“Ye ought to be careful, though,” said Ethan, evidently mollified by Ben’s words of praise. “I didn’t believe a city fellow would have so much grit.”
“You don’t know us yet,” replied Ben, with a laugh.
Ethan said nothing more, and at once gave his attention to fitting out the sailboat. This task was soon completed, and the eager boys at once took their places on board.
“Have you got everything we shall want?” inquired Jock, before they set sail.
“I don’t know whether I’ve got everything ye want, but I’ve got everything ye need,” said Ethan.
“Got those ‘p’is’n things’?” inquired Ben, soberly.
“Yes, I’ve got the pies an’ things,” replied Ethan, shortly. “Now, if ye’ve got no further speeches to make, we’ll cast off.”
The boat was soon free from the dock, and, as the sail filled, it began to move swiftly over the river. There was a strong breeze, and aided by the swift current the boat drew rapidly away from the island. Ethan held the tiller, and when, after he had satisfied himself that nothing had been neglected, he at last took his seat, and gazed about him with a smile of contentment upon his sunburned face.
“This is something like it, boys!” exclaimed Ben, as he looked about him over the great river.
The wooded islands, the glistening waters of the river, the strong breeze, and, above all, the swift motion of the boat, lent an additional delight to those who were on board.