Me for a life on the ocean wave," sang Jerry as he coiled the rope
ship-shape, and then going forward climbed up on the bow to look out
for "snags."

There were numerous abrupt bends to the river just below the Florida
town, and with that swift current it was difficult to navigate around
these places successfully. By degrees, of course, Frank expected to
become more familiar with both the engine and the only way these things
could be successfully met. He was always wide-awake, and eager to learn.

Jerry had perched himself on the forward rail, where he could survey the
scenery. Will had his camera in his hand, and seemed ready to snap off
any remarkable picture that presented itself to his vision. He was keen
on taking some views that would embrace the weird, hanging Spanish moss,
though Frank told him to have patience, and any number of these would
come in time.

There was not the least warning when the shock came. The boat suddenly
brought up with a bang on some hidden snag, and as Frank involuntarily
shut off the power he had a rapid view of poor Jerry taking a header over
the rail. Immediately after, a tremendous splash announced that he had
struck the water all right; indeed, as he sprawled with hands and legs
outstretched, one would half suspect it was a gigantic frog that leaped
from the boat into the deep river.

CHAPTER V

THE FIRST CAMPFIRE

"Tell me about that, will you!" gasped Jerry, as he bobbed above the
surface.

He was swimming industriously to keep from being swept down with the
current.

Frank, finding that the motor worked smoothly, and no damage had been
done by the concussion, started it backing just enough to keep the boat
steady.

He darted to the bow, where Bluff and Will were already hanging.

"What was it?" called the swimmer, who, now that he was in, seemed
disposed to make a picnic of the affair, after his usual joking way.

"A snag, of course. I thought you were going to sing out if we came on
one?" said Frank.

"I did, and you all heard me yell," asserted Jerry.

"Yes, while you were passing through the air. Much good that would do,"
observed Bluff, disposed to refuse such evidence.

"But there was nothing in sight. The snag must have been down under the
surface, and the water is so brown I couldn't see it. My! but that was a
vault! Talk about your high divers, there never was a prettier leap than
that."

"Just my luck, again!" whimpered Will. "What a magnificen