eat that many myself. Yum, yum, just think of the luck,
fellows!"

The men laughed, but took the money, since their business was gathering
the bivalves, and there were doubtless many mouths to feed. And they
certainly tossed a full bushel ashore before pushing off, to continue
their run up the stream, to the dock they spoke of owning.

Nick had galloped over to the _Wireless_, and was heard rummaging about
at a tremendous rate, all the while lamenting the fact that he could
not find what he was so eagerly searching for.

"Oh, George! where did you ever hide that bully new oyster knife I
bought up in Philadelphia?" he bellowed, as he raised his head above
the side of the speed boat.

"Never touched it," answered the other, promptly. "But I do remember
seeing some such thing in that locker up in the bow, where the tools
are kept."

A triumphant squeal presently announced that Nick had unearthed his
treasure; and over the side he came, making at once for the heap of
bivalves.

"You want to go slow with those things," warned Herb.

"Oh, rats! I guess I know my capacity!" scoffed the fat boy, starting
to rap a shell smartly, and then insert the end of the knife between
its two jaws. "When I get enough I'll hold up."

"You bet you will before you reach that point!" declared George,
"because some of us hanker after oysters, too. But just remember how
you cut your fingers with the shells the time we were down at New
Orleans. And be careful: they may not hurt much now, but tomorrow
they'll fair set you wild, boy."

Nick only mumbled in reply. He was stuffing the first fat oyster into
his mouth, and as this was an extra large specimen, it allowed of no
room for words.

The others soon got busy too, using such implements as they could find
among the tools. Jack had a regular oyster knife, but none of the
others had thought to provide themselves with such a necessary article,
save Nick alone.

But by degrees they tamed the oyster fiend, and would not let him have
any more. Jimmy borrowed his knife, and amused himself in disposing of
the juicy contents of numerous shells. And Josh, after swallowing
several himself, proved to be a public benefactor by opening them for
those who were green at the business.

But after a time they cried quits, and began to think of going aboard
again; for the venomous little pests were beginning to be very active,
and kept them all busy slapping right and left.

Once under t