The supplies were purchased and, in a little while the other boys arriving took Bart and Fenn aboard. Then the trip up the river was resumed. They kept on until late in the afternoon, as their double breakfast did away with the necessity for dinner. On the way they passed a number of steamers and barges bound for Lake Erie. Some of them were loaded with lumber and other commodities, while several were going up the river empty, to get freight.
The boys found a fine place to camp that night and liked it so well they remained there three days. They had pleasant weather and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, paddling about, fishing and going in swimming.
They decided they would go no further up the stream, and, having camped out at their last stop for another day they packed up for the return trip. The weather, which had been fine, seemed threatening, and they had not brought along clothing or blankets which would serve in case of rain.
“We’ll make it in two stages,” said Bart, referring to the home journey. “One night’s camp will fix it so’s we’ll not be all tired out when we get home.”
They started early in the morning, and planned to camp just above Woodport. It was nearly dusk when they neared the town.
“Hark!” exclaimed Ned, as the boats were gliding along close to shore. “Do you fellows hear anything?”
They all listened.
“Sounds like some one paddling a canoe behind us,” spoke Bart.
“That’s what I think. I’ve been hearing it for the last ten minutes,” Ned went on. “Some one is following us.”