admit of the flat reaching the bank.

In order to prevent possible loss from some prank of mischievous
boys or thieving negroes, Maurice had secured a long and stout
chain, with a padlock, and at night this was so attached to the
dinky that no one could sneak the stumpy little craft away without
the use of a hatchet to chop out the staple; and while this was
being done the owners of the Tramp would surely be getting
extremely busy also with gun and axe.

"How does it go?" asked the owner of the shanty-boat, as he saw
Maurice settle down in his bunk, and draw the blankets around him
with the air of one who did not expect to be disturbed for a long
spell.

"Hunky-dory. Beats my old bed at home by a long shot. There's no
use talking, Thad, you're built for a carpenter, sure pop, and if
there's any vacancy aboard the CAMPERTOWN in that line I'm going
to induce Uncle Ambrose to let you fill it. Douse the glim
whenever you're ready, Cook. I hope I won't have to crawl out of
this bully berth until morning," was the reply of the other, that
brought a smile of satisfaction to Thad's face, for it is always
pleasant to know that one's labor is appreciated.

So Thad blew out the one lantern which they had been using since
coming in the second time, and then crawled into his own bunk. As
he had been occupying this for half a year or more of course he
was very familiar with its features, both good and poor and made
no comment as he retired.