“Well, we’re almost there,” said Bob encouragingly. “And this is the last time we’ll have to lug things.”
“Almost there!” grumbled Tom. “You’ve been saying that ever since we started. Don’t believe there is any ‘there’!”
But there was, and presently it came into sight, a narrow strip of blue water just barely ruffled in the breeze. When they reached the bank they laid aside their loads and stretched themselves out gratefully in the shade.
“Hooray!” murmured Dan.
“Me too,” sighed Tom.
Bob, who appeared the least fatigued of the party, got out the tin cup and served drinking water and was called blessed. Nelson took the camera from the case and snapped it several times at the recumbent forms. Then the canoes were slipped into the water and the luggage arranged again. This time Nelson and Bob paddled together, and Dan and Tom. As they started away Tom waved his arm politely toward the trail through which they had journeyed.
“Good morning, Carry,” he called.
And Dan was heard threatening that if he ever said anything like that again he would be tipped out of the canoe.