead Boys and The Treasure Cave."

[2] "The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House."

[3] See "The Go Ahead Boys and the Island Camp."

Every one was confident that the Black Growler would give a good
account of herself in the motor-boat races which were to be held
on the St. Lawrence River. The grandfather of Fred Button, who
was the fortunate owner of an island in the majestic river, had
invited the boys to spend a month with him in his cottage.
Incidentally he had explained that their visit would be at the
time when the boat races occurred, which he had no question they
all would greatly enjoy. He was unaware that Mr. Button had
already purchased a motor-boat of marvelous speed, although at
the time he had no thought that it would be entered in any
contest or races.

Yielding to Fred's persuasions at last his father had somewhat
reluctantly given his consent for the boat to be entered, as well
as for Fred to invite the other three Go Ahead boys to spend the
coming weeks together on the island.

All these thoughts were more or less in the minds of the Go Ahead
boys when the Black Growler swiftly started on her long voyage.

"Are you going to keep her going like this all the time?"
demanded John as the swift little boat steadily continued on her
way.

"She doesn't like to slow up," replied Fred glancing behind him
as he spoke.

"She had better slow up than blow up," retorted John.

"No danger of that," laughed Fred. "The first thing you know
we'll be in the canal."

"I hope not," laughed Grant. "It will be a great day when the Go
Ahead boys learn how to use the English language. You don't mean
'in' the canal, you mean 'on' the canal."

"Perhaps he means what my grandfather used to call the 'ragin'
canawl'," suggested Grant.

"Maybe we'll be both IN it and ON it," laughed Fred. "If we
should happen to strike a rock or bump into another boat it
wouldn't be very hard to understand what would follow."

"That makes me think," said Grant solemnly. "Are you sure that
you know how to steer? If we were traveling on the Erie Canal as
they used to go soon after it was opened--"

"When was that?" broke in George.

"1825. The Erie Canal extended from Albany to Lake Erie and was
constructed chiefly because DeWitt Clinton worked for it with
might and main from 1817 to 1825."

"Good for you!" laughed George, "It's pretty hard to trip up old
Soc when it comes to figures. Now, I myself happen to know how
long the canal is and so I shall be able to tell whether you
reeled off your figures, depending upon our ignorance or whether
you gave them because you knew what they are. How long is the
Erie Canal?" he added slowly.

"Three hundred and fifty and one-half miles, though I find some
authorities give it as three hundred and fifty-two miles,"
laughed Grant.

"Splendid! Splendid!" retorted George solemnly. "I suppose you
know all about all the other great canals too."

"I have looked them up," replied Grant simply. "I don't believe
in starting off on a trip like ours without finding out some of
the facts connected with it."

"Don't ask me! Don't ask me!" protested John quickly. "I haven't
been looking them up, so I don't know."

"I didn't say I was going to ask you," retorted Grant. "I told
you I was going to inform you. I looked them up for the benefit
of my benighted companions. Now there's the Cape Cod Canal," he
added. "I don't believe there's one of you that knows anything
about it."

"If we don't stop you, there won't be one of us that doesn't know
ALL about it," said John, pretending to be discouraged by the
attitude of his friend. "I suppose we'll have to have it," he
added solemnly, "so the sooner we get it out of the way the
better. Tell us and have it over with."

"The Cape Cod Canal," said Grant as he looked sternly at John,
"is eight miles long, it is twenty-five feet deep and one hundred
feet wide."

"My, now I am almost ready to go back home!" said George
solemnly. "I cannot imagine finding out anything more important
than that. Have you noticed these Palisades we have been passing?
Did you ever see anything more beautiful than the river? Pretty
soon we'll come to the Highlands and to West Point and I want to
say to you right now, Soc, that I would rather know about these
things than I would to hear about a ditch that is one hundred
feet wide and twenty-five feet deep and eight miles long. What's
the good of knowing that anyway?"

"I shall try to improve your mind before we come back home," said
Grant, shaking his head.

"You don't expect to accomplish much in just a month, do you?"
interposed George.

"Not much more than to get ready to prepare to begin to start to
commence on the contract."

"My, what a fluent talker my friend is!" said George. "He never
is at a loss for a word. It doesn't make any difference to him
whether he knows what it means or not."

"Never mind your old facts and figures," spoke up Fred. "I want
you to notice that big! black yacht yonder. Isn't she a beauty?"

"She is that," replied Grant with enthusiasm. "I can almost make
out her name," he added as he looked through the field-glasses.
"There it is C-a-l-e-Caledonia," he added quickly.

"They have got quite a good many people on board," suggested
George as he noticed a group of boys and girls near the rail, who
apparently were as deeply interested in the motor-boat as the Go
Ahead boys were in the big, black yacht.

"Let's have a race with her," suggested George. "Start her up,
Fred, and see if the yacht will try to keep up with us."

Fred laughingly complied with the request, although neither of
his companions had any suspicion of the many experiences they
were to have with the passengers and crew of the Caledonia before
either vessel returned to New York.

CHAPTER II

ON THE WAY

The proposed race, however, did not take place. The graceful
Caledonia steadily continued on her way without increasing her
speed. There were calls from the deck where the boys noticed
several young people standing near the rail. It was plain that
there was great admiration on each boat for the beauty and speed
of the other. There were calls and cheers, and waving of
handkerchiefs to express their feelings. Perhaps it was in part
due to this fact that the Black Growler soon began to pull away
from the larger boat and not long afterward the Caledonia was
left far behind.

"That's the kind of a boat I'm going to have when I get rich!"
said George enthusiastically. "I should like to spend about four
months a year on board a craft like that."

"That's all right," spoke up Grant, "but I think after about two
months of it you would want something else. You see I know you
better than you know yourself."

"Yes, I see," retorted George sharply. "You make me think of what
Josh Billings said that 'it's a good deal better not to know so
many things than it is to know so many things that ain't so!' "

"Never you mind, fellows," spoke up Fred. "This boat suits me all
right. You wait until you see that cup the Black Growler is going
to win."

"I hope we shan't have to wait too long," said John dryly.

"You'll wait until the race comes off," declared Fred. "I'm not
taking any cups before I win them, but when the time comes you
wait and see me run away from any boat that tries to keep up with
us. I have been on the St. Lawrence before and unless there is
something a good deal better than I have ever seen there, we
shall simply show our heels to any motor-boats on the river. And
they say there are more motor-boats between Clayton and
Ogdensburg than anywhere else in America."

"How many?" inquired John.

"I have been told that there are more than a thousand."

"Well," said George, "I'm deeply impressed by the modesty of
Peewee. He simply thinks this boat will outclass nine hundred and
ninety-nine others that will be madly chasing him all summer
long, trying to keep pace with him."

"But he hasn't won the cup yet," said Grant quietly.

"That's right. That's right," spoke up Fred, pretending to be
annoyed by the bantering of his friends. "There are always some
people that try to take the joy out of life. I heard of an old
man the other day who was so disgruntled that when he met a
friend on the street who saluted him with a hearty 'good morning'
this old man looked all over the sky to make sure he couldn't
find a cloud somewhere and say that it wasn't a 'good' morning."

"What did he do if he didn't find any?" laughed George.

"Why he put his hand on his stomach as if he had a pain and shook
his head and closed his eyes and groaned out, 'Yes, it's a fine
day, but I am sure it is a weather-breeder. We'll have rain
to-morrow.' "

"Do you know there are a lot of people like that?" said George.
"I met an old woman up near our farm one summer who always said
when anybody asked her how she was that she 'enjoyed' poor
health. And I guess she did. I never knew any one who took such
pride in her aches and pains as she did. One day when the doctor
had been to see her she had told him all the pains she suffered
and the poor old doctor had to sit there and listen to her for
almost an hour. Finally, when he left she started out of the
house after him calling to him to come back because she had just
thought of another ache that she hadn't told him about."

The boys laughed and silence for a time rested upon the little
boat. The Black Growler was moving swiftly and still was
attracting attention from every boat she met. Following the
channel they kept well out in the river, but the towering hills
and the attractive shores were all within sight and manifestly
did much to impress the Go Ahead boys.

"Tell me, Fred," spoke up John at last. "Do they have these races
on the St. Lawrence every summer?"

"They have had for the past few years and they have had water
sports too."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, they have swimming, tilting contests, canoe races, diving
and I don't know what all."

"Did you ever go in any of them?" inquired John.

A solemn expression came over Fred's face as he said, "Yes,
once."

"What did you go into?"

