here. On my part I'll put the week in tinkering on the old barge,
for she can stand some improvement, I guess. When that fisherman
gave her to me on going to the hospital, from which the poor
fellow never came back, he said he always intended dropping down
the river to the gulf in her; but I never dreamed I'd be the one
to navigate the Tramp that way. I can hardly wait to get back. I
want to be at work making those changes, and building your bunk."

"Just like you, Thad, always ready to do something for another
fellow," declared his chum, affectionately.

"Oh! shucks! that's where the best part of the fun comes in. And
how lucky it is you've got a gun, Maurice, for there will be lots
of chances while we travel down stream to pick up a mess of ducks,
some snipe, and perhaps a big goose or two. Bob Fletcher told me
he had shot 'em off the bars down the Mississippi."

"Right you are, Thad," cried the other.

"And if our supplies and money run out, why, we can sure stop in
some place and get work, I reckon. Then there's fish to be had for
the catching, and you know I'm up to all the wrinkles about that
job, seeing that I've been supplying many families here with the
finnies during the summer and fall. Say, can you come down
tonight, and talk it all over aboard our palatial houseboat? We
can arrange all the things we want to do, make out a list of
supplies that are sure to be needed, no flimsies or luxuries
allowed, and in the morning I'll get to work."

"Of course I'll come, after supper. Still in the old cove, are