"Tell me about that, and what it has to do with us. I'm a greeny when it comes to running a motor-boat."
"Oh, the boat has little to do with it; but please remember that the Gulf of Mexico is a larger affair than Camalot Lake. In fact, it means the ocean, with all that implies. Suppose we were caught off-shore the very first night with no place to go?"
"That would be tough, for a fact. I think I see what you mean, Frank.
We'll anchor in the mouth of the river to-night—is that it?" continued
Jerry.
"Just what I wanted to say. Then in the morning, after we have studied our gulf chart, we can lay out our day's work, if the wind is favorable."
"Wind! Why, we can go whether it blows or not!" ejaculated Will, who had already taken a snapshot of the picture presented by the open water beyond the island in the mouth of the river.
"Particularly when not. If anything of a south wind is on, the waves are apt to stagger such a little boat as this."
Frank had kept his eyes about him while he talked. He now brought the Jessamine alongside the bank at the most favorable spot he could see.
Jerry was ashore immediately.
"Make her additionally secure to-night," said Frank.
"Why, what d'ye expect—a hurricane?" And Will looked anxiously at the clear sky.