A liberal application of cold water soon aroused them, and in a little while they were doing justice to the ample meal served up for them.
As they were eating, Fernald told them he had made arrangements for four men to come from the Customs House and help in the capture of the band.
"That will give us five men, and with the element of surprise in our favor, we will have little trouble in capturing them," he said.
"How do you figure five?" broke in Dick.
"Why, myself, and the four men who are coming," he answered.
"Well, where do we come in?" demanded Phil, seconded by Garry.
"Oh, I had forgotten about the possibility of you're wanting to be there. I'm afraid that it is too dangerous," said Fernald gravely.
The protests of the three came almost in one voice, until Fernald, unable to keep a straight face any longer, broke out into a shout of laughter. The boys then saw that he had been indulging in a quiet bit of fun at their expense, and they were not to be cheated out of their share in the capture of the outfit.
After supper the boys pitched in and helped wash and wipe dishes, although Miss Ruth protested. Used as they were to camping, washing dishes was no new experience to them.
A pleasant evening was passed, and then the chums trooped off to bed, Fernald sharing the big room with them.