He climbed the rear ladder to the upper deck and joined his family. Hartson Brant smiled at his son. "Next time we let you go off by yourself don't get involved in mysteries. Then you won't have to bowhunt inedible sea animals."
"It's fun," Rick returned. "I'd want to do it even if I could spear fish. Want to take a shot?"
"I'll take a shot after you've boated your first ray."
"Fair enough," Rick agreed.
Mrs. Brant asked, "Where are we going, Rick?"
He pointed to the peninsula. "Around that land. There's a creek on the other side called Tilghman Creek. The cruising guide says there's a good anchorage just inside. If it looks all right, well spend the night there. If not, we'll go across to the Wye River. Tomorrow we'll go down the Miles River to the town of St. Michaels and put in supplies."
The scientist smiled at his wife. "It's nice to relax and have our children do the work and the thinking, isn't it?"
"It's too good to last," Mrs. Brant returned.
Barby and Jan were standing far forward, close to where the cabin top curved downward to the forward deck. Rick joined them.
"This is fun!" Barby exclaimed. "Rick this houseboat was the best idea you ever had!"