"I tried to walk the greased pole. There was a silver cup on the
end of it and the fellow who could walk out and take it could
claim it."

"Did you get the cup?"

"I did not," replied Fred shortly.

"I'm surprised, Peewee. I don't know a fellow in all my
acquaintance that I think could walk better on a greased pole
than you."

"Huh," muttered Fred. "You ought to have seen me. That pole was a
part of a telegraph pole. It stuck out from the dock about
fifteen feet. It was covered with grease and the grease had been
rubbed in."

"How many times were you allowed to try?" asked George.

"Five."

"And you couldn't go in five trials?"

"I didn't go. The first time I stepped on the pole my feet flew
out from under me and I sat down on the river about six or seven
feet below. I sat down hard too."

"Did you enjoy it?" laughed John.

"I did not," replied Fred slowly, "but the people on the docks
and along the banks seemed to have a fine time."

"What did you do next?" laughed George.

"I tied some old sacking on my feet and tried to wipe up the
grease as I went along. "

"And didn't that work?"

"Nay, verily it didn't work. I took my seat that time on the pole
and then when I slipped, I tried to throw my arms around it. But
for some good reason I didn't delay very long, before I dropped
with a splash into the St. Lawrence."

"I hope they will have those things this summer," spoke up John.

"You would be a good one to walk on a greased pole," said George
soberly. "You wouldn't take much space and if you could once get
a footing you could reach forward almost to the end and grab the
cup."

"If I did," retorted John, "you can rest easy that I wouldn't let
go of it."

"How soon do we come to West Point?" inquired Grant.

"In about an hour," answered Fred.

"Do you know, I sometimes think I should like to go there," said
George.

"Couldn't be done, my son," spoke up John.

"Why can't it be done?"

"Because a fellow that enters West Point has to pass an
examination."

"Don't you think I could pass it?" demanded George as his friends
laughed.

"It depends on what it is," answered John.

"If they would examine you about the old Meeker House and running
tin tubes from the kitchen into the front room and a few other
things like that maybe you would pass."[4]

[4] See "The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House."

"That's all right," spoke up George promptly. "I know something
about what a fellow has to do before he passes the West Point
examinations anyway and that's more than some fellows I know can
say."

"What do you know that we don't?" inquired John.

"How old does a fellow have to be to enter West Point?" demanded
George.

"I don't know," replied John somewhat foolishly. "I suppose he
has to be about eighteen, at least I suppose a fellow eighteen
could enter."

"Could he enter if he was twenty-one?" inquired George.

"He could," spoke up Grant. "A fellow has to be between seventeen
and twenty-two years of age before he can take the preliminary
examinations. But there's another qualification almost as
necessary," he added. "He has got to be free from infirmities."

"No hope for Pop then," said John solemnly. "He has too many
infirmities."

"What, for example?" demanded George.

"His appetite is abnormal, his confidence in himself colossal,
his willingness to condescend to the level of his superiors is--"

"You're getting all mixed up," interrupted George. "A fellow has
to pass a good physical examination and that is all there is to
it. Of course if he has too long a tongue or too small a head it
might shut him out."

"Of course," assented John. "How does a fellow get a chance to
try the examination anyway?"

"He has to be named by his congressman. Most of them, I guess,
have a preliminary examination for all the boys that want to
enter and then select the one who passes the best examination.
But even if he passes, his troubles have only begun, for they
make every fellow work his way."

"The government appropriates some money for every cadet, doesn't
it?" inquired John.

"Yes," replied George, "$709.50 per year. That is supposed to
cover the necessary expenses. It is not only hard work but the
boys don't get but one leave of absence in all the course, and
even that isn't given until after the first two years."

"But they have vacations, don't they?" inquired John.

"If you want to call them vacations," laughed Grant. "From about
the middle of June to the end of August the cadets go into camp.
They are busy every day."

"What does a fellow have to pass an examination in in order to
enter West Point?"

"English grammar, English composition, algebra through quadratic
equations, plane geometry, descriptive geography, physical
geography, United States history and the outlines of general
history."

"I think I'll go if that's all," laughed John, who was well known
to have troubles with most of his examinations in school.

"Look at that boat over yonder!" suddenly interrupted Fred,
pointing to a motor-boat about one hundred feet away. "It looks
to me as if it was trying to pass us."

"That's just what it is trying to do," said Grant eagerly.

"Don't you let them do it, Peewee."

"That's just what I intend not to do," said Fred resolutely.

In a moment the speed of the Black Growler was increased, but it
was also manifest as the boys glanced behind them that the boat
they had noticed was in swift pursuit.

CHAPTER III

JOHN DISAPPEARS

The rival boat was distant about one hundred feet, moving in a
line nearly parallel with that which the Black Growler was
following.

"I believe I have seen that boat before," muttered Fred. "Can any
of you fellows make out the name?"

George hastily took the field-glasses and gazed earnestly at the
swiftly moving boat. "I can make out some of the letters, Fred,"
he said slowly. "I can see V--a-r, the next letter looks like n."

"What's that?" demanded Fred abruptly.

"I can't make out the whole of it yet," answered George. "I don't
see what Varn spells anyway."

"You better look again," suggested Fred. "I think I know the
boat. I guess it's the Varmint."

"That's it," said George quickly. "Only there's something right
after the word. I can't just see what that is."

"Here, let me take those glasses," said Grant quickly. "I don't
believe you can find anything. Your mother told me that she
doesn't want any better evidence that your clothes are hanging in
the right places in the closet than for you to say that you had
looked for them and they aren't there."

"Listen to the words of our modest friend," said George as he
handed the glasses to his comrade. "Grant is a good boy. The only
difficulty with him is he doesn't realize how good he is."

"If he doesn't," spoke up John, "it isn't because he doesn't
try."

"Keep still, fellows," said Grant, waving his hand at the other
Go Ahead boys. "I'm just about to find out what the name of that
motor-boat that is beating us--"

" 'Beating' us nothing!" interrupted Fred. "Can't you see that
she isn't gaining a foot?"

"I can't even see her name yet," said Grant. "You had better slow
up a bit, Pygmy. That will give you a good excuse."

In response, Fred increased the power of the fast moving
motor-boat.

"I have it. I have it," called Grant exultantly a moment later.
"It is Varmint II."

"It is what?" demanded Fred quickly as he glanced behind him for
a moment.

"Varmint II, that's what it is," said Grant positively. "What do
you know about that?"

Fred was silent a moment before he replied. "Two years ago when I
was visiting at my grandfather's I saw the Varmint run away from
all the boats in the race. This must be a new one and if she's
swifter than the other one then there will be some race, let me
tell you. I'm going to try her out a little now."

In accordance with his words Fred changed the course which the
Black Growler was following until he was nearer the rival boat.
It was plain now that the crew of the Varmint II were deeply
interested in the Black Growler. They were watching her movements
and eagerly talking to the man at the wheel.

For several minutes the race continued and then abruptly the
Varmint II shut off part of her power and speedily dropped
behind.

"I told you what would happen," said Fred exultantly. "I would
like to run away from that boat in a race. There isn't a boat on
the St. Lawrence I would like better to beat."

"But you don't even know she is going to be on the St. Lawrence
or in that race," suggested John.

"That's right. That's right," said Fred dolefully. "There's
always somebody taking the joy out of life. You mark my words,
that boat is going to the St. Lawrence and we'll find her in the
race when we leave the stake."

"I hope so," said Grant. "It will be a great race if she's in it!
But honestly, Fred, if you knew a little more about steering a
boat I think you could win from her. How would it do for you to
get somebody to steer, the day of the race?"

"That's right," spoke up George quickly. "All the Black Growler
needs is a pilot."

"That--is--most--certainly true," said John slowly, winking at
Grant as he spoke.

"Huh," spoke up Fred. "It's a pity there isn't enough gray matter
somewhere in this crowd to spell me at the wheel. I have run all
the way from New York and I'm tired and yet there isn't a fellow
here who is able to steer this boat."

"Beg your pardon," said John. "Ill steer her with great
gladness."

"I don't doubt your 'gladness,' " said Fred. "What I'm afraid of
is your ability. If it was Grant now steering and we struck a
rock he would never own up that that wasn't the very place he was
steering for. However, String, take hold here awhile and give me
a rest."

"Where are we going to stop for dinner?" inquired George. "This
mad race has brought on an attack of hunger with me."

"That's all right," laughed Fred. "I think the only thing you can
say is that you are less hungry some times than others. We can
stop anywhere you want."

"Then I say we stop at Poughkeepsie," said Grant.

