Morning found the Rovers and their friends still on the steam launch, looking in all directions for the houseboat.
The rain had ceased and there was every indication that the mist would blow away by noon, but at present it was hard to see a hundred feet in any direction.
"Nature has assisted them to escape," said Dick, bitterly.
"Oh, we'll find them sooner or later," answered Sam.
"Perhaps, Sam. But think of how the girls may be suffering in the meantime."
"I know; and Mrs. Stanhope and Mrs. Laning are suffering too."
The steam tug carried only a small stock of provisions, and it was decided to go ashore at a small place called Gridley's for breakfast. Here there was a country hotel at which they obtained a breakfast which put all in a slightly better physical condition.
The proprietor of the hotel was a bit curious to learn the cause of their unexpected appearance and became interested when Dick told him about the missing houseboat.
"Wonder if that had anything to do with a story Bill Daws told me an hour ago," said he. "Bill works at the mill clown by the river. Last night, in the dark and mist, he heard somebody in a rowboat and a launch having a row. Two gals screamed for help, and somebody said something about a houseboat and tell somebody something—he couldn't tell exactly what. I thought Bill had 'em on, but maybe he didn't."
"Where is this Bill Daws now?" asked Dick.