"Then you say you'll not tell me where it is?" said the man,
speaking slowly and looking savagely at Fred as he spoke.

"I shan't tell you," said Fred. "Now, if you're done, we'll
start."

As he spoke, Fred stepped on board the Black Growler, an action
which was speedily followed by his companions. Advancing to the
wheel Fred inspected everything to satisfy himself that all
things were in readiness for their departure and then said to the
man waiting on the dock, "We'll have to bid you good-by."

At the same time he turned on the power. As George and John
pushed the little boat out from the dock it began to move, but
not before the canal-man unbidden suddenly leaped on board.

"Thank you for your very kind invitation," he said as he seated
himself on the cushions.

"We didn't ask you to come," spoke up Fred, "and we don't want
your company. You'll have to go ashore."

"Is that so?" laughed the man banteringly.

"Yes, sir, it's so!" retorted Fred.

"Well, then if I go ashore I think there will be somebody going
with me."

"You're mistaken," said Fred. "We're going down among the