As a usual thing they discouraged night traveling on the great river, because of the aggravated perils involved; but this was a case that was out of the common.

Thad went in to look after the wood fire, and wrestle with the problem of what to have with the baked ’possum, that had been cooking much of the afternoon.

There were no sweet potatoes now, since the last one had been devoured on the preceding day; so after mature thought the cook was compelled to put on some “grits,” as they fortunately still had quite a little stock of this famous Southern staple, which in the North goes by the name of hominy alone.

He hoped that by the time supper was ready they might have reached their haven; either that, or the determination of Maurice to keep moving have suffered a change.  If it were otherwise they must eat one at a time, while the other attended to the sweep, and kept watch and ward.

He had things pretty well along when a welcome shout from the pilot outside came to his ears.

“What ho?” asked Thad, as he thrust his head out of the cabin door.

“Lights ahead on the shore, and I reckon we must be close on that old Morehead,” returned Maurice.

“I can hear roustabouts chanting,” said the cook, as he bent his ear; “and I bet you that’s a steamboat getting wood aboard.”

“Wouldn’t be surprised.  If it is, then that place is Morehead.  Perhaps this George Stormways may be in charge of the woodyard.  Anyhow I reckon we’re going to learn something about him here; and now you see that my idea of keeping right along drifting was the correct one after all.”

“I suppose so.  I hope the steamer don’t take a notion to move off while we’re passing.  I wouldn’t like to take the responsibility of ramming and sinking her, you know, Maurice.”

“Get in nearer the shore, and we’ll drop anchor above the landing.  If we do that we needn’t worry, because you see she’s bound to lean away from land when she starts.  That’s the ticket.  Get in the push!”

Thad had picked up the pole with which they were able in shallow water to urge the shanty-boat toward the shore; he could reach bottom easily, and under his efforts, as well as the swing of the current, and the inclination of the sweep, the Tramp soon gained an offing in water that was not more than three feet in depth.

The two boys could easily see the exciting scene as a line of black ran on board the steam-boat, each carrying two or more sticks of wood on his head, and keeping rhythmic time to the droning chant which every man joined in.

Lanterns and blazing torches made of fat pine knots lit up the weird scene; and taking it in all, they would not have missed it for considerable.

“There goes the pilot’s bell—­they’re off!” exclaimed Maurice, as the line ceased pouring over the guards of the steamboat; then came a loud and hoarse whistle, after which steam began to hiss and the stern wheel to churn the waters of the mighty Mississippi.