"That's all right," laughed Fred. "Do I look sleepy this morning?"
"Not especially."
"Well, I'm not, whether I look so or not," retorted Fred. "If you are all ready we'll start."
"We're all ready," answered the Go Ahead boys together and a moment later the Black Growler was speeding on her way toward the waters of the open lake.
"My, what a glorious day this is," exclaimed John when a little later the motor-boat was fast leaving Oswego behind.
Indeed there was much to cause the young sailors to be enthusiastic over the morning. The clear air, the morning sunlight, the sparkling waters of the beautiful lake all combined to produce an effect that was unlike any which the boys before had experienced. Even the waves appeared to be peaceful. Not a whitecap was in sight.
"Did you hear what that man on the dock said when we passed?" inquired Grant.
"What man?" inquired Fred. "What did he say?"
"Why he said we had better take a man along with us that knows the lake."
"No, I didn't hear him," said Fred. "And if I had, it wouldn't have made any difference. I know my way all right and you fellows needn't be afraid that you won't be down among the Thousand Islands in time for dinner."