"Poughkeepsie will do for me all right," said John soberly.

A half-hour later the graceful little motor-boat was lying
alongside a dock at Poughkeepsie. Two of the boys had remained on
board to guard their possessions while two had gone to a
restaurant to purchase a luncheon with which they were to return
to the boat.

John and George had volunteered their services for the latter
purpose and about fifteen minutes after their departure George
was seen returning to the dock, his arms well laden with packages
of fruit and sandwiches.

"Where's String?" Fred asked as his friend stepped on board and
deposited his packages.

"I don't know. I lost him up here."

"Poor John. Lost in Poughkeepsie. I'm afraid we'll have to
advertise."

"There's one thing we won't do though," said Grant.

"What's that?" inquired Fred.

"We shan't wait for him to come before we begin operations."

"It does my heart good to hear you speak so truthfully," said
George, as at once he opened the packages and passed the various
articles of food which he had obtained.

So busily engaged were the boys that time passed rapidly and a
half-hour later George said, "What do you suppose has become of
that fellow? I told you that his mother said that he was worse
than I am and couldn't find any of his belongings, but I didn't
know that he would lose himself."

"Have you ever been in Poughkeepsie?" inquired Grant soberly.

"I have never stopped here."

"Then I have no need for other explanations. I know what has
become of John."

"Then you'll be the one to go and get him."

"I guess not," laughed Fred.

"No, if he doesn't show up within fifteen minutes the Black
Growler proceeds gracefully on its way and leaves little Johnnie
to come after us. Maybe he can work his way by driving mules for
a canal boat."

"There isn't any canal here," said Fred.

"Well, we'll leave it to him to settle the way he will come. We
shan't wait for him."

"Who's captain of this ship, anyway?" spoke up Fred.

"That's the question that has often puzzled me too," said Grant
soberly.

"Well, I am," said Fred.

"You are? Then let me tell you, Captain Peewee, you will have a
mutiny on your hands before you know it. This boat is going on to
Albany. We have got to get there to-night and if John doesn't
care enough about going with us he will have to take the
consequences. Do you know I think he may have lost his nerve and
gone back home."

"Don't you believe it," said Fred sharply. "John will be here in
a few minutes. He never will lose his nerve."

Fifteen minutes however elapsed and still the absent member of
the Go Ahead boys did not return.

When fifteen more minutes had passed, Fred, who had insisted that
some investigation should be made and a search for John begun,
was overruled by his two companions and in spite of the captain's
protests, the Black Growler slipped quickly away from the dock
and proceeded steadily on her way up the Hudson.

There were no mishaps although twice Fred stopped to secure fresh
supplies of gasoline. No trace of the Varmint II had been seen
and if she too was headed for the far away St. Lawrence, there
was nothing to indicate the fact. And yet Fred became more
positive with the passing minutes that among his rivals in the
race in which his own swift motor-boat was already entered, would
be found the boat whose pursuit he had found it so difficult to
shake off.

The boys by the middle of the afternoon were tired. There was no
opportunity for exercise and in spite of the beauty of the region
through which they were passing there was a certain monotony in
their voyage which at last became wearisome.

The sun was sinking low in the western sky when Fred at last
said, "I think we'll make Albany in about an hour."

"Do you think we'll find String there?" inquired George.

"I hope so. If it was any other of the Go Ahead boys I would say
we would be sure to find him there, but no one knows what Jack
will do. The only certain thing about him is his uncertainty.
Don't you remember--"

"I'm telling you," interrupted Grant, "that we'll find John
waiting for us at the dock. He knows where we're going to land."

"If String is there I'll agree to pay for the dinner to-night,"
said George. "My own feeling is that he hasn't left Poughkeepsie
yet."

It was still light when at last the Black Growler approached the
dock where she was to be tied up for the night. The three Go
Ahead boys were peering ahead of them with interest, every one
looking among the men on the docks for their missing companion.

CHAPTER IV

THE LOST IS FOUND

"He isn't there," exclaimed George gleefully. "I'm safe on my
dinner."

"I believe you are right," said Fred in a low voice after he had
glanced along the docks several times searching for his missing
friend.

"Of course I'm right," said George. "I am always right. That's
the reason why your fond parents wanted me to go with you on this
trip. Somebody has to go along who understands modern life, so I
reluctantly gave up my own convenience and came along to look
after these poor benighted Go Ahead boys."

"Keep quiet a minute, George," said Grant, "we all appreciate
your kindness. Just now, however, I would rather see String than
hear you."

"Not seeing String you must listen to me," laughed George again.
"Let me see, I don't buy the dinner, and it seems to me that one
or the other of my friends agreed to provide one if I was
mistaken about John."

"No such agreement was made," declared Fred sharply.

"Is that so, Grant?" demanded George, turning to the remaining
member of the party.

"It certainly is," declared Grant. "You were the only one to make
the offer."

"Then I suppose I shall have to put up with it," said George
disconsolately. "Now as soon as we get everything ship-shape, we
had better go up to the hotel."

"Shall we take our bags or send down for them?" inquired Grant.

"If we don't take them some one else will," said Fred quickly.
"We can lock up everything else, but we don't want to leave
anything on board that can be taken away."

"Just as you say," said Grant, as taking his bag in his hand he
stepped quickly to the dock.

Already a small assembly had gathered and was commenting upon the
beauty of the little motor-boat. The pride of Fred had been
satisfied so many times throughout the day that he was not unduly
moved now by the words which he overheard. In a brief time he and
his two companions were walking up State Street and soon secured
rooms for the night in their hotel.

An hour later when they entered the dining-room they were amazed
to behold their missing friend John seated at a small table at
which there were three places besides the one he had taken.

For a moment the three Go Ahead boys stopped and gazed in
amazement at him, and then, without a word being spoken, all
three silently advanced to the table which he had reserved and
apparently without recognizing the presence of their friend at
once seated themselves.

"Why don't you say something?" demanded John, a grin appearing on
his face as he spoke.

"I'm going to say something in a minute," said George. "I want to
read through this program first to find out what I'm to have for
my dinner."

" 'Program' is a good word," said Grant soberly. "When George has
such a chance to get a square meal he always has a regular
program mapped out."

"That's all right," retorted George, without glancing up from the
menu card.

"Why don't you say something?" demanded John again.

"My friend," said Grant soberly, gazing a moment at John as he
spoke, "words are not adequate to express our feeling. How is it
with you?"

"I'm fine," said John. "Why don't you ask me where I have been
and how I came to Albany?"

"You're in Albany and that is enough to satisfy all the curiosity
we have," said Grant.

"It doesn't satisfy me," said John. "When three fellows run away
from you and leave you high and dry in a city like Poughkeepsie
why all I can say is that--"

"That's enough to say, Johnnie. That will do," interrupted
George, waving his right hand at his friend.

"You are simply mistaken," said John, the grin appearing on his
face once more. "I want to tell you that whether you want it or
not you are going to hear from me and in more ways than one."

" 'Threatened people live long,' " spoke up Fred. "At the same
time, String, you'll have to own up that we waited for you as
long as we thought we could before we started for Albany. I
didn't want to be out after dark in the Black Growler."

"I appreciate all your kind feelings," laughed John. "Now I want
you to sympathize with me. I had gone to half a dozen different
places doing my best to select certain good things for our
luncheon. I had a choice assortment too, let me tell you. Why
Pop's eyes would have popped out if he had seen what I had
obtained, but alas when I came down to the dock I saw the Growler
running up the river as if she was trying to get away from me."

"Did you come up by train?" inquired Fred.

"I did not come up by train," retorted John, speaking
deliberately.

"How did you come?" asked George, interested now in spite of his
effort to appear indifferent.

"Didn't you see the aeroplane?" asked John.

"Aeroplane? No, we didn't see any," said Grant quickly.

"Well, I didn't either," said John, "so that's one way that I
didn't come."

"Oh, leave him alone," said George, "he is just bursting with his
story. He wants to tell us and we shan't be able to stop him, so
let's have our dinner and you may rest easy that before we are
done you'll know all of John's story and some beside. To-morrow
it will grow big and fast. It's like the pumpkins out in South
Dakota. They say that a man has to be on horseback when he plants
them."

"How's that?" laughed John.

"Why the vines grow so fast that the only way he can escape is to
put his horse into his best paces. Even then they don't always
escape."

"What happens if they are overtaken?" asked John.

"Oh, the pumpkin vines grow right around them and cover them up
and choke off their wind and do other various stunts."

