"Well, we may come to that yet," said Joe, with a sigh. And it was not long after that when they recalled this talk, at a time when indeed they would have given much for even some hard tack.
But matters were propitious enough now, and, after the morning meal, the boat was started off again on her now double quest.
"I think the best plan for us to follow," said Mr. Ringold, when they were heading into the main river, "will be to stop at the first town we come to, and make inquiries, both about our friends, and Charlie's mother. I'll question him and see if he knows where he used to live."
But Charlie's memory was either very faulty, or the events of the flood had driven all recollection from his mind. All he could say was that he lived "home" with his papa and mamma, and he wanted them both, though, for the time, he was willing to stay with his new friends, and watch the "choo-choo" engine.
"But what did your father do?" asked Blake, thinking they might get some clew, if they knew his occupation.
"He works," said Charlie, contentedly. "He works for mamma and me."
"And you don't know where you lived?" inquired C. C.
"I lived home," was all Charlie would say.
