uth of the creek as long as daylight lasted,
so that a watch could be kept, in order to signal either of the other
boats, should one of them heave in sight.

But there was no such luck. Apparently neither had reached the third
station, for Jack had scanned the shore line for miles just before they
came in, without seeing any sign.

That night passed without any incident of note; although Jimmie
insisted upon having an entry made in the log to the effect that his
first effort at flapjack making proved an elegant success, since not
one of the mess was left. But if the truth were told it would be found
that the cook himself accounted for something like three-fourths of the
number. And then he had the nerve to declare that he had made only one
mistake, which was in limiting the amount of flour used.

"Looks like we might have a nice loafing spell over Sunday for a change
now," remarked Jack on the following morning when, having partaken of
breakfast, they moved down to a position nearer the river, where they
could use the glass to advantage.

"Thin ye don't be sayin' annything of thim whativer?" asked Jimmie, who
was still wrestling with the various kettles and dishes used in
preparing and eating the meal, while his comrade swept the watery waste
with the marine glasses.

"Nothing doing, as yet," replied Jack. "But perhaps in an hour or so
we may pick one of them up. Of course it stands to reason the
_Comfort_ is away up there somewhere. I only hope George didn't go on
down past here. After a while perhaps we'd better show ourselves
outside, and anchor there. If he is below he'll see us through his
glasses, and make signs."

It was a long morning to the boys. By turns they went ashore to
stretch their legs, which were beginning to feel very much cramped on
account of the length of time they had been in the confined space of
the small boat.

About two o'clock Jack sighted something that looked promising.

"It's either a big alligator acomin' surgin' and heavin' down the
river, tryin' to drink up all the wather; or ilse it's that bully old
_Comfort_ swimmin' along, wid a bone in her teeth," declared Jimmie,
after he had had a turn with the glasses.

Of course it proved to be the motor boat; and half an hour later they
caught the attention of those aboard, so that a reunion was speedily
accomplished.

"But where's George, and poor old Nick?" asked Herb, as he shook hands
with the skipper and crew of the _