be in a day, a week or three months.

That was a pleasant lookout for a couple of boys bound south, and
with winter close upon their heels--in a week or two they might be
frozen in so securely that there would be no possibility of
release until spring.

No wonder, then, that Maurice looked serious as he sprang to the
side of the boat and stared over at the water of the creek.

It was running out--they should have known of the danger upon
hearing the gurgle during the night; but somehow, lacking
experience, they had thought nothing of it save that the sound was
a musical lullaby, soothing them to slumber.

They would know better another time, and not fasten their craft to
the shore in a shallow creek when the river was at a stand or
falling; it takes experience to learn some of the tricky ways of
these western rivers; but once understood the cruiser is not apt
to be caught a second time. Maurice snatched up the second pole
and threw his weight upon it, while Thad also strained himself to
the utmost; they could feel the boat move ever so little, but it
was most discouraging, to be sure.

Some other means must be employed if they hoped to get the Tramp
off the slimy bed before she settled there for good.

Maurice was equal to the occasion.

"The block and tackle does it!" he exclaimed, darting into the