But the adventure was not yet completed. The head waters of navigation had not been reached, and their love of exploring did not permit them to spend any unnecessary time over the meal. Tony and his oarsmen had reported themselves at the grove, and after "bolting" their dinner, had resumed their occupation; and the boys perceived the Dip half a mile up the river before they were ready to start.
"All aboard!" said Frank; and the crews, hastily gathering up their tin pails, and their baskets, tumbled into the boats.
The Zephyr led off, followed by the other boats of the squadron.
"I see no buoys ahead," said Frank, after they had advanced some distance. "The navigation must be unobstructed."
"It looks like deep water," answered Charles.
"And Tony's crew are pulling very hard; they are going faster than we do."
"He is trying to gain time against he reaches a bad place. There he goes round the bend. Were you ever up here before, Frank?"
"I have been to Oaklawn, which is about four miles from Rippleton. Of course I never came up the river."
"Wouldn't it be fine if we could get up to Oaklawn?"
"Perhaps we can."