, and there are times when it
becomes absolutely necessary to rest. Say, if we had some of those
silver images here it wouldn't be a very hard job to carry them, eh?"

"Now don't get back to that subject," Neal said impatiently. "If you are
so eager to have two or three stop here with Cummings, and make one of
the party when he tries the venture again."

Jake did not appear inclined to trust his precious body in such a
dangerous place again, and, the command to go on board the canoe having
been given, the conversation was brought to an abrupt close.

All night the little craft drifted with the current, more than once
striking with considerable force the back of a sleeping alligator, and
neither the boys nor Jake were called upon to stand watch.

Neal offered to do his share of the work; but Cummings would not listen
to the proposition.

"With six men on board the time of duty for each one is short, and we
have an opportunity to get more sleep than is really needed. Besides,
you are not sufficiently acquainted with such sailing to be a very
valuable assistant at the helm."

When the boys awakened on the second morning the character of their
surroundings had changed entirely. Instead of being on a narrow,
swiftly-running stream, they were in a broad lagoon with innumerable
water-ways leading in every direction, and it had become necessary to
use the paddles.

"Where are we?" Neal asked in surprise.

"Within less than a day's journey from the sea," Cummings replied. "The
stream led into this lagoon, and if these Indians know the true course,
as they claim to do, we shall start direct for Progresso in the morning,
in good condition for a long tramp."

A short stop was made at a spot where a few trees broke the monotony of
the scene, and here a second meal of turtle was prepared, Cummings
saying as the boys began the repast:

"Our water supply is now limited, for that by which we are surrounded
is brackish if not absolutely salt. I intend to take the greater portion
of what the men have on board, when we start up the coast, and every
drop will be needed before the journey is finally ended."

"When did they take it on board?" Teddy asked in surprise, as he learned
by examination that all the gourds had been filled.

"While you were asleep."

"We can't carry one of these big things."

"By tying a rope of vines around the necks of two I guarantee to get
along without much trouble, for they will grow lighter eve