"It simply slipped into some branch waterway while we were not looking," he said, speaking calmly, as if it were the most commonplace thing imaginable.
"Well, it's gone," said Scotch, as if greatly relieved. "Now, let's get out of this in a great hurry."
"I am for going back to see what has become of the white canoe," said Frank, with deliberate intent to make his companions squirm.
Barney and the professor raised a perfect howl of protest.
"Never!" shouted Scotch, nearly upsetting the boat in his excitement, and wildly flourishing his arms in the air.
"Nivver!" squealed the Irish lad. "Oi'll joomp overboard an' swim out av this before Oi'll go back!"
Frank laughed.
"You are most amusing," he declared. "I suppose I'll have to give in to you, as you are two to one."
"Come on," fluttered the professor; "let's be moving."
So Frank put down the rifle, and picked up his paddle, and they resumed their effort to get out of the swamp before nightfall.