d of the deserted steam yacht we boarded in the Gulf of
Mexico," answered Dick, referring to a happening which has been related
in detail in "The Rover Boys in Southern Waters."

"Wonder if we'll have as many adventures as we did on that boat," mused
Dick. "Those were hot times, eh?"

"We'll not lack for adventures if we come into contact with Merrick and
his gang," answered Songbird, who had been told all the details of the
adventures in New York.

There were six single and four double staterooms aboard the steam
yacht, so the Rovers and their friends were not crowded for
accommodations, since even a single room contained two berths, an upper
and a lower. Each room was done in white and gold, giving it a truly
aristocratic appearance. There was a good deal of brass and
nickel-plated work, and the metal shone like a mirror.

"I declare it's most too good to use," said Sam when on a tour of
inspection. "This craft must have cost a sight of money."

"It did," answered his father. "But the owner is a millionaire so he
can well afford it."

The boys were as much interested in the machinery as in anything, and
they visited the engine room and became acquainted with Frank Norton,
the head engineer. They learned that the engine was of the most modern
type, and that the _Rainbow_, in spite of her breadth of beam--she
was rather wide--could make twenty to twenty-six knots an hour in an
ordinary sea.

"And we've got a licence to go where we please," added the head
engineer proudly.

Now that they were aboard the steam yacht the Rover boys were anxious
to be sailing. But they were also anxious to greet their friends and
they awaited the arrival of the others with interest. Fred Garrison and
Hans Mueller came in together, the following noon, Hans lugging a
dress-suit case that was as big almost as a dog house.

"Here we are again!" sang out Fred, dropping his baggage and shaking
hands all around. "I declare it's like when we went on the houseboat
trip."

"Maybe I ton't vos glad to drop dot leetle drunk alretty?" said Hans,
indicating his baggage. "He vos veigh most a don, I dink."

"Why didn't you let an expressman bring it?" asked Dick.

"Not much!" declared the German youth shaking his head vigorously.
"Vonce I haf a pox mid a new hat in him, und I say to a poy, carry dot
und I gif you den cents. Vell, he is carrying dot yet, I dink, for I
ton't see dot hat no more, nefer!"

"Well, you won't have to carry any mor