"We shan't wait for him to come before we begin operations."
"It does my heart good to hear you speak so truthfully," said George, as at once he opened the packages and passed the various articles of food which he had obtained.
So busily engaged were the boys that time passed rapidly and a half-hour later George said, "What do you suppose has become of that fellow? I told you that his mother said that he was worse than I am and couldn't find any of his belongings, but I didn't know that he would lose himself."
"Have you ever been in Poughkeepsie?" inquired Grant soberly.
"I have never stopped here."
"Then I have no need for other explanations. I know what has become of John."
"Then you'll be the one to go and get him."
"I guess not," laughed Fred.
"No, if he doesn't show up within fifteen minutes the Black Growler proceeds gracefully on its way and leaves little Johnnie to come after us. Maybe he can work his way by driving mules for a canal boat."
"There isn't any canal here," said Fred.