“Dis ship is besser dan a ferrypoat,” was Hans’ comment.

“A ferryboat!” shrieked Grace.  “Oh, Hans!”

“I mean von of dem double-decker ferrypoats vot runs from New York to Chersey City—­dem kind vot has got blate-glass vinders und looking-glasses der sthairs on,” explained the German cadet.  “Da vos peauties, too.”

“If we don’t enjoy this trip it will be our fault,” said Fred.

The lines were cast off, the steam tug puffed, and in a moment more the houseboat had left the dock and the voyage down the Ohio was begun.

“I’ll not be sorry to leave Pittsburg behind,” said Nellie.  “There is so much smoke.”

“Well, they have to have smoke—­in such a hive of industry,” answered Dick.

By noon Pittsburg and Allegheny were left behind and once more the sky was clear and blue above them.  The sun shone brightly and there was just enough breeze to keep the air cool and delicious.  All sat on the forward deck, under a wide-spread awning, watching the scenery as they floated onward.

After a consultation it was decided that the first stop should be made at a small village on the river called Pleasant Hills.  Mrs. Laning had a friend there whom she had not seen for years, and she said she would be pleased to make a call.

“All right,” said Dick, “Pleasant Hills it is.”  And he called to the tug captain and gave the necessary directions.

“That will throw Dan Baxter off the track a little,” whispered Sam.

Aleck Pop was highly pleased with the cooking arrangements.  There was a first-class gasolene stove, and the kitchen was fitted with all sorts of appliances for rendering cooking easy.

“I’se gwine to do my best fo’ you,” said the colored man, and dinner, which was served at one o’clock, proved to be little short of a genuine feast, with oxtail soup, breast of lamb, mashed potatoes, green peas, lettuce, coffee, pudding and cheese.

“Why, Aleck, this is a surprise,” said Dora.  “Some day they will want you to become the chef in a big hotel.”  And this compliment tickled the colored man greatly.

“T’ank yo’ Miss Dora,” he answered.  “But I don’t want to be no chef in a hotel.  All I wants to do is to stay wid de Rober boys so long as I lib.”

During the afternoon the boys tried their hands at fishing and caught quite a mess.  By four o’clock Pleasant Hills was reached and they tied up in a convenient spot.  All of the girls and Mrs. Stanhope went ashore with Mrs. Laning, to visit the friend that had been mentioned.

“Bring them down to the houseboat to-night, if they care to come,” said Dick.

“Thank you, Dick, perhaps we will,” answered Mrs. Laning.

“Let us take a swim while they are gone,” suggested Tom.  “That water is too inviting to resist.”

“Agreed!” shouted the others, and ran to their rooms, to get out their bathing suits.  Soon Tom was ready, and leaping to the end of the houseboat, took a straight dive into the river.  Sam followed and Fred came next, and then Dick, Songbird, and Hans came down in a bunch.  The water was just cold enough to be pleasant, and they splashed around in great sport.