While the three were eating, the Roberts packed up groceries and rolled up blankets for the trip. These, and the rifles, they carried down to the launch while the chums were finishing their coffee.
They were ready none too soon, for as the chums drained their cups, they caught the mingled popping of the coming launches.
It still lacked twenty minutes to midnight when the last launch came churning up to the end of the little dock.
Charley counted out five dollars and handed it to each of the launch captains. "This is for being ahead of the time set. You'll each get your ten dollars apiece at the close of each day. Now, if you are all ready, we'll be off."
"Where are we going, Boss?" questioned one of the captains.
"I do not know the name of the place," the lad replied, thoughtfully. "Just follow our launch. We will lead the way."
In a few minutes the things were all stowed aboard and Bill started up the engine. The launch leaped ahead and, with bow headed down the coast, sped away in the darkness closely followed by the other boats containing four contented, but thoroughly mystified, captains.
As soon as they were fairly under way, our three chums stretched out on the launch's cushioned seats for a nap. They were completely worn out by the eventful day and night.
At sunrise Charley was awakened by Bill.
"We've been running without a hitch all night," the big fisherman informed him. "We must be getting near to your creek by now. We passed Tampa over an hour ago."