At length he came out into the clearing near the big oak the boys had
described. They pressed eagerly forward as the river was neared. In
their desire to return to the Fortuna they were but expressing the
desire of every heart to return to its home when trouble comes. Tonight
the boys carried aching breasts. They believed that on the morrow they
would be called upon to perform sad offices for their two friends who
had been victims of a mistake.
"I'll take the big boat with Doright, and you two lads can take the
little skiff that the boys used," suggested Jack, who was in the lead.
"That way we can make better time, I think!"
"What's the matter with all of us going in the big boat and towing the
skiff behind?" questioned Tom. "I don't want to be alone just now. I'd
much rather keep together if it's possible to do so."
"How about it, Doright, can you pull the boat with all of us in it?"
Jack asked. "You know it's one of those big shipyard scows!"
"Guess Ah kin, Boss," grinned Doright, in reply. "Ah'll try hahd!"
"All right, then, let's be in and away at once."
"Sure!" cried Tom who was now in the lead, and who had reached the live
oak. "Sure thing. All hands and the cook get aboard!"
"Something's happened!" cried Jack. "That sarcasm is so evident in Tom's
voice I just can't believe everything is all right."
"Why, nothing at all could have happened," cried Frank. "We've had more
than our share of hard luck already. First you boys got off your course
with a horseshoe too near the compass.
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