The four barrels of rosin were transferred to the steamer, to go with Burnam’s next consignment. The boys remained on the steamboat also, Bob to get off at Magnolia Landing, and Joe and Sam to return to the turpentine-camp for the closing up of the establishment.
“I’m going back to get Old Dick’s bees, you know,” said Bob with determination.
“Of course,” Joe returned. “Wait for me, though. I’ll be able to go with you in another ten days.”
“All right, and meanwhile we’ll get everything ready,” Bob agreed, as the light at Magnolia Landing came in sight.
CHAPTER XI
THE BAYOU BEES
Bob created a sensation when he returned to the plantation with his startling story. He had left only the vaguest word as to where he was going, and Uncle Louis was growing alarmed, and seriously thinking of a search expedition. Carl was indignant that he had not been allowed to share in the expedition; such a combination of pirate-fighting and treasure-hunting might never come his way again; but when the excitement had subsided a little it was the discovery of Old Dick’s bees that came to be the subject of interest.
“I can’t imagine why you didn’t count them, Bob!” said Alice with impatience. “You don’t seem to know anything about them; and after all the time we’ve spent trying to find those bees—”
“You don’t realize that the whole place was shoulder-deep with a blackberry jungle that would tear your clothes off,” Bob returned with equal impatience. “I could barely make out a few gums, but I know there must have been lots by the number of flying bees. Besides, we were hunting thieves. We were liable to be shot at any minute. I wasn’t in a frame of mind just then to crawl into a thicket and count bee-gums.”
“Well, we’ll have to go right down there, and size the outfit up,” Alice stated.
“Better wait till Joe can go,” said Bob.