The day now began to break, and by the increasing light they saw with the glass the line of blue water ahead rolling before the wind, while between them and it extended a space of calm surface as smooth as glass. A joyous shout burst from the weary, anxious crew at the sight.
"Come aboard, Mr. Gates," said the captain; "we'll tow no more."
Ned went to one of the sweeps, while Nep busied himself in preparing breakfast. The line that separated the broken water from the calm was now quite near. Peterson, unable to contain himself longer, gave vent to his emotions in a favorite negro song, to which the rest contributed a rousing chorus.
"My name is Johnny Jump-roun',
And ebery person knock down.
Chorus.
Ho, ho, high-land-a,
Roun' de corner Sally.
"My breast is made ob steel-plate,
My arms dey made ob crow-bars.