After a time the wind freshened a little, and they put on their coats. The Thimbles were seen glistening in the bright sunshine. Harry had brought along a glass, and they took turns peering off toward the islands, of which there are said to be three hundred and sixty-five, one for each day in the year.
The wind rose steadily till they had a “spanking breeze,” and the catboat danced along right merrily.
“Perhaps we hadn’t better try to make the islands,” said Frank, but the others cried him down.
“What’s the matter with you?” they demanded. “This is a beautiful breeze. Of course, we’ll go to the Thimbles.”
They were enthusiastic, for the way the Jolly Sport reeled along was exhilarating. Soon the glistening islands grew to bits of green and then took on definite shapes.
“Look at that schooner yonder,” said Jack. “Isn’t she a queer-looking craft?”
He pointed out a black two-master that was running up into the sound. There was something rakish about the slant of the masts, and the vessel seemed to creep over the water in a stealthy fashion. The boys watched her with increasing interest.
“Makes me think of some of the stories of pirate vessels,” said Bart.
“Jingoes!” exclaimed Diamond. “She does look like a pirate!”
“But the days of pirates are past,” said Harry. “Probably she is a fishing vessel.”