Ralph made no answer, but applied his attention to searching the landscape with his glasses. But, like everybody else thus far, he found nothing.
Discouraged and silent, they managed to push the boat into the deeper water and to turn it around. All that afternoon they spent in retracing the progress they had made, and returned to the Captain's office just before supper.
"You want to try it again in canoes?" asked Captain Magee.
"Yes," replied Ralph. "Without any of your police this time. No use taking an extra man—it only means more provisions to carry."
"True. But you must be careful of snakes and alligators."
The boys looked none too pleased at the idea, but when they remembered that Linda and Dot, if still alive, would be subjected to the same perils, they were all the more eager to go.
This time, they decided, they would do it scientifically; they would go prepared with a map of the swamp, equipment, food, and rifles. And above all, a compass! And they would not give up until they had searched every part of that dismal Okefenokee Swamp!
So, cheered by the optimism of youth and the promise of another day, the boys slept well that night.