“The poorest part of this boat is the bottom,” remarked McGowan.
“We couldn’t get the proper timber, I remember we put in or two pieces that I am anxious about.”
“That makes it worse nor I thought,” replied Napyank, betraying his anxiety in his words. “By gr-a-c-io-us! if we should run into the island, it would be sure to punch a hole in the bottom.”
“And what if we did, couldn’t we fill the same hool up agin?” asked Teddy.
“Hardly——”
“Hello! what’s the matter with Smith?” interrupted the hunter.
“Here’s the island!” exclaimed the old man.
“Use your oar!” called Napyank, dipping his own deep in the water and swaying it with all the force at his command.
And here a most unfortunate mistake occurred. The two Smiths worked in one direction, and the hunter, assisted by his friends, in the opposite. Before the error was discovered, the flat-boat swung around, and the next moment went broad-side upon the island.
“By heavens! we have struck!” exclaimed McGowan.