," said Grant. "Now tell me how
long that canal is."

"I can't tell a lie, Mr. Schoolmaster," said George, "the Sault Ste.
Marie Canal is two miles long."

"All right, I don't have to buy the dinner to-morrow," said Grant.

"There may be some other things you'll have to do though," said John.
"You're not done with me yet. No, sir," he added emphatically "that is
NOT all!"

CHAPTER V

THE MISSING BAG

Early the following morning the Go Ahead boys were moving swiftly over
the waters of the Erie Canal. Most of the country through which they
were passing was new to them, and, rested as they were from the voyage
of the preceding day, they were deeply interested in the various scenes
through which they were moving.

The speedy Growler still aroused the interest of the people who saw the
graceful little boat. The speed at which Fred was driving was not as
great as when they had been on the Hudson. The stream was narrower and
frequently there were long canal-boats to be passed.

The experiences when they arrived at the locks were alike novel and
filled with interest. After they had watched the slowly rising waters
and several times had been lifted to a different level the novelty,
however, wore off and by the middle of the forenoon the Go Ahead boys
were beginning to tease one another.

"There's one thing," said John, "that's as fixed as the sun."

Nobody made any response to his startling suggestion and after he had
glanced quizzically at his companions John continued, "No crowd ever
left a fellow at Poughkeepsie and went on without him without having to
pay the price. I'm telling you, fellows, that just as sure as the sun
shines there's something coming to every one of you, and most of all to
Grant."

"Why am I selected for this special favor?" demanded Grant quickly.

"If you don't know there isn't any one who can tell you," retorted
John. "All I'm saying is that action and reaction are equal, even if
the Panama Canal is fifty and one-half miles long."

"Speaking of canals," said Grant. "I want to know if anybody knows how
long the Suez Canal is."

"Speak up, Professor," said George dejectedly. "We have got to hear it,
so we might as well have it now as any time. How long is it?"

"It's exactly one hundred miles. Now if there's any Go Ahead boy who
can tell what the Suez Canal connects, it will be my turn to pay for
the dinner."

There was a silence following Grant's words while the Go Ahead boys
lo