depart.


CHAPTER VIII

THE COMING OF THE CALEDONIA

In response to Fred's action there was a loud shout of protest
from the men on board. Every one still was manifesting the effect
of the drunken spree through which they had passed the preceding
night. As yet, however, they had not offered any violence and
although Fred's heart was beating rapidly he resolutely stuck to
his task and in a brief time the Black Growler darted forward
like a thing alive.

For a moment the uninvited passengers apparently were startled by
the unexpected action of the young captain. They speedily
recovered, however, from their surprise, and one of the men
turning to the leader said, "My, ain 't she purty, Jim!"

"She is that," replied Jim promptly. "She looks better than she
did when I took my last trip to Niag'ra. When I left my house on
Fifth Avenoo I didn't think she'd ever measure up to what she was
that time, but she is goin' one better. Yes, sir, she's all that
you say she is."

Still the men did not interfere with Fred in his management of
the motor-boat. Apparently too they did not have any objection to
the voyage. Indeed the Go Ahead boys already were aware of the
fact that every one of their self-invited guests had brought a