"Fine! Fine," laughed John, "My story isn't growing like that
though let me tell you. This story is true. It's a complete
narrative of truthful John. I was about to turn back and make
inquiries when I could get an express train for Albany, when what
should I see coming up to the dock but the Varmint II. As soon as
the people on board saw me they immediately began to urge me to
come with them. They had seen the Growler just pulling out and
leaving me in my unfortunate plight."

"I guess they suspected what you had in the basket," laughed
Fred.

"That may be," acknowledged John. "At all events it saved them
buying a good spread, for they took me on board right away and we
trailed you all the way up the Hudson. I tell you, Peewee, it's a
comfort to ride in a good boat. That Varmint II can travel! Oh, I
don't know how many knots an hour!"

"Can she beat the Black Growler?" inquired Fred anxiously.

"Beat her! Beat her!" retorted John. "Why you would think the
Black Growler was standing still the Varmint can pull away from
her so fast."

"I don't believe that," said Fred, shaking his head.

"Well, you will have to, for they are going to the same place we
are. They have entered her in the motor-boat races and as she
belongs to the same class that your tub does you will have a fine
chance to see her win the cup. That's about the only chance
you'll have too, in my opinion." John winked at George and Grant,
who immediately in doleful tones expressed their sympathy for
Fred.

"It's too bad," declared George, "after a fellow's father has
given him a boat such as the Black Growler to find out that it
doesn't stand any show in the race. Now if you had found that out
before you had bought the boat, Fred, just think how much money,
time, labor, trouble, perplexity, sleeplessness, loss of
appetite--"

"Never that," broke in Grant, shaking his head. "All the other
things, yes, but loss of appetite, never. Just look at him!"

John insisted upon relating his experiences and increased the
interest of his friends in spite of their efforts to appear
indifferent when he said there were three young people on board
the Varmint, who were expecting to spend the summer on an island
near Fred's grandfather's and were also confident that the boat
race was to be the supreme event of the summer.

In spite of his declaration that he was not anxious, it was plain
to his friends that Fred was somewhat cast down by the glowing
reports which his companion had brought concerning the swift
rival motor-boat.

"To-morrow we'll be on the 'ragin' canawl,"' said Grant. "Now
then, I want to know if there is any fellow in this crowd who
knows anything about the world's great canals."

"We don't know anything," said Fred. "We heard you talking this
morning, but how much of what you said is true nobody knows, not
even yourself."

"It's all true," retorted Grant. "As I told you I wasn't willing
to start on a trip like this without knowing something about what
I was doing."

"When do you start on that new line?" laughed George.

"It doesn't make any difference," said Grant. "Now the Panama
Canal, for example belongs to the United States, doesn't it?"

"It does," acknowledged Fred.

"Well, now as a future citizen of this country just tell me
between what places that canal extends. If there is one fellow in
this crowd who can give me the right answer I will pay for the
dinner for all the Go Ahead boys."

"Panama," said John promptly.

"Panama what?" retorted Grant sharply.

"Why the Panama Canal is located at the City of Panama," said
John somewhat abashed by the manner of his friend.

"That's good as far as it goes," said Grant, "but I want to know
if you know where the other end of the canal is located."

The three boys looked blankly at one another and for an instant
no one spoke.

"The canal extends between Colon and the City of Panama," said
Grant hastily.

"That's exactly what I was going to say," said George. "You took
the words right out of my mouth. You did it so that you wouldn't
have to pay for the dinner to-morrow. I guess every one of us
knows where the Panama Canal is."

"All right," said Grant. "I'll take your word for it, if you'll
tell me how long it is."

Again there was silence among the Go Ahead boys as they glanced
foolishly at one another.

"Of course every young American is sure to know such simple facts
as that," said Grant condescendingly, "but for my own
satisfaction, I am willing to state that it is exactly fifty and
one-half miles long."

"How deep is it?" said Fred sharply.

"It is about forty-one feet," answered Grant promptly. "Of course
in the lakes it is deeper than that and it is from three hundred
to six hundred and forty-nine feet wide. Why, I don't believe,"
he continued, "that some American boys I happen to know although
they passed right through it, could tell me how long the Sault
Ste. Marie Canal is. I have a dim suspicion too that they don't
know what it connects."

"I know that," said George. "It connects Lake Superior with St.
Mary's River and Lake Huron."

"I'm glad you're right once in your life," said Grant. "Now tell
me how long that canal is."

"I can't tell a lie, Mr. Schoolmaster," said George, "the Sault
Ste. Marie Canal is two miles long."

"All right, I don't have to buy the dinner to-morrow," said
Grant.

"There may be some other things you'll have to do though," said
John. "You're not done with me yet. No, sir," he added
emphatically "that is NOT all!"

CHAPTER V

THE MISSING BAG

Early the following morning the Go Ahead boys were moving swiftly
over the waters of the Erie Canal. Most of the country through
which they were passing was new to them, and, rested as they were
from the voyage of the preceding day, they were deeply interested
in the various scenes through which they were moving.

The speedy Growler still aroused the interest of the people who
saw the graceful little boat. The speed at which Fred was driving
was not as great as when they had been on the Hudson. The stream
was narrower and frequently there were long canal-boats to be
passed.

The experiences when they arrived at the locks were alike novel
and filled with interest. After they had watched the slowly
rising waters and several times had been lifted to a different
level the novelty, however, wore off and by the middle of the
forenoon the Go Ahead boys were beginning to tease one another.

"There's one thing," said John, "that's as fixed as the sun."

Nobody made any response to his startling suggestion and after he
had glanced quizzically at his companions John continued, "No
crowd ever left a fellow at Poughkeepsie and went on without him
without having to pay the price. I'm telling you, fellows, that
just as sure as the sun shines there's something coming to every
one of you, and most of all to Grant."

"Why am I selected for this special favor?" demanded Grant
quickly.

"If you don't know there isn't any one who can tell you,"
retorted John. "All I'm saying is that action and reaction are
equal, even if the Panama Canal is fifty and one-half miles
long."

"Speaking of canals," said Grant. "I want to know if anybody
knows how long the Suez Canal is."

"Speak up, Professor," said George dejectedly. "We have got to
hear it, so we might as well have it now as any time. How long is
it?"

"It's exactly one hundred miles. Now if there's any Go Ahead boy
who can tell what the Suez Canal connects, it will be my turn to
pay for the dinner."

There was a silence following Grant's words while the Go Ahead
boys looked foolishly at one another. Not one of them was able to
answer the simple question.

"The Suez Canal," began Grant, "connects the Mediterranean Sea
with the Red Sea."

"How do you know?" demanded Fred. "You have never seen it."

"I don't have to see it to know. I have never seen London, but I
am quite confident there is a city by that name. By the way,
fellows, if you'll wait a minute I'll show you something I put in
my bag. I saved it for a day just like this."

Rising from his seat Grant hastily sought his bag and in a brief
time rejoined his companions.

"What's the matter?" demanded John, as he saw an expression of
consternation on the face of his friend.

"Matter!" retorted Grant. "Matter enough. Somebody brought the
wrong bag."

"Let me see," said John, rising and examining the bag, which
Grant had placed on the seat near him. "That's not mine."

"It surely isn't mine," said George.

"I won't claim it either," added Fred as he glanced behind him.

"Well, it isn't mine," said Grant. "Somebody made a mistake at
the hotel this morning and instead of giving me what belonged to
me they have sent my bag off in some other direction and given me
a bag that belongs to some one else."

"Try your keys," suggested John. "Maybe it isn't as bad as you
think."

"The keys don't fit," declared Grant after he had tested them
all.

"Maybe there's a catch or a trick of some kind. Look again, Soc,
and see if there isn't some way to find out what there is inside
that bag. That's about the only way you can tell whose it is."

"I have been trying," retorted Grant sharply. "It's locked and I
haven't any key that will fit it."

"It feels pretty heavy," said John as he lifted the bag in
question.

"Yes, it's heavier than mine," acknowledged Grant. "I don't see
how that porter could have made any such mistake."

"I don't see any way out of it, Soc, but for you to take your bag
back to Albany," said Fred.

"I'm not going back," declared Grant. "I'll send the bag back by
express and telegraph the hotel to send my bag in the same way to
Utica. If they get busy right away it ought to be there by the
time we are."

"No use, my dear friend," said John, shaking his head. "Your bag
by this time is on its way to Timbuctoo or San Francisco. Some
other fellow has it and if he has and isn't making remarks that
sound like echoes of yours, it is only because he hasn't yet
found out his mistake."

