now to just know what's in those queer old boxes Professor Hackett has
stored in your mill, Jack; and why they have to be watched, just like
they held money or something that has to be guarded against an unknown
enemy! But I guess I'll have to take it out in wantin', because you don't
know, and wouldn't tell till you got the consent of your dad, even if you
did. Goodnight, fellows; and here's hoping we're going to have the time
of our lives up and around Cedar Island!"




CHAPTER IV

LAYING IN THE STORES


Well, it was a busy day for the scouts of Stanhope Troop.

There was the greatest running back and forth, and consultations among
the lads, ever known. Where a parent seemed doubtful about giving
permission for a boy to take part in the intended cruise, influence was
brought to bear on coaxing neighbors to drop in, and tell how glad they
were their boys were independent, as it was the finest thing that could
ever come to them; and also what slight chances there seemed to be of any
accident happening that might not occur when the lads stayed at home,
where they would go in swimming anyhow.

And owing to the masterly way in which the objections of certain parents
were met and overcome, long before noon every boy who had a ghost of a
chance of sailing on the two motor-boats reported that he had gained