noon
There were numerous boats upon the river , but although Jack used his glasses to advantage he could pick up no clue to either the _ Wireless _ or the _ Comfort _ . The day was nice and clear after the fog and rain . `` Here 's where we hit it up to make time , and pay for the slow traveling yesterday , '' the pilot announced , when he coaxed the steady going little motor to do its prettiest . At noon they had reeled off something like sixty-odd miles , the current having assisted very much in advancing the boat . Keokuk had been passed , and they were now aiming to reach Quincy by the middle of the afternoon . Just below this place the second station had been marked ; and if , as was to be expected , George and Buster had arrived ahead of them , they might anticipate being signaled to draw in . `` It 's right funny we do n't say anything of the other byes at all , '' remarked Jimmie , while they were pushing steadily along , the engine working with clock-like fidelity , and never missing a stroke .