The perplexity in which Grant found himself was increasing. Many
of his necessary articles and much of his clothing that he would
require on the trip were contained in the missing bag. He was
unable to see the sly wink which John gave Fred when the latter
looked questioningly at him.

So insistent was Grant that the Black Growler was stopped at
Schenectady to enable him to send a telegram to the hotel at
which the Go Ahead boys had stopped the preceding night at
Albany.

No one had offered to assist him in his task and the boy alone
carried the bag which he believed had been given him in place of
his own to the express office. There, in accordance with the word
which he had already sent the hotel, he shipped the bag to
Albany.

When he returned to the motor-boat so engrossed was he with his
own troubles that he failed to discover the grin which appeared
on the faces of two of the Go Ahead boys.

"You might have offered to go back to get my bag," suggested
Grant sharply when he resumed his seat on board.

"Yes, we might," said Fred. "We might have offered to buy a new
one for you and fit it out with all the things you need, but we
thought we wouldn't. You need the lesson, Soc. You have been
telling all the world how to do it so long that it is time for
you to begin to find out some things for yourself."

Grant made no reply and indeed he had little to say until the
boat stopped at an attractive village where the boys obtained
their luncheon.

When the voyage was resumed, Grant's confidence that his own
missing bag would be found when they arrived at Utica in a
measure served to restore his good nature and throughout the
afternoon he took an active part in the bantering in which the
boys engaged.

Occasionally Fred relinquished his task at the wheel and
permitted his friends to take turns in steering the boat. The
banks of the canal were free from rocks and even if the swift
little motor-boat was turned from her course no great amount of
damage could follow.

There were other boats they were informed that had preceded them
and among them the references to the swift Varmint II were
frequent.

On such occasions Fred's passengers at once resumed their task of
informing their captain how small his chances of winning the race
were becoming. Apparently the Varmint had everything her own way.

Fred did his utmost to appear indifferent to the words of his
companions, but in spite of it all it became plain to the other
boys that he was seriously disturbed by the comments they made.

There were times when, the course being clear, the speed of the
Black Growler was increased almost to her maximum. At such times
the farmers in the fields stopped in their labors and stared at
the motor-boat, which almost seemed to be shooting through the
country.

At other times when they were passing through villages or met a
heavily laden canal-boat the Black Growler moved slowly and
seemed to share in the need of caution.

It was late in the afternoon when at last the little party
arrived at Utica.

"We'll go up to the hotel and have our dinner," said Grant. "I do
not know that I owe the rest of you anything, but I'm going to
take pity on you and do what I at first thought I wouldn't. I'm
going to give you a dinner."

"That's very kind," said John, winking at Fred as he spoke.
"Meanwhile who's going to look after our bags?"

"I'm going to find out first if mine is here to be looked after,"
said Grant. "Come on with me, Jack, and I'll go to the express
offices and see if it is there."

John followed his friend, but their labors were not crowned with
success when after an absence of an hour they returned to the
place where the Black Growler was awaiting them. Not a word had
been received from Albany nor had Grant succeeded in finding any
trace of his missing baggage.

"Never mind," he said quickly. "I'll have to make the best of it.
I'm not going to spoil all the fun of the trip crying over
spilled milk."

Again John winked at Fred, but no words were spoken after the
boat and its belongings had been left in charge of a man and the
boys together had started for their hotel.

It was still light when they returned to the dock and Fred said,
"I wonder how it would do for us to go on a bit farther. There
are hotels all along the way and I think it would be good fun to
stop at some one of those country taverns."

"We're with you," said George. "We want to get all the
experiences we can on this trip."

"I guess it will be something you will remember," said Grant.

CHAPTER VI

IN THE TAVERN

About half-past eight o 'clock the Go Ahead boys returned to the
dock where the Black Growler had been left. A hasty examination
convinced them that all their belongings were safe. In accordance
with the suggestion which had been made they soon decided to set
forth on their voyage. Just how far they would go was left
undecided.

"I hear," said Fred, "that we can stop at a village half-way
between here and Rome. They say it is all right. If we don't like
to sail in the night then we can stop there, but if we want to we
can keep on until we get to Rome or Oneida. That's about as far
as we'll want to go anyway."

"I think it will be good fun," said John, "to travel through the
country by night. Perhaps we'll find some more places like the
old Meeker House."[5]

[5] The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House.

"I'm afraid," laughed George, "that we'll find our ghosts a
little more substantial than they were in that old place."

"I wish we could find my bag," spoke up Grant. "It's strange it
didn't come to Utica. I left word with the express office though
to send it ahead just as soon as they received it."

"Maybe we'll find the ghost of it," suggested Fred.

Meanwhile they had cast off and the Black Growler was moving
noiselessly over the waters of the Erie Canal. They were soon
beyond the borders of the attractive city, but after they had
passed the first village on their way George said quickly,
"Fellows, I believe it's going to rain. Look at those clouds over
yonder." As he spoke George pointed to some heavy clouds that
could be seen massing in the western sky.

"I don't want to get caught out here in a thunder storm," said
John.

"We shan't be," said Fred. "I'll put on a little more speed and
we'll go on to the next place. That's where the hotel or tavern
is that they told me about in Utica. It won't rain before we get
there for it is only four or five miles ahead. If it is going to
rain we can stop. If it doesn't we can keep on if we want to."

Conversation ceased as the speed of the swift little boat
increased. Less than a half-hour had elapsed when the boys found
that they were entering the village to which Fred had referred.

"How about it, Fred?" called John. "It looks pretty black to me."

"It does to me, too," replied Fred. "I think the best thing for
us to do will be to stop. We'll find a place where we can leave
the motor-boat and then we'll go up to the hotel and if we have
to we'll stay there all night."

The boys all agreed to the suggestion and in a brief time the
graceful little boat was covered in such a way that she was
protected from the coming storm, which now was almost upon them.

Hastily the boys took their bags and at once started for the
hotel which they were informed was only a few yards distant.

With difficulty they made their way along the darkened street,
and in a few minutes arrived at their destination.

Just as they entered, the storm broke. There was a long roll of
thunder followed by a blinding flash and then the rain began to
fall in torrents.

"Just in time, weren't we?" said Fred with a laugh. "You're
always right if you do what I tell you to. It was my suggestion
and I am glad that for once in your lives you had wisdom enough
to do what I said."

"That remains to be seen," said Grant dryly as he looked about
the room in which they found themselves. "It seems to me that the
motto over the door of this place ought to be, 'He who enters
here leaves soap behind.' "

"Where did you find that?" laughed George.

"Didn't you ever hear of the motto over the Bridge of Sighs?"

Whether the boys had ever heard of the famous bridge or not was
not manifest, for at that moment in the midst of a deafening peal
of thunder the landlady entered the room where the boys were
waiting.

"What can I do for you?" she inquired as the thunder ceased.

"We're caught in the storm and thought perhaps we might stay here
all night," suggested Fred.

"The house is pretty full," said the woman dubiously. "I don't
know whether I can give you rooms or not."

At that moment there came a burst of loud laughter from the
bar-room. It was plain that many of the men who were employed on
the canal also had sought shelter in the little tavern. The house
was old, so old that the boards in the floor were warped and the
low ceilings gave evidence of the many years that had passed
since they had been placed there. Not a door fitted its frame and
the windows were all small, the panes being not much more than
seven by nine. Whatever was done in one part of the house plainly
was likely to be known also in other parts. The noisy men, who
were drinking in the bar-room, whose shouts and songs and cries
now were even more distinctly heard, could not confine their loud
demonstrations to the room in which they had assembled even if
they had been so inclined.

"If you don't mind," suggested Fred to the landlady, "I think we
would like to go up to our rooms."

"Have you had any supper?" inquired the woman.

"Yes, we got some in Utica," replied Fred.

"Where are you goin'?"

"We expect to go to the St. Lawrence River."

"You don't tell me," exclaimed the woman. "How be you goin'?"

"We have got a motor-boat."

"Land sakes! You don't say so! That's a terrible long ways and I
don't see how you can get there with a boat all the way."

"The storm caught us and we thought we had better stop here for
the night than try to go on any farther."

"Where do you come from?" inquired the woman, who busied herself
lighting two candles while she was talking.

"We came from Albany this morning," replied Fred, who did not
think it necessary to go more into details concerning their
expedition.

"My, you must have come pretty fast. Now, if you'll follow me
I'll show you to your rooms."

Fred glanced uneasily behind him as from the bar-room at that
moment there came another noisy outburst that was almost alarming
in its character.

