"

"Pooh! who's afraid of a little rain," put in Fred. "Why, that will
make us grow!"

So the talk ran on, and finally all arrangements were completed for
the trip inland. Aleck Pop was sorry he could not accompany the boys,
but Dick thought it best that he remain behind.

"You know how Captain Starr is, Aleck--a bit queer at times. The
_Dora_ is a valuable craft, and I shall feel safer if I know you are
helping to keep watch over her."

"All right, Massa Dick. I will do my best to see dat no harm comes
to de houseboat. But I'd like to be wid you boys, no use er talkin'."

"Perhaps you can go along next time," said Dick, and with this the
colored man had to be content.

It did not take the ladies and the girls long to get ready for the
trip, and they left on the following morning, the boys going to the
railroad station to see them off. There was a hearty handshake all
around. Then the train came in and the party was off with a waving
of handkerchiefs.

"And now to get ready for our own start," came from Tom.

Through the carpenter who had taken the contract to repair the
houseboat, they were introduced to a man who owned a number of horses,
and for a proper consideration this individual let them have the use
of the steeds they wanted. They were all good animals and used to
the saddle, and the man guaranteed that the lads would not have any
trouble whatever with them.

"But I want to tell you beforehand that the road is none of the best,"
said the horse owner. "It is pretty fair for the first fifteen miles
or so, but then it is bad for thirty miles after that. You want to
beware of sink holes."

"We've been on some pretty bad roads before this," answered Sam. "I
guess we'll know enough to take care of ourselves."

"Well, I didn't think there would be any harm in telling you."

"Oh, that's all right."

The Rover boys were so used to traveling and to camping out that they
knew exactly what to take along. The other lads were also well
informed, because of the military encampments in which they had
participated. They carried only what was necessary, so that their
steeds might not be too heavily burdened.

"Looks like yo' was ready fo' a reg'lar outin'," remarked Aleck when
they were ready for a start. "I dun hopes yo' all come back safe and
sound."

"Why, of course we'll come back safe and sound!" exclaimed Sam. "What
put that into your noddle, Aleck?"

"I dunno, Massa Sam. But dis am a queer country, a