"Come along!" They returned to the boat, Snig giving them a friendly bark or two as they got on board; and directly after, with lusty thrusts, the wheelwright sent the punt along in the direction of Dave's home.
The evening was still beautiful, but here and there little patches of mist hung over the water, and the rich glow in the west was fast fading out.
"I say, Mr Marston," said Dick, "you'll stay at our place to-night ?" "No; I must go home, thank you," was the reply.
"But it will be so late!" "Can't help that, Dick.

I want to be out early with the men.

They came upon a great tree trunk this afternoon, and I want to examine it when it is dug out.

Is that Decoy Dave's place ?" "That's it, and there's Chip!" cried Dick, as the boat neared the shore.
"You see how different he'll be!" Dick was right in calling attention to the dog's welcome, for Chip's bark was one of delight from the very first, and dashing down to the water, he rushed in and began swimming rapidly to meet them.
"Why, Chip, old doggie!" cried Dick, as, snorting and panting with the water he splashed into his nostrils, the dog came aside, and after being lifted into the boat gave himself a shake, and then thrust his nose into every hand in turn.

"This is something like a dog, Mr Marston!" continued Dick.
"Yes; but he would behave just the same as the other," said the engineer.
"Here's Dave," said Dick.