"Now it's our turn," laughed Maurice, prepared to drop down to the landing, where a fire burned and threw a glare around.
CHAPTER XV.
THAD GETS A SHOCK.
The arrival of the little Tramp did not create anything like the commotion which marked the landing of the big stern-wheel river steam-boat.
A few darkies idling on the shore drew near, filled with curiosity when they discovered that only two boys comprised the crew of the floating craft; and Dixie barked strenuously at them, as if to let the community know that while the shanty-boat failed to possess a whistle, it was not without some means of announcing its arrival.
Thad threw a rope ashore to one of these blacks, who whipped it about a post, and the boat presently lay alongside the landing.
"You go ashore and ask questions."
It was Thad who said this, because he knew his chum was so much better able to probe things than himself.
"All right," replied Maurice, readily, "and you can look after the boat; though likely enough none of these fellows will try to run away with it."
"Well, I don't mean to give them half a chance. Just think what would become of us if such a thing happened. We'd have to go to work on a cotton plantation, sure, to make money enough to get further along. I've got the good old Marlin handy, Maurice, and just let any thief try to come aboard, that's all. I'll pepper his hide for him, and salt it in the bargain," declared Thad, resolutely.