out in those dismal swamps?"

"Good idea!" commented Paul. "Come on, I'll go with you."

So they went and made merry at the historic well.

Mr. Pertell and Russ had much to do to get ready for the trip. A motor
boat had been arranged for to meet the party at Sycamore, where the
headquarters would be for most of the work in the wilds of Florida. On
this it was planned to take trips on Lake Kissimmee, and the river of
that name.

"And we may go as far as Lake Okeechobee," said Russ in speaking of the
matter to Ruth.

"That's down among the Everglades; isn't it?" she asked.

"Close to them. I've always wanted to go there, and see what they are
like. Now I may get the chance."

"I think I should like to see them, too," she agreed.

"Ruth, you are getting very brave," observed Alice a little later, when
the two sisters were packing up in their room.

"Why, dear?"

"To offer to go with Russ to the Everglades."

"I didn't offer!"