ther of my friends agreed to provide one if I was mistaken about John."

"No such agreement was made," declared Fred sharply.

"Is that so, Grant?" demanded George, turning to the remaining member
of the party.

"It certainly is," declared Grant. "You were the only one to make the
offer."

"Then I suppose I shall have to put up with it," said George
disconsolately. "Now as soon as we get everything ship-shape, we had
better go up to the hotel."

"Shall we take our bags or send down for them?" inquired Grant.

"If we don't take them some one else will," said Fred quickly. "We can
lock up everything else, but we don't want to leave anything on board
that can be taken away."

"Just as you say," said Grant, as taking his bag in his hand he stepped
quickly to the dock.

Already a small assembly had gathered and was commenting upon the
beauty of the little motor-boat. The pride of Fred had been satisfied
so many times throughout the day that he was not unduly moved now by
the words which he overheard. In a brief time he and his two companions
were walking up State Street and soon secured rooms for the night in
their hotel.

An hour later when they entered the dining-room they were amazed to
behold their missing friend John seated at a small table at which there
were three places besides the one he had taken.

For a moment the three Go Ahead boys stopped and gazed in amazement at
him, and then, without a word being spoken, all three silently advanced
to the table which he had reserved and apparently without recognizing
the presence of their friend at once seated themselves.

"Why don't you say something?" demanded John, a grin appearing on his
face as he spoke.

"I'm going to say something in a minute," said George. "I want to read
through this program first to find out what I'm to have for my dinner."

"'Program' is a good word," said Grant soberly. "When George has such a
chance to get a square meal he always has a regular program mapped out."

"That's all right," retorted George, without glancing up from the menu
card.

"Why don't you say something?" demanded John again.

"My friend," said Grant soberly, gazing a moment at John as he spoke,
"words are not adequate to express our feeling. How is it with you?"

"I'm fine," said John. "Why don't you ask me where I have been and how
I came to Albany?"

"You're in Albany and that is enough to satisfy all the curiosity we
have," said Grant.

"It doesn't s