The cadets who had gone off with the ice-boat did not know much about running such a craft, although Mumps knew all about ordinary sailing boats, having come from the Hudson River, as previously stated. The wind carried the trio out of sight of the Hall, and they sat down to enjoy themselves.
“This is all right!” said Coulter, enthusiastically. “Nick, we ought to build a boat of our own.”
“Too much labor,” grumbled Paxton. “What’s the use, when you can get someone else’s craft for nothing?” And he laughed.
“They’ll be angry when they hear how we went off,” came from Mumps.
“Perhaps, but I don’t think they’ll do anything.”
Sailing with the wind was easy enough, and soon several miles were covered.
“We had better turn around,” said the sneak of the school. “Remember, it won’t be near so easy tacking back.”
“Oh, don’t turn back yet,” said Paxton. “It’s fine to spin along. Let her go!” And on they went for another mile.
“Hi! hi!” shouted Coulter, suddenly. “Look ahead! What’s that?”
“It’s open water!” gasped Mumps. “Stop her! Lower the sail! We’ll be drowned!”