"How many men are there in there?" inquired Fred, nodding his
head toward the room as he spoke.

"It's about full," replied the landlady. "A stormy night like
this drives a good many of the boatmen and the hands under
cover."

"They are a noisy lot," suggested Fred.

"They are a tough crowd," said the woman feelingly. "Sometimes
they go off and don't pay me a cent. That's one reason why I make
everybody pay before I give them a room."

"Do you mean that we'll have to pay before we take the room?"
inquired John.

"Yes, sir, that's just what I say. That's the rule o' this
house."

"Well, I guess we'll see the rooms first then," said George.

Conversation ceased as the woman, who was stout and consequently
slow in her movements, led the way up the creaking stairway and
then through the hall on the second floor. The floor here also
was loose and every step was announced by creakings, while
various other sounds were emitted as the boards resumed their
accustomed places.

"Here you be," said the woman at last as she stopped before the
rooms at the end of the hall-way.

"We're directly over the bar-room, aren't we?" inquired John as
another noisy outburst came from below.

"Yes, but you won't mind that after a bit," explained the
landlady. "You'll get used to it same as I have. I go to sleep
and don't pay no more attention to the noises than I do to the
wind that blows."

By this time she had opened the doors, which were unlocked, and
entered the rooms.

The boys looked ruefully at one another when they became aware in
the dim light of the condition of the rooms to which they had
been shown.

"I don't believe those windows have seen soap and water since the
Erie Canal was built," whispered George to Grant. "When did you
say that was?"

"Keep quiet a minute, Pop," retorted Grant.

The rain was beating against the windows with renewed force. The
storm apparently was at its height. For them to go on in the
Black Growler was almost impossible. There was nothing to be
done, except to make the best of the conditions in which they now
found themselves.

Soon after the withdrawal of their landlady, who had been paid in
advance for the use of the rooms, although breakfast was not
included as the boys explained they might have to leave the
village before sunrise, they prepared for bed. They were
thoroughly tired by the new experiences of the past day and in
spite of their surroundings and the noise of the men below and of
the storm, which still was raging, they decided to retire.

Their rooms did not connect and as George and Grant withdrew,
Fred said, "If we need your help in the night, fellows, don't
fail to come right away."

"Are you scared, Peewee?" laughed George.

"Yes, I am, and I don't mind saying so," retorted Fred. "I don't
like the sound that comes from that room downstairs."

Fred's feelings were not relieved when he found it was impossible
to lock the doors. An old fashioned iron latch was the only means
by which each door was opened and there were not even bolts or
buttons by which the door could be fastened.

"I'm going to put a chair against the door," said Fred. "I'm
afraid something will happen before morning."

Nor was Fred disappointed, for two hours after the boys were in
bed the door of the room which Fred and John occupied was
stealthily opened by some one in the hall.

CHAPTER VII

AN UNWELCOME PARTY

"Who's there? Who's there?" demanded Fred sharply.

The noise in the room below had prevented him from sleeping
soundly. Several times he sat erect in bed, convinced that some
one was in the room. Even when his fears proved to be groundless
he was unable to ignore the shouts and songs and calls that
frequently indicated that the men in the room below were angry.
Before he had retired he had obtained a glimpse of the shouting
assembly when a door had been opened and the sight had not
soothed his feelings. And now he was positive some one was trying
to open the door of their room.

Aroused by the call of his friend, John also quickly sat up and
stared about him. There was no mistaking the fact that some one
was trying to enter by the door which yielded slightly to the
pressure and the chair which had been placed by Fred to protect
them had been moved back a few inches from its place.

"Who's there? Who's there?" demanded Fred sharply.

No reply was given to his question although the door slowly was
closed again and the sound of the footsteps of some one moving
down the hall was plainly heard.

"What do you suppose that was?" demanded Fred in a whisper.

"Somebody was trying to break in," replied John.

"What do you suppose he wanted?"

"He wanted to get in."

"What for?"

"I don't know. You'll have to ask him, I guess," replied John
drowsily for by this time he had resumed his place on the pillow.

"I think he wanted our money," suggested Fred.

"He didn't want much then. Maybe he wanted our money and our
lives."

"All the same I'm scared. I don't like this place. I don't know
why we stopped here. It must be past one o'clock now and yet hear
those men yell down there in the bar-room. I'm going to see what
time it is."

Fred climbed out of bed and striking a match looked at his watch.
"It's quarter past one," he said, but the sound which came from
John did not indicate that he was specially interested in the
report of the watch.

Fred looked out of the window and saw that the storm long since
had passed. The air was cool and fresh and had it not been for
the uproar in the hotel the night would have been an ideal one.

Before he rejoined his companion Fred replaced the chair so that
it barred the opening of the door.

Convinced that he had done all in his power he climbed back into
bed once more and in spite of his declaration when daylight came
that he had not been asleep John was not convinced.

"Come on, String," said Fred when once more he had looked at his
watch to discover the time. "It's five o'clock. It's time for us
to be moving. I wouldn't have breakfast in this hole if they paid
me for it."

"Why can't you leave a fellow alone and let him sleep? I'm tired.
I got left at Poughkeepsie and I had a hard day yesterday too."

"No, sir," said Fred firmly. "This party starts from this place
in thirty minutes. Any one who isn't ready will have to come by
canal-boat. The Black Growler leaves here at five-thirty sharp."

With a groan John arose and began to dress, although he protested
feelingly all the time against the unreasonable demands of Fred.

The other two Go Ahead boys were speedily aroused and twenty
minutes later they departed from the hotel.

"It looks worse in the morning than it does at night and we
thought that wasn't possible when we came here last evening,"
said George when the Go Ahead boys looked behind them after their
departure.

"I think I will send that landlady a Christmas present of a cake
of soap," said Grant soberly.

"She wouldn't know what it was for," laughed John, "if you did."

"My, I would like to hear what my mother would say if she could
see the inside of that old tavern."

"The worst thing of all," said Fred, "was the riot in the
bar-room. I didn't sleep a wink last night."

"You didn't sound that way, Freddie," said George.

"What time did the noise downstairs stop, Peewee?" inquired John.

"It didn't stop, I guess," laughed Fred. "The landlady said the
storm drove all the canal-men into the house, but it didn't seem
to me there was anything that drove them out. I shouldn't like to
meet one of those men in a dark alley."

"You don't have to meet them," suggested George. "We have lived
through the night somehow and are all safe. Now if the Black
Growler is ready we are. We'll get our breakfast at Rome, I
suppose."

"That's what we will," said Fred, quickening his pace as he
spoke.

"Look yonder!" exclaimed John, abruptly halting as he spoke and
pointing in surprise at their motor-boat, which was only a few
yards distant.

In response to his suggestion the Go Ahead boys all stopped and
stared in amazement at the sight before them.

On board the Black Growler were at least a half-dozen men and it
required no explanation to enable the boys to understand that
they were a part of the noisy assembly which had made night
hideous in the hotel.

"Here," called Fred, running ahead of his companions. "What are
you doing in that boat?"

"Who are you?" demanded one of the occupants, turning and facing
Fred as he spoke.

"That's my boat," declared Fred.

"You don't say so!" replied the man in shrill tones, at which his
companions laughed loudly.

For a moment Fred stopped and stared blankly at the men, who had
apparently made themselves fully at home on board his motor-boat.
The awnings had been taken in and the self-invited guests had
been examining various parts of the fleet little craft.

"Did you ever hear," continued the spokesman, "that possession is
nine points of the law and that the tenth isn't worth fighting
about? Maybe we'll ask you to prove that this boat is yours.
According to the records of my private secretary this here yacht
is mine. I'm goin' on a cruise up to Buffalo and I have invited a
few o' my pals to come along with me."

The men were a brutal and powerful lot. Every one showed the
effect of the night which he had spent in the bar-room. The boys
were powerless to compel them to leave the boat if they did not
choose to do so.

The predicament in which the Go Ahead boys now found themselves
seemed to appeal strongly to the men on board. They laughed
loudly and the leader who had spoken before, said, "Why don't you
come on board? If this boat is yours all you have to do is to
come and take it."

"It is, all right. That is our boat," said Fred.

"If you don't get out I shall have to get some one to put you
out."

"Don't be so unkind, mister," retorted the leader, while his
companions again united in a shout of glee. "There aren't many
men around this place that will want to undertake that job. If
you would really like to have us go ashore it seems to me the
best plan would be for you to come and throw us out."

