As the sloop sped on its way I revolved the matter over in my mind. So busy did I become with my thoughts, I did not notice the freshening of the wind until a sudden puff caught the mainsail, and nearly threw the craft over on her side.
Springing up, I lowered the sheet, and then looked to see if the cargo was still safe.
Luckily Ford had placed the bags tight up near the cuddy, and not one had shifted. Seeing this, I ran the sail up again, trimmed it, and stood on my course.
As I did so I saw a large sloop not a great distance ahead of me. It had all sails set, and was bowling along at a lively rate.
I became interested in the large sloop at once. By the manner in which she moved along I was certain those in charge of her did not understand the handling of such a craft. The mainsail and jib were set full, and the boom of the former was sweeping violently in the puffs of wind.
“On board the sloop!” I called out. “Why don’t you take in some sail?”
“We can’t!” came back the answer. “The ropes are all stuck fast.”
By this time I had come up to starboard of them. I saw that there were two men, a woman, and a little boy on board.
The two men were trying in vain to lower the sails. They had evidently knotted the ropes when tying them, and now they were so taut nothing could be undone.