to find a snug harbor after that. Of course, the
norther was soon in full swing, it being really the first genuine
experience our cruisers had met with in that line.

The air grew very cold, and they were glad to get ashore and build a
roaring fire in a sheltered spot. Indeed, it was speedily determined that
they would hug that same cheery blaze as long as the visitor from the
frigid North remained.

Heavy rain had accompanied the first of the storm, but this soon ceased,
and a steady roar of wind through the palmettos sounded like a railroad
train passing over a long trestle. The waves breaking on the north end of
the sand key also added to the wild clamor.

All that day and the next they were stormbound. Of course, Jerry could
not be kept idle. Fishing was out of the question during such a blow, but
he discovered that there was plenty of game to be had with Frank's
shotgun. Ducks could be obtained in any number, such as they were. Frank
tried skinning them to get rid of the fishy flavor, and found it answered
splendidly. Coots, treated in the same way, afforded a very palatable
stew.

Then on the mainland, where Jerry managed to go by aid of the dinghy, he
was lucky enough to stir up several bevy of quail, from which he took
fair toll.

Meanwhile Bluff, seized with a sudden sense of his duties as the owner of
a repeating shotgun, hied him away along the protected inner shore of the
key, and managed to gather in a full dozen snipe and shore birds of
various species, some of which proved to be very delicious.

So they passed the time away, making merry, as care-free lads will. Often
Frank and Jerry talked mysteriously together, while little Joe was busily
engaged about the fire. Undoubtedly the two good-hearted boys were trying
to hatch up some sort of scheme whereby the youngster might be benefited.

On the third day they determined to start out. The sea had gone down to
decent proportions, with a promise of several fair days ahead, as is
always the case after a norther has cleared the atmosphere. Besides,
their time was nearing an end, and they must get closer to Cedar Keys.

A long day's run was taken, and as they sought a snug harbor that
afternoon the solemn face of Frank assured his chums that they were near
the end of their delightful winter vacation.

"If you look over yonder, fellows," said Frank as they drifted slowly
toward the harbor that had been selected for the night's anchorage,
"you'll see som