The boys had vowed not to sleep under any but a canvas roof during the entire trip and so it was planned to launch the canoes immediately, stow their goods, and drop down the river half a mile or so, in the hope and expectation of discovering a good spot to put up the tent.
Then, on the following morning they would pack again and go on down to a place named Newberry, the county seat, where there would be larger stores, the driver told them, and a better chance to lay in the kind of provisions they wanted.
There was no hitch in their plans, and they spent a fairly decent night, marred only by the frequent barking of a pack of dogs from town, that seemed to have banded together for a coon hunt, or something along that order.
On the next morning they followed the railroad for some time, passing one or two small places, and waving their hats to the passengers on a train.
Arrived at Newberry they left Amos in charge of the boats, while Teddy and Dolph sought the post office to mail letters, as well as to pick up anything that may have been sent from the folks, with whom they had left a copy of their plans, marking the time of their expected arrival at such points as Newberry and the Soo.
Afterwards the two boys took the list they had made out, of things they needed, and visiting the best store in the town, purchased an abundant supply.
“Last chance to get anything,” warned Dolph, when Teddy asked if there was any other article he could think of, “we pass no more places from here to the bay, where we strike a small place named Emerson,” and on the strength of this plea, Dolph took the liberty of adding a few more things to the list.
“Hope the canoes don’t sink with all that load,” chuckled Teddy, as, having completed their purchases, which were to be delivered in an hour’s time they sauntered down in the direction of the river.
“Oh! they’ll bear up, all right,” declared the other “and besides, remember that a few meals will lighten the cargo considerably.”
“I guess you’re right,” admitted Teddy. “I never saw three fellows with such appetites in all my life. I’d hate to board this crowd, believe me.”