They laid down to their work, and were soon upon the scene of the strife.
Aye, strife is the correct expression.
Strife it was.
A steam tug could not have dragged them along at a better pace, or have made resistance more hopeless.
"Pull hard."
"Aye, aye, sir!"
"Lay down to it, my lads," cried old Mole, excitedly; "look how they are flying through the water."
"Aye, aye, sir!"
"I remember Billy Longbow once," began Mason.
"Hang Billy Longbow now!" said Joe Basalt.