of rubber boots, in case we have
to walk ashore in the mud some time."

"Veil, I got dem too," answered Hans.

A letter had already been sent to Captain Starr, asking him to have the
houseboat brought up to Pittsburg. The captain was also told to have
the _Dora_ thoroughly cleaned and put in proper trim for he outing.

"We want the ladies to be satisfied with her appearance," said Dick.

"And especially since she is named the _Dora_," grinned Tom.

"Oh, you're only piqued because she isn't named the Nellie," retorted
his older brother, with a laugh.

"Never mind, Dick; some day you can use the houseboat on a honeymoon,"
answered Tom, and then ran off.

At last came the time for the boys to leave the farm. Jack Ness took
all the trunks and suit cases to the depot and then transported the
boys in the family carriage, with Aleck on the seat beside him.

"Good-bye to Valley Brook farm!" cried Tomb waving his hat.

"Take good care of yourselves, boys!" shouted Anderson Rover.

"Don't get drowned," put in the aunt. And then with final adieux they
were off. The drive to Oak Run was a quick one, and ten minutes later
the train came in and they went aboard.

The run to Pittsburg was to occupy several hours, so the boys made
themselves as comfortable as possible. They had dinner on the train
and ordered the best of everything to be had.

It had been arranged that all bound for the houseboat trip should meet
at the American House, and thither the boys made their way on reaching
the Smoky City, as Pittsburg is often called, on account of its
numerous manufactories.

"Here we are!" cried a voice, as soon as they entered, and Songbird
Powell hurried up to them. "I thought you'd get here about this time."

"Have you seen anything of the ladies?" queried Dick.

"Yes, they are all in the ladies' parlor. I told them I'd keep a
lookout for you."

They made their way to the parlor, where a great handshaking took
place. Mrs. Stanhope and Dora were there, and also Grace and Nellie
with Mrs. Laning. The latter was not used to traveling and was in quite
a flutter.

"The girls insisted upon my coming," said Mrs. Laning. "I didn't think
I could do it at first, but they wouldn't take no for an answer."

"And we are real glad to have you," answered Dick.

Aleck had been sent off to hunt up Captain Starr and the houseboat, and
in the meantime all of the party obtained rooms for the night and then
went to supper.

"This puts