Part 3 (1/2)
”The raft is certain to tie up somewhere, Tom. But it may go a good many miles before that happens,” answered the eldest Rover; and there the subject was for the time being dropped.
CHAPTER III
A ”PEPPER” GHOST
Mrs. Stanhope and Mrs. Laning had been taking a nap, and they were much interested when they awoke and learned of what had occurred.
”Let us be thankful that the raft did not run us down,” said Dora's mother, who was a widow.
”It was mean to make us run aground,” was Mrs. Laning's comment.
”Some folks try their best to get others into trouble.”
”That fellow with the long nose got out of sight in a hurry when he saw the shotgun,” observed Tom.
”Oh, Tom, you wouldn't have shot him, would you?” cried Nellie.
”I only meant to scare him. But, if they had really run us down, I don't know what I would have done.”
It was not long after this that the lumber raft pa.s.sed entirely out of their sight. Gradually the talk changed, and all began to wonder where they were to tie up for the night.
”I did hope to reach Masterville,” said Captain Starr. ”But I don't think we can make it.”
”Do we need anything in particular in the shape of provisions?” asked d.i.c.k.
”I don't think so. You might ask Aleck.”
The person referred to was a colored man who was in the employ of the Rovers, and had been with the boys on many of their outings. His full name was Alexander Pop, and he thought the world and all of d.i.c.k, Tom and Sam.
”Hullo, Aleck!” called out d.i.c.k, going to the cook's galley.
”Yes, sah! Comin', sah!” was the answer, and in an instant Aleck's smiling ebony face showed itself at the doorway.
”Have we got enough provisions on hand until to-morrow?”
”Yes, sah.”
”Then we won't have to go ash.o.r.e for anything?”
”No, sah; less yo' want sumfing very special,” and the colored man grinned.
”Are you going to give us a pretty good supper, Aleck?” asked Tom, walking up.
”Lamb chops, sah, an' green peas, sweet potatoes, an' cake an' cut-up peaches.”
”That's first-rate, Aleck,” said d.i.c.k, smiling.
”Any quail on toast?” asked Tom.
”No, sah.”