“I’m willing enough,” said the other, seating himself amidst the load.
Dick threw considerable power into his work. He knew there was more or less danger of being caught far out from land in the storm, and that, considering that their boat was old and leaky, did not present a flattering outlook.
Just as he feared, they had gone little more than half the distance across when a loud peal of thunder followed a brilliant flash of lightning.
“It’s coming, Dick! The squall!” cried Asa. “I can see it racing over the water!”
CHAPTER VII
IN THE GRIP OF THE SQUALL
“We’re in for it, I’m afraid, Asa!” said Dick, as he saw what the other had reference to, for the wind was coming in their track, and promised to drive the boat toward the island rather than from it.
“Tell me what to do, Dick, and I’ll try to follow it out!” Asa exclaimed.
His face was deathly white, and his lips quivered as he spoke. Still Dick could see that the boy had a pretty good mastery over his fears. Indeed, with such a dismal prospect staring them in the face, even a more seasoned camper than Asa Gardner might have displayed nervousness.
“He’s got considerable nerve, anyway,” Dick said to himself, when he saw his companion gritting his teeth, and clenching his hands. Raising his voice he went on to say: “I guess two pairs of arms would be better than one just now, Asa; so drop down on that other thwart and take this oar.”
The boy did as he was bidden.