Around the breakfast-table in the tiny after-saloon Sumner and Worth were comparing experiences and discussing their plans for the future.
"I tell you what it is, Sumner," exclaimed Worth, "I don't know about cruising any farther up this reef, where we are likely at any time to be seized and carried off to sea by some Jew-fish or other marine monster. Seems to me it's taking a big risk."
"Then why not come with us through the 'Glades?" laughed Lieutenant Carey. "There aren't any Jew-fish there. It will be almost the same as cruising on dry land all the way, and we'll bring you out at Cape Florida, the very point you are aiming for."
"I think that would be fine," answered Worth, who had no more idea of the nature of the Everglades than he had of the moon. "What do you say, Sumner?"
"It's the very thing I should most love to do," replied Sumner.
"Then you will go with us?" asked the Lieutenant.
"Yes, sir, we will," answered both the boys.
"Good! That settles it. Now do you suppose we can persuade your old darkey to go along as cook? I think you said he was a good one, Sumner?"
"Indeed he is!" exclaimed Worth; "the very best I ever knew. Oh yes, we must have Quorum along by all means."
When the plan was laid before him, Quorum shook his head doubtfully, and said: