Part 4 (1/2)

The boys by the middle of the afternoon were tired. There was no opportunity for exercise and in spite of the beauty of the region through which they were pa.s.sing there was a certain monotony in their voyage which at last became wearisome.

The sun was sinking low in the western sky when Fred at last said, ”I think we'll make Albany in about an hour.”

”Do you think we'll find String there?” inquired George.

”I hope so. If it was any other of the Go Ahead boys I would say we would be sure to find him there, but no one knows what Jack will do.

The only certain thing about him is his uncertainty. Don't you remember--”

”I'm telling you,” interrupted Grant, ”that we'll find John waiting for us at the dock. He knows where we're going to land.”

”If String is there I'll agree to pay for the dinner to-night,” said George. ”My own feeling is that he hasn't left Poughkeepsie yet.”

It was still light when at last the Black Growler approached the dock where she was to be tied up for the night. The three Go Ahead boys were peering ahead of them with interest, every one looking among the men on the docks for their missing companion.

CHAPTER IV

THE LOST IS FOUND

”He isn't there,” exclaimed George gleefully. ”I'm safe on my dinner.”

”I believe you are right,” said Fred in a low voice after he had glanced along the docks several times searching for his missing friend.

”Of course I'm right,” said George. ”I am always right. That's the reason why your fond parents wanted me to go with you on this trip.

Somebody has to go along who understands modern life, so I reluctantly gave up my own convenience and came along to look after these poor benighted Go Ahead boys.”

”Keep quiet a minute, George,” said Grant, ”we all appreciate your kindness. Just now, however, I would rather see String than hear you.”

”Not seeing String you must listen to me,” laughed George again. ”Let me see, I don't buy the dinner, and it seems to me that one or the other of my friends agreed to provide one if I was mistaken about John.”

”No such agreement was made,” declared Fred sharply.

”Is that so, Grant?” demanded George, turning to the remaining member of the party.

”It certainly is,” declared Grant. ”You were the only one to make the offer.”

”Then I suppose I shall have to put up with it,” said George disconsolately. ”Now as soon as we get everything s.h.i.+p-shape, we had better go up to the hotel.”

”Shall we take our bags or send down for them?” inquired Grant.

”If we don't take them some one else will,” said Fred quickly. ”We can lock up everything else, but we don't want to leave anything on board that can be taken away.”

”Just as you say,” said Grant, as taking his bag in his hand he stepped quickly to the dock.

Already a small a.s.sembly had gathered and was commenting upon the beauty of the little motor-boat. The pride of Fred had been satisfied so many times throughout the day that he was not unduly moved now by the words which he overheard. In a brief time he and his two companions were walking up State Street and soon secured rooms for the night in their hotel.

An hour later when they entered the dining-room they were amazed to behold their missing friend John seated at a small table at which there were three places besides the one he had taken.

For a moment the three Go Ahead boys stopped and gazed in amazement at him, and then, without a word being spoken, all three silently advanced to the table which he had reserved and apparently without recognizing the presence of their friend at once seated themselves.