r some shipyard,
knowing that such a place would better accommodate the three power
boats than any other harbor.

It happened that Jimmy's sharp eyes caught the first sign of a boat
builder's establishment, and presently the three little craft that had
come through such a checkered experience with credit, were secured to
landings within the enclosed space of the shipyard.

Here it was determined to remain for a couple of days, as there were a
number of things to be done besides replenishing their stock of fuel
and food.

All of the boys wanted to see the city, about which, with its beauties,
they had heard considerable.

"From here on to Jacksonville we ought to have it fairly easy," Jack
explained to the rest. "There's an inside route taken by steamers to
Savannah, and from that Georgia city clear to Fernandina in Florida.
Then we will have to go out for just a little run; after which we enter
the broad mouth of the St. Johns."

"And we'll really be in Florida then, will we?" asked Nick. "My
goodness; sometimes, when we were sticking in those mud creeks, it
seemed to me that Florida must be just six thousand miles away. And
we're going to make it after all? Well, that's what comes of push and
grit. You fellers would have laid down long ago, only for my keeping
everlastingly at it. But you're improving, I admit that; and I've got
hopes that in time you'll do me credit."

Of course they were quite used to Nick's method of joshing, and took
all this in good part. Had it been any one else he might have been
suspected of egotism; but they all knew Nick, and what an effort it was
to get him to do anything requiring an effort; so that the joke was not
lost.

"When you take to prodding us to do things, water is going to run
up-hill," was George's way of heading him off.

"Well, fellows, there have been a few things Nick knows how to do
better than the rest of the bunch, you must admit that," Jack remarked,
dryly.

"'Course we do," grinned Josh. "F'r instance, he can beat any bullfrog
I ever set eyes on, makin' a jump from a boat into the water."

"And sure, he can give the rist of us points on how to balance a boat
by partin' his hair exactly in the meddle," Jimmy spoke up.

"And there ain't a living soul in the same class with Nick when it
comes to stowing away grub. I've often sat and admired him at it,
until I just groaned in despair of ever being able to copy after him.
I ain't built the right way,