At the same instant there was an increase in the force of the wind, which fairly howled overhead, and sent the spume from the crests of the waves with stinging force into the faces of the boys.
“What is it?” panted Bob, as he tried to get his breath, after swallowing a mouthful of salt water.
“We seem to have gotten out to sea in a hurry,” replied Jerry.
“It’s beginning to rain!” yelled Ned.
Then everything seemed blotted out by a gray blanket of mist, caused by the drenching downpour. The boys were wet through in an instant, though they tried to cover themselves with some pieces of canvas.
In their hurry to get the boat into the water they had not set the awning. In fact the craft was not at all equipped for a trip, beyond the fact that she could go, since there was plenty of gasolene in the tank.
The Dartaway was rocking and bobbing about on the rough water, for, once beyond the protection of the cove, the full force of the waves and wind was felt.
“Turn around, Jerry!” yelled Bob.
“Yes! Put back!” cried Ned.
“Too risky!” sung out Jerry. “I’ve got to keep her head into the wind,” and he swung the wheel around to meet a big wave.