"We can stand it," answered both.
"All right, suit yourselves. But when you want to come out, let me know."
With these words Dan Baxter walked away, leaving the girls once more to themselves. Both sat down on the edge of a berth, and Nellie placed her head upon Dora's shoulder.
"Oh, Dora, what will become of us?"
"I'm sure I don't know, Nellie."
"They may take us away down the river—miles and miles away!"
"I know that. We must watch our chances and see if we cannot escape."
"Do you think the Rover boys are following the houseboat?"
"Let us hope so."
Thoroughly miserable, the cousins became silent. They felt the houseboat moving swiftly along with the current, but could see nothing on account of the mist and the darkness. Soon they heard the rain coming down.