The Outdoor Chums on the Gulf | Page 3

Cedar Keys. But we must spend the whole evening settling just what we are to take along with us," ventured Frank.
"What did you say about grub?" queried Bluff, whose appetite never failed him.
"Archie wants us to accept all he has laid in, and encloses the list. I need add only a few little things that I happen to know one or the other of us fancies especially, and we are fixed for two weeks. You see there were two of them, and they expected to be afloat two months, so he laid in a large quantity of bacon, coffee, tea, sugar, and all substantials, much more than we can ever use; and I know Archie well enough to make sure they came from the best grocery in New York."
"Oh! the darling, won't we remember him in our prayers, boys, and hope he gets good and strong over at that cure in Europe? There will be never a meal but that our thanks will ascend for this good deed of Cousin Archie. He belongs to all of us; this club adopts him as its one honorary member; and I hereby propose three cheers for the biggest-hearted chap going. Hip, hip, hurray!"
Doubtless Frank's father and mother exchanged smiles when this hearty cheer came to their ears from Frank's den; but Mr. Langdon, even though a staid banker now, never forgot that he had once been a boy himself; and they understood the enthusiasm that must inevitably sweep over the three chums of Frank when they heard the glorious news.
So the boys proceeded to go into executive session, and jot down lists of such things as they would be apt to need on the outing.
"I understand that Archie had some heavy fishing tackle in his supplies, which we can count on to carry us through. Take your heavy rods only, and your guns, with proper ammunition," suggested Frank.
"And I'll lay in a stock of films and such things, for I expect to get lots of fine pictures among those wonderful Southern scenes. I've always wanted to see that Spanish moss trailing from the swamp trees like it is in all Southern views. I'm the happiest chap in Centerville tonight, Frank!" exclaimed Will.
"But see here," interrupted Bluff, "how about that matter connected with your good dad, Frank--why was he so pleased at the idea of you going to Cedar Keys?"
"Yes, tell us about that," burst out Jerry.
"It's a big mystery, fellows. Father smiled and nodded his head when I read him Archie's letter. 'What a remarkable coincidence. I was just thinking of going to that city myself, or sending a trusted messenger, and now you can do it all for me,' he said."
The boys exchanged looks.
"Don't it just beat all?" remarked Jerry, weakly.
"Why, we're having the luckiest streak of our lives, that's what. But see here, Frank, didn't he tell you more?" remarked Bluff, who always wanted to know, being the son of a lawyer.
"He gave me this little packet, done up in a stout manila envelope, and told me not to open it until I came in sight of Cedar Keys. Inside would be found full instructions as to what errand he wanted me to carry out."
"Better and better! We sail under sealed orders, fellows. That should add a little zest to the voyage. I know I'll be consumed with curiosity every minute of the time wanting to know what under the sun it can be that your good dad has waiting for you to do," said Will, seriously.
"Well," remarked Frank, "you see me put the packet away, not to be opened until the proper time; and now we'd better go on with our lists."
CHAPTER II
CAUGHT IN A FIRE TRAP
It was late that night ere the three visitors thought of going home. There was so much to talk over that it seemed as though they could never break away.
"Listen!" exclaimed Will, finally, as they were about to depart.
"That's the fire-bell, as sure as you live!" cried Bluff.
"Tell me about that, will you!" cried Jerry. "A cold night to get burned out!"
Frank snatched up his coat and cap.
"I'm going with you, fellows, as far as the corner, anyway, and see if it is a real fire, or a fake," he remarked.
Accordingly the quartette rushed out of the door and down the street. There was snow on the ground, and the air was pretty keen.
"It's a fire all right; look, you can see the light, and the smoke!" said Will.
"Say, fellows, isn't that the square, and doesn't it look like it might be the Sherman House?" asked Frank.
"As sure as you live," replied Bluff. "That would be a tough thing, for the people there to climb out near midnight, and the mercury hovering half way down to zero!"
"Hurry! Perhaps we can help some!" exclaimed good-hearted