Convinced that he had done all in his power he climbed back into
bed once more and in spite of his declaration when daylight came
that he had not been asleep John was not convinced.

"Come on, String," said Fred when once more he had looked at his
watch to discover the time. "It's five o'clock. It's time for us
to be moving. I wouldn't have breakfast in this hole if they paid
me for it."

"Why can't you leave a fellow alone and let him sleep? I'm tired.
I got left at Poughkeepsie and I had a hard day yesterday too."

"No, sir," said Fred firmly. "This party starts from this place
in thirty minutes. Any one who isn't ready will have to come by
canal-boat. The Black Growler leaves here at five-thirty sharp."

With a groan John arose and began to dress, although he protested
feelingly all the time against the unreasonable demands of Fred.

The other two Go Ahead boys were speedily aroused and twenty
minutes later they departed from the hotel.

"It looks worse in the morning than it does at night and we
thought that wasn't possible when we came here last evening,"
said George when the Go Ahead boys looked behind them after their
departure.

"I think I will send that landlady a Christmas present of a cake
of soap," said Grant soberly.