The cape was close by. Indeed, it would have been an easy thing for a boy to have thrown a stone from its extremity to the boat. Dick was carefully keeping track of things, and he knew just when it was time for them to begin pulling with might and main.
“Now, go for it, Asa!” he suddenly called out.
Both strained every muscle. And there was need of their greatest exertions, for the wind and waves combined made a foe worthy of their respect. The old boat seemed like a cork on the surface of the agitated lake.
Just as Dick had calculated, they were now fairly well able to hold their own when taking the waves on their starboard quarter. All the while, however, progress was being made toward the island. If only they could manage to get far enough along they would soon begin to feel the advantage of that projecting arm, or cape, for behind it the waves were far less boisterous.
It was a lively affair while it lasted, and Asa for one would never forget his experience as long as he lived. Though the rain had stopped the thunder still rolled heavily, while the beating of the waves against the land added to the clamor. The waves rushed past the heaving boat with a sharp hissing sound that Asa compared to that made by angry serpents in fear of being cheated out of their intended prey.
The terminus of the little spur of land could be seen now, for they had actually been carried past it. Much progress had also been made in pushing toward the land, and Dick for the first time began to feel satisfied that they would accomplish the object of their hard labors.
The other boys, together with the physical instructor, reached the outer shore by now. They were still shouting, and were wildly agitated, the boys, at least, under the false impression that those in the boat had missed their aim, and were now in deadly danger of being carried away toward the center of the big lake.
Indeed, Dan Fenwick was hurriedly disrobing as though to leap into the water in an attempt to assist his chums, though, in fact, this would have been a most foolish venture, nor would Mr. Rowland have allowed him to attempt it.
Dick already felt the terrible strain lessening. He knew they must be getting the benefit of the shelter offered by that projecting cape, against which the waves were dashing angrily.
“It’s all right, Asa; take it a little easier now. We can make the land without much trouble. Just keep pulling steadily, that’s all.”