Once more the unwelcome guests laughed loudly at the words of
their leader, while the confusion among the Go Ahead boys became
more marked.

Withdrawing a few feet from the bank Fred called his companions
about him and in low tones they discussed the course of action
which they ought to follow.

"We had better go up and get the constable," suggested John. "Get
out a warrant for these men. They won't make any trouble even if
the constable comes down alone."

"I'm not so sure," said Fred. "What do you think, Grant?"

"I don't believe the men intend to stay on board," replied Grant.
"They probably were attracted by the appearance of the Black
Growler and when they saw us coming they put up a bold front and
just tried to scare Fred."

"What do you think is the best thing to do?" inquired Fred.

"My suggestion is to go back to the boat, not have much to say to
the men and get ready to start. They won't bother us, at least I
don't believe they will."

"What shall we do if they make trouble?"

"It will be time enough to decide that when we have to," replied
Grant. "I'm sure they won't make any trouble after they see that
we are going to start."

"All right, we'll try it," said Fred dubiously, and once more
returning to the place where the Black Growler was awaiting them,
the three bags which contained the belongings of the boys were
placed on board and ignoring the bantering of the men, they at
once prepared to cast off.

"You don't mean to say we're going to start now, do you?"
inquired the leader.

"Yes," said Fred shortly.

"Why, we didn't think you'd go for an hour yet. We haven't got
our trunks."

Again his companions laughed loudly at the wit of their leader,
but as yet not one of them had made any move to leave the boat.

Fred's alarm was plain in spite of the boldness with which he
cast off the bow line. Grant already had performed a similar
service with the stern line and the boys were now ready to
depart.

"It's nice of you to invite us to go along with you," said the
leader. "This is a purty little boat and me and my pals will
enjoy a ride in her."

"We're going to start now," said Fred quietly, striving to
conceal his fear.

"Why, I guess we're ready, aren't we?" said the leader as he
glanced at his companions.

"I reckon we are, cap'n," replied one of the men.

The six men occupied most of the available space on board the
little boat. Striving to appear indifferent to their presence
Fred advanced to the wheel, turned on the power and prepared to
depart.

CHAPTER VIII

THE COMING OF THE CALEDONIA

In response to Fred's action there was a loud shout of protest
from the men on board. Every one still was manifesting the effect
of the drunken spree through which they had passed the preceding
night. As yet, however, they had not offered any violence and
although Fred's heart was beating rapidly he resolutely stuck to
his task and in a brief time the Black Growler darted forward
like a thing alive.

For a moment the uninvited passengers apparently were startled by
the unexpected action of the young captain. They speedily
recovered, however, from their surprise, and one of the men
turning to the leader said, "My, ain 't she purty, Jim!"

"She is that," replied Jim promptly. "She looks better than she
did when I took my last trip to Niag'ra. When I left my house on
Fifth Avenoo I didn't think she'd ever measure up to what she was
that time, but she is goin' one better. Yes, sir, she's all that
you say she is."

Still the men did not interfere with Fred in his management of
the motor-boat. Apparently too they did not have any objection to
the voyage. Indeed the Go Ahead boys already were aware of the
fact that every one of their self-invited guests had brought a
small bundle with him. They naturally inferred that these bundles
contained most of the earthly possessions of their noisy
passengers.

"How is it, Jim!" called another of the men. "Isn't it about time
we had breakfast?"

"That's right," spoke up another. "I'm hungry, too. Seems to me I
would like one o' them grape fruits."

"Grape fruits? You don't know what they be," retorted Jim.

"You tell us what they be," responded the man, unabashed by the
rebuke of the leader.

"Don't you know?" retorted Jim scornfully. "Why grape fruit's the
stuff that grows on grape vines."

"Get out!" said the other one. "I guess I know enough about the
country to know that grapes grow on grape vines."

"In course they do," acknowledged Jim, "but this isn't grapes,
this is grape FRUIT. It takes a special vine to grow it."

"Does it grow right on the vine?"

"In course it does. What do you think, it grows under the ground
like tomatoes?"

"Tomatoes don't grow under the ground," spoke up another of the
party. "It's potatoes that grow under the ground."

"It's all one," retorted Jim glibly. "Potatoes and tomatoes. I
knew one grew in the air and the other grew in the ground."

"What about the grape fruits, Jim?" demanded the first speaker.

"Well, they grow on the vines. They are just like big yeller
grapes. Many 's a time out on my country estate I have climbed
the ladder and picked 'em from the vines that grow so high they
hid the sight of the street from the piazzy of my bungaloo."

"I'm wondering where you got this yacht, Jim," inquired another.

"Never mind how I got it as long as we have got it. That's the
main thing," interrupted another one. "What I want to know, is
about those grape fruits we're talking about. How does it taste?"

"Fine. Fine," answered Jim promptly. Then turning to the boys he
inquired, "Have you got anything on board to eat?"

"You see that monemint up yonder," interrupted another pointing
to a tall granite shaft that could be seen in the distance. The
entire party including the boys at once looked in the direction
indicated and saw a beautiful memorial stone, although few of
them were aware of what it commemorated.

"Yes, that's my granddad's tombstone," said one of the tramps.

"I guess he must have been some man," exclaimed one of his
companions. "It's a pity the rest of the family didn't take after
him."

"We did, but we didn't want to hog the whole thing. We had to let
some one else have a chance too."

Meanwhile the Black Growler was speeding swiftly over the waters
of the Erie Canal. Fred was driving at high speed and as the boat
sped forward he was keenly watching for the coming of a boat that
might provide help for the Go Ahead boys in their predicament.

Several canal-boats had been passed, but there was no one on
board who appeared to be able to help.

The unwelcome guests still talked noisily to one another, but in
the main they ignored the boys and as yet had not offered any
violence.

"Who's running this 'ere boat, Jim?" suddenly spoke up one of the
passengers. "I thought you said this was your yacht."

"I did say so," answered Jim promptly. "I'm just taking out a
pleasure party. Didn't you never go to no picnic afore? I want
you to be good, for we have got comp'ny on board. When you have
got guests you have to be perlite whether you want to be or not."

Still the Black Growler was moving swiftly. The waters over which
she was passing seethed and boiled as if they had been heated by
unseen fires. Even Fred had lost a part of his alarm as he began
to suspect that his uninvited passengers did not know how to
manage the boat. If they did, it was difficult to understand why
they had not yet driven the boys away and taken charge.

There was another thought in Fred's mind that was perplexing. He
suspected that the supply of gasoline was running low. He had
neglected to have the tank filled the preceding night, believing
that he had a supply ample to carry them forward until they could
obtain more. Suppose the motor-boat should stop? What would the
men do? They might accuse him of deliberately stopping and in
that event he was aware that there might be serious trouble.
Indeed, he was still puzzled to understand why the men appeared
to be so contented. If they had been workers on the canal, or had
been employed by any of the boats why was it that they were free
this morning? He was aware that the little city of Rome could not
be far away.

If once he should be able to bring the Black Growler safely
within the borders of the city he was confident he would be able
to rid himself speedily of the men, whose presence with every
passing moment was becoming more difficult to bear.

He looked eagerly ahead for signs of the city. He was unable to
discover any, however, but his fears increased as he became more
positive that his supply of gasoline was low. If only it would
last a half-hour longer!

On either side of the canal was a level stretch of country and
near to the water no houses were to be seen. His friends had
taken seats on the deck forward. In low tones they conversed
among themselves, but Fred was too busy in his own task either to
heed what they were saying or to join in their conversation.

A few minutes later, after the speed of the boat had materially
decreased, Fred said abruptly, "We have got to stop."

"What for?" demanded the leader, quickly rising as he spoke and
turning toward the young pilot.

"Our gasoline is gone."

"Look here, young fellow," said the leader of the gang after he
had silently glared at Fred a moment, "I don't want you to try
any of your games on us. We're bad men. Now then, you keep this
boat goin'," he added threateningly.

"I only wish I could do it," said Fred.

"Are you givin' us straight goods when you say your gasoline is
gone?"

"I am."

"What are you goin' to do?"

"Nothing. That's the trouble. You can't do anything without
gasoline. I am thinking of letting some of my passengers go ahead
and get enough to carry us into the town. Do you know how far it
is to Rome?"

"Must be about three mile."

"That wouldn't be very much of a walk," said Fred glibly.

For some unexplained reason his courage now had returned and he
stood in less fear of his rough and noisy guests.

"What are you goin' to do?" again demanded the leader.

"There isn't anything I can do," retorted Fred sharply, "unless
some of you will go ahead and get some gasoline."

