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170 spent their time in buying such things as they needed for the trip.

"They tell me it is pretty warm down there," said Roger. "So we had better buy some thin suits."

"And we had better go armed," added Phil. "No telling what trouble we may run into, in trying to corner Merwell and Jasniff. Merwell is no great fighter, but Jasniff is a brute."

"Yes, I'll take no chances with Jasniff," answered Dave. He had not forgotten his quarrel at Oak Hall with that bully, and how Jasniff had attacked him with an Indian club, as related in detail in "Dave Porter's Return to School."

At last all was in readiness for the trip, and the boys and the other passengers, four burly Englishmen, went aboard. Fortunately, the Golden Eagle was well provided with staterooms, so there was but little crowding. Dave had a small room to himself and next to him were his chums, with Captain Sanders and the first mate opposite. Billy Dill was, of course, in the forecastle with the other sailors.

"It's grand to have you along ag'in," he said, to Dave and Phil. "Seems like old times, when we sailed the Pacific."

"So it does," answered our hero.

"Only ye ain't a-lookin' for no uncle this trip, be you?" And the old tar chuckled.