What a cheer went up from the scow, and what a busy scene there was on the float as the young women jumped up and down in their glee over the good fortune of Dick & Co. "Now, we'll cruise down and get the paddles," Driggs proposed. "As soon as we pick up a couple of them, Dick and I can take the canoe and get the rest," Dave suggested. "You cannot, while the young ladies are with us," Hiram Driggs contradicted. "Do you want to scare them to death by having another upset?" Laura shot a grateful glance at kindly Hiram Driggs. The scow moved forward, cruising among the paddles until all of them had been recovered. "Now, Mr. Driggs, won't you stop a moment?" asked young Prescott. "It will be a bit humiliating to be towed into dock. Wait, and let us get into the canoe. We'd rather take it ashore under our own power." Laura hoped Hiram Driggs would veto the idea, but he didn't. The canoe was brought alongside, and five boys stepped carefully into it, seating themselves. "Room for one young lady in here, if we can find a fair way of drawing lots between them," suggested Dick playfully. "They won't step into the canoe, just now, if I can prevent them," Driggs declared flatly. "You boys want just a few minutes' more practice at your new game before you risk the lives of these girls." "You're right, I'm afraid, Mr. Driggs," Dick Prescott admitted with a smile. "But, before long, we hope to take out as many of the high school girls as care to step into this fine old war canoe." "I hope you won't forget that," Belle Meade flashed at him smilingly. "We won't," Dave promised her. "And you and Laura shall have the first invitation." "I shall be ready," Laura replied, "just as soon as you boys feel that you can take proper care of us in the canoe." "You'll have to do your own share of taking care," Tom Reade responded. "About all a passenger has to learn in a canoe is to take a seat right in the middle of the canoe, and to keep to that place without moving about." Dick & Co., minus Danny Grin, now paddled off, reaching the float some moments before the scow got in. "Young ladies," said Dick, as he stepped to the float, "I don't know how many of you will care about going out in our canoe, but we wish to invite all who would like it to try a trip within the next few days. Four boys and two girls can go out at a time, and in case of mishap that would leave two good swimmers to look after each girl. We shall be glad if you will permit us to invite you in couples." Despite the accident of the morning the invitation was greeted with enthusiasm. CHAPTER IX DICK TREMBLES AT HIS NERVE Hiram Driggs refused to accept any money for his trouble in raising the canoe. "I won't charge you anything, unless upsetting your craft becomes a troublesome habit," the boat builder declared. "Remember, I'm a big winner on our birch bark trade." Within the next four days all of the girls invited had been able to take a trip up the river and back.