As all of the party were wet, they took turns in drying and warming themselves in the engine-room of the tug. Those on the lookout did what they could to pierce the gloom, but with small satisfaction.
Half an hour later they passed a small river steamer and hailed the craft.
"What's wanted?" shouted somebody through a megaphone.
"Seen anything of a houseboat around here?"
"No," was the prompt answer.
"All right; thanks!" And then they allowed the river steamer to pass them.
"Dis night vos so vet like neffer vos!" remarked Hans.
"Well, we have got to make the best of it," answered Dick. "I don't care how wet I get, if only we are successful in our chase."
"I am mit you on dot," returned the German cadet, quickly.
Two hours passed and they saw no other craft. They had passed several settlements of more or less importance, but not a sign of the missing houseboat appeared.