As soon as they were well out on the lake both boys stopped rowing, and allowed Joseph Hogan to take a pair of the oars.
“Now, take hold this way,” said Andy Snow, “and pull like this.”
The Irish lad tried. At first his blades slipped quite frequently, and once he splashed some water into the craft.
“Look out!” cried Jack. “Emerald, we’ve had all the bath we want.”
“Sure, an’ I didn’t mane to wet yez,” was the answer. “The oars schlipped before I knew it!”
In a few minutes the Irish boy was doing better, and they turned down the lake. As they did this they noticed a small sailing boat approaching.
“There’s that craft again!” cried Jack.
“What craft is that, Jack?”
“Oh, I forgot, Andy. It’s a sloop Pepper and I saw day before yesterday. We thought the fellows on board acted queerly.”
“In what way?”