"That's right, Jim," spoke up one of his companions. "We'll go
and get his gasoline. Tell him to give us four dollars and we'll
get a good supply."

"That's right," spoke up Jim quickly. "We can't get gasoline
without some money."

"Oh, one of us will go along and pay the bills," spoke up John,
who up to this point had taken no part in the conversation.

"How much money you got?"

"I guess we have got just enough to buy fifteen gallons of
gasoline."

"All right, then, give it to us and we'll get the gasoline for
you."

"I told you that we shan't give you the money," said John. "We'll
go with you. Perhaps we can get a ride on a canal-boat or
something."

"You won't save much time that way," retorted Jim. "The only
thing to do is to let us have the money and save yourselves a lot
of trouble."

"We're not going to give you any money," said John quietly. "I
told you that before. The thing for you to do is to clear out,
every one of you if you don't want to help."

Unknown to his companions John had been keeping a careful outlook
on the canal behind them. In the distance he had seen a yacht
approaching that he was confident was the Caledonia, which they
had passed when first they had set forth on their voyage. He was
confident also that the coming of the yacht, together with the
number of men that comprised her crew, would be sufficient to
overawe the half-dozen men that had forced their company upon the
Go Ahead boys.

"Yonder comes the Caledonia!" he exclaimed suddenly. "They will
give us a lift as soon as they catch up with us."

Instantly the eyes of every one on board the Black Growler were
turned toward the approaching yacht.

Apparently the sight had markedly different effects. The Go Ahead
boys were elated, but their passengers after a hasty glance and a
few words spoken in low tones to one another, instantly seizing
their bundles leaped ashore and ran swiftly toward the road which
was not more than fifty yards distant.

CHAPTER IN

A FRIEND IN NEED

In response to the signal of distress which Fred waved from the
deck of the Black Growler as the Caledonia approached, the speed
of the big yacht was checked and she stopped not far from the
motor-boat. It was still early in the morning and the owners or
guests on board the Caledonia were not seen on deck.

"What's wrong? What's the trouble?" called the captain, leaning
over the rail and speaking to Fred.

"We have had trouble," replied Fred. "A gang of tramps or canal
men forced themselves on board and we have just gotten rid of
them. When they saw the Caledonia coming they all ran."

"Well, if you have got rid of them," said the captain gruffly,
"what more do you want? If you go ahead they won't catch up with
you."

"But we can't go ahead."

"Why not?"

"Our gasoline is out."

"We don't run by gasoline," said the captain, "and I'm afraid
steam wouldn't do you any good."

"Perhaps you might give us a tow as far as Rome."

"Perhaps we might and then--"

"What's the trouble?" Fred looked up quickly as he saw a man
about fifty years of age approaching the rail and standing near
the captain of the yacht. He wore a yachting cap and it was plain
to the perplexed boy that he either was the owner of the
beautiful boat or one whose word counted for much.

"We have had our troubles," explained Fred once more. "A gang of
tramps forced their way on board our boat and they have just left
us. Our gasoline is out and I was asking the captain if he would
be willing to give us a tow as far as Rome."

"Of course he will," said the man heartily. "Have you got a
painter long enough?"

"I'm afraid not," replied Fred.

"Then we'll toss you a rope."

The captain at once responded to the word of the man who had been
speaking to Fred and in a brief time a rope was thrown on board
the little motor-boat.

"Are you all ready?" called the man from the deck.

"Yes, sir," replied Fred heartily, for by this time he and his
friends had made the rope fast and were prepared to start.

"All right then, captain, go ahead."

The Caledonia at once resumed her way and the Black Growler
obediently followed about twenty-five feet behind the larger
boat.

Before they arrived at Rome other people, in addition to the man
who assisted the boys, were seen on the deck of the Caledonia. It
was evident that the party had not followed the example of the Go
Ahead boys in spending any nights at hotels. They slept on board
and the port-holes of what undoubtedly were beautiful little
cabins were plainly seen along the sides of the yacht.

It was manifest too that the story of the misfortunes of the Go
Ahead boys was speedily told, for a party of five young people in
addition to the older ones assembled in the stern of the
Caledonia and laughingly greeted the boys in the boat that was
being towed.

A short time afterward the boats entered the little city of Rome.
When they arrived at a place where a landing safely could be made
Fred shouted to the people on the Caledonia, "We'll cast off now.
Thank you for all you have done. You have helped us out of a bad
fix."

"You're very welcome, I'm sure," replied the man who had arranged
for their relief from their predicament.

"Are you going down the St. Lawrence?" he added.

"Yes, sir," replied Fred, "as far as Alexandria Bay."

"Then we may see you again," called the man. "We expect to be on
an island near there. My name is Stevens. If you expect to be in
Alexandria Bay very long don't fail to look us up."

"Thank you, sir," replied Fred, and his companions were as
interested as he in his word. "We certainly shall do so. Thank
you again for all that you have done to help us."

The Caledonia quickly resumed her voyage, while the boys waving
their handkerchiefs in response to the tokens of good will that
came from the strangers who had helped them, speedily made their
boat fast and went ashore.

In response to their inquiries they were directed to a place
where they could obtain a breakfast and not many minutes had
elapsed before the four Go Ahead boys were seated about a table
busily engaged in their repast.

"I tell you I'm hungry," said John as he called for a second
piece of beefsteak.

"That's the way you would be all the time," said George, "if you
would only get up early in the morning."

"That doesn't go. I was up all night long," spoke up Fred. "I
didn't sleep any last night."

"I noticed that," said Grant. "The sound that came from your room
showed very plainly that you were not sleeping and yet I cannot
understand why a fellow should make all those noises if he is
wide awake."

"It was John you heard," retorted Fred.

"Yes, I heard John too," said Grant. "It was a duet most of the
time. Now aren't you glad," he added, "that I told you how wide
the Erie Canal is? You see there was plenty of room for the
Caledonia to pass us and take us in tow."

"How wide is the Erie Canal?" spoke up George. "I don't believe
you can remember it now yourself. You haven't your notes with
you. None of that," he added quickly as Grant felt in his pocket
for a paper. "Tell me on your word of honor how wide the Erie
Canal is."

"Seventy feet wide on the surface and fifty-six feet wide at the
bottom," said Grant promptly.

"I suppose we'll have to take your word for it," said George as
his friends laughed at his discomfiture. "We can't dispute you
and even if you don't know anything about it you tell it as if
you believed it to be the most solemn truth in the world."

"It's true, just as I'm telling you," said Grant.

"How about the new canal that New York State is building now?"

"I have told you about that too," said Grant, "but then you have
to have a good many review lessons with some people."

"That's all right, but just the same tell me about the new canal.
How wide is it?"

"That's one hundred and twenty-three to one hundred and
seventy-one feet wide on the surface, and seventy-five feet wide
at the bottom. Of course there are some places," Grant added,
"when it runs into a lake or a pond where it is a good deal wider
than that. But as far as the digging is concerned that's the
width."

"Is it deeper than the Erie Canal?"

"Yes, sir. The Erie Canal is about seven feet deep and the new
one is about twelve feet deep. It's going to be deep enough to
take in boats of three thousand tons."

As soon as their breakfast had been eaten, and a fresh supply of
gasoline had been obtained, once more in high spirits the boys
started in their swift motor-boat.

Their experience with the canal-men now was only a memory and
they could well afford to laugh at what had been said and done.

"That's what you get for having us stop in a place such as you
picked out, Peewee," said George. "There's no accounting for the
tastes of some people. Now, I never should have selected that
place."

"You can believe me, I'll never select it again," answered Fred,
so soberly that his friends all laughed. "Once is enough and
forever. I didn't believe there could be such a place in the
whole of New York State."

"Well, you know now there is," said John, "and so do the rest of
us. We don't stop again without knowing something of the hotel in
which we are to stay."

"Where shall we stay to-night, fellows?" inquired Fred. "We ought
to get to Syracuse early this afternoon and we can go right on to
Oswego if you want to or we can stay there until to-morrow
morning and start then."

"Wait and see what time it is when we strike Syracuse," said
Grant. "Probably the gasoline you bought back there at Rome won't
last until we get there."

"I have got enough gasoline to take us to the St. Lawrence
River," declared Fred. "I'm not going to be caught again as I was
this morning."

Meanwhile the Black Growler was noisily speeding on her way. To
three of the boys the country through which they were moving was
all new and therefore abounded in interest. Prosperous villages
and fertile farms were passed. As the sun climbed higher into the
heavens