"If Nellie's mother only knew that," said Mrs. Bobbsey.

"Tell you what I'll do," said the brother-in-law; "just give me
Mrs. McLaughlin's address, and I'll go to see her to-day while I'm in
town. Then I can find out whether we have the right man in mind or
not."

Of course, nothing was said to Nellie about the clew to her father's
whereabouts, but Mrs. Bobbsey and Aunt Emily were quite excited over
it, for they were very fond of Nellie, and besides, had visited her
mother and knew of the poor woman's distress.

"If it only could be true that the vessel is trying to get into port,"
reflected Mrs. Bobbsey. "Surely, there would be enough help along the
coast to save the crew."

While this very serious matter was occupying the attention of the
grown-up folks, the children were all enthusiasm over the water
carnival, coming off that afternoon.

Hal and Bert were dressed like real Indians, and were to paddle in
Hal's canoe, while Harry was fixed up like a student, a French
explorer, and he was to row alone in Hal's father's boat, to represent
Father Marquette, the discoverer of the upper Mississippi River.

It was quite simple to make Harry look like the famous discoverer, for
he was tall and dark, and the robes were easily arranged with Susan's
black shawl, a rough cord binding it about his waist. Uncle William's
traveling cap answered perfectly for the French skullcap.