s not to be. The sky clouded up, the wind whipped
into the northwest, and in a short time the boys realized that it was
getting very chilly for this far south, in the middle of October.

When they saw the wild aspect that wide stretch of tumbling water
presented, it was quickly settled that the crossing must be put off
until another day. Accordingly camp was made in a hamak, where the
force of the wind was broken. And here they proceeded to take things
as comfortably as possible.

George took his gun and went out to see if he could scare up any sort
of game; for there had been murmurings of late to the effect that they
did not seem to be getting their full share of such things on this trip.

The fact of the matter was, that so much of their precious time was
spent in trying to overcome the numerous difficulties by which they
found themselves confronted, that there were scant opportunities for
fishing and hunting.

Nick persisted in getting a line out, as he had been seized with a
great desire to partake of fresh fish for supper, and no one else
showed any signs of intending to make a try.

Twenty minutes later those in camp were aroused by hearing a tremendous
splash, accompanied by half muffled shouts.

"Help! come quickly, or he'll get away! Hurry! hurry, boys!"

Everybody ran like the wind to the spot where Nick had been seen calmly
seated on a log that projected over the water, offering him a fine
seat, from which to carry on his fishing operations.

What they discovered was the stout boy floundering in the water of the
sound, being drawn this way and that by some unseen agency that was
fastened to the other end of his line.

Nick's obstinate disposition was made manifest by the frantic way he
clung to that same fishing line. No danger seemed sufficient to cause
him to let it go. Perhaps, though, he had been unwise enough to wrap
the cord around his chubby wrist, and could not have let loose, even
had he so desired.

Josh doubled up, and fairly howled, the sight was so very comical to
him; which made the fisherman all the more angry.

"What ails that silly goose?" he spluttered, as well as he was able,
considering that half the time his mouth was filled with salty water.
"He only thinks of the funny part of it. Don't care a cent whether a
human life is sacrificed on the altar of friendship; or a jolly big
fish breaks the line and gets away. Jack, somebody come on in, and
help me land him, won't