"Splendid!" exclaimed Dick Travers, viewing the catch with great favor. "We thought you were going to stay there all day."
"I declare, it would suit me to do just that thing," asserted Sam. "Look out, Dave Brandon, don't put salt in my cup!"
"Oh ho, beg pardon," yawned the poet; "thought it was sugar. I don't believe I'm getting enough rest."
"The only time you are not lazy is at meal-times."
"I know it," replied the stout boy, mildly; "and when those fish are ready—oh ho!"
He did not conclude the sentence, but his comical expression made the others laugh heartily.
Breakfast over, the "Rambler" got under way. The boys found plenty to interest them on both shores. Several tumble-down shacks, apparently in the last stages of dilapidation, and probably the homes of squatters, brought forth various comments.
"You can see what laziness will bring people to," remarked Dave, humorously. "Boys, take warning."
About noon, they saw a picturesque tributary entering the river on the right hand shore. It was such a cool, pleasant-looking retreat, shaded by overhanging trees, that all thought it best to make an exploration.
"It may be a long time before we come to such a dandy place again," said Bob.