Laughing, the captain preceded him up the companion-way and called to the mate.  He then ordered the boys who had been shipped aboard the “Quickstep,” released and turned over to the captain of the Fortuna.  This was done much to the mate’s disgust.

There need be no doubt as to the heartiness of the greetings that passed between the separated members of the Beaver and Bob White Patrols once they were united again.  Introductions followed hastily.

As the “Quickstep” sailed away on her course again, the crew of the Fortuna gathered on top of the cabin and waved a farewell, cheering until they were hoarse.  At length Jack called them below.

“How about some eats?” queried Tom.  “I’m so empty I’d make a first rate drum.  I declare I haven’t had anything to eat in weeks.”

“Rubber,” shouted Harry.  “Stretch it.  You mustn’t fib.”

“Well, I mean it seems that long,” declared Tom.  “Who’ll be the cook?  Shall we run slowly until breakfast is ready?”

“That’s a good idea,” Jack answered.  “Let’s run under a check until breakfast is over, then we’ll make good time straight for Biloxi.”

“Hurray, we’re homeward bound,” shouted Tom.  “Hurray again!”

“Shower bath first,” cried Arnold, dragging out the hose.

What a glorious morning that was.  Doright laughed until he could laugh no more to see the antics of the boys who took turns holding the hose on each other.  The sun was just up clear of the horizon ushering in a day that promised to be beautiful.  Only a slight swell was running on the Gulf giving the boys an excellent opportunity for a shower bath on deck.  They availed themselves of the opportunity and frolicked about to their heart’s content.

At length the boys produced the brushes and proceeded to scrub the Fortuna until she shone—­as Tom put it—­“like a new bottle.”

Jack volunteered to act as cook, drafting Arnold to assist because of the extra number of mouths to be fed.  Doright stayed about the kitchenette, taking in every detail of the splendidly equipped boat.  To his eyes, unaccustomed to anything of the sort, the vessel was splendid beyond compare.  He was charmed.

Presently breakfast was served.  All did ample justice to the shrimps, sweet potatoes and chicken gumbo that Jack had prepared.  The excellence of the coffee was remarked by all.

At length the boys, having eaten their fill, spread the remains of the breakfast for Doright.  He had been serving as the boys ate.

“If there isn’t enough breakfast for you.  Doright, we’ll make some pancakes for you,” Jack offered in a friendly tone.

“Thankee, Boss.  Ah guess there’s more’n Ah kin eat,” protested Doright.  “Ah haint no heavy eater, nohow.  Ah just lunches.”

Leaving the negro to satisfy his appetite and wash the dishes, the boys repaired to the pilot house for a conference.  There detailed explanations of all that had happened since Harry and Arnold left for a fishing trip were made, while Frank Evans and Charley Burnett told their story of the incidents in which they had been concerned.