that seemed to fit in with the spirit possessing the two cruisers.

A supply of firewood occupied a box arranged for its
accommodation, and there was considerable more of the same
outside; while a new axe gave promise of any needed amount,
dependent only upon willing muscles, and an ability to swing the
same freely.

There was the gun Thad had mentioned, hanging from a couple of
nails--true, it might not be called a beauty, for it was an old
type Marlin, and much battered by service; but then Maurice had on
many occasions proved its shooting qualities, and that, after all,
is the true test of a firearm.

It was a double-barrel twelve bore, capable of knocking down even
a big goose, provided the right charge was in the shell, and the
eye that glanced along the tubes knew its business and could hold
on the moving game.

At noon they were passing Henderson, Ky., and changing their
course to the west, for the river makes a tremendous sweep before
getting anywhere near Mt. Vernon, forming a gigantic horseshoe as
it were, the last part of the turn bringing the voyager with his
face into the northeast.

Throughout the whole livelong day the little shanty-boat continued
to sweep along with the current, which was something like four
miles an hour at this point though it exceeds that considerably
when the river rises, or the wind comes out of the north and east.