the water. "Say, ton't da look like vater snakes?"
"They certainly do, and they are almost as dangerous—for the launch."
Soon came a grinding under the boat and the screw came to a standstill. A tree root had caught fast, and further progress was out of the question until the screw could be cleared.
"I'll go over and do the job!" cried Tom. "I know how." And the others being willing he divested himself of most of his clothing, leaped overboard, and was soon at work. It was no light task, as he had to cut the root in several places with a jackknife.
"We had better land and look around," said Harold Bird. "I'd hate to get the screw caught again and break it, for then we'd certainly be in a pickle."
"Could the houseboat get through here?" questioned Fred.
"Yes, they could pole her through, with hard work," answered Dick.
They turned the gasoline launch to shore and tied fast. Then all began to leap out.
"This won't do," cried Dick. "Somebody ought to remain on the launch."
"I would like to go with you and look for the houseboat," answered Harold Bird. "I think the launch will be safe where she is."
