Owing to the unfavorable weather conditions, it took the boys a very long time to make their observations; and when Bob Somers looked at his watch, he uttered an exclamation.
“Good gracious—nearly half-past ten!” he cried.
“Well, we’ve passed a fine, profitable evening,” declared Fred, “and owe Redfern a vote of thanks.”
“You bet,” chimed in Jack.
The young man smiled.
“I have enjoyed it, too,” he said. “Now, I must be going; but I’d be mighty glad if you would pay me a visit before you leave. I live close by. It isn’t much of a place—to be plain, just a wooden shack.”
“Look out for us to-morrow morning,” said Jack, promptly.
After receiving instructions where to find him, the boys rowed back to the house-boat, the clanking oars sounding strangely distinct.
The novelty of their situation at first prevented several from sleeping; but about midnight slumber finally overtook them all, and thus ended their first day on the Hudson.