“Well, boys,” said Bruce at length, “I dare say we are making some progress; but it strikes me that it hardly pays.”
“No,” said Tom. “At this rate it’ll take us till to-morrow morning to make another mile.”
“I don’t object to rowing all night,” said Phil, “but I do object to row without getting the benefit of it.”
“I move,” said Arthur, “that we vote the sweeps a humbug.”
“I second that motion,” said Phil.
“Gentlemen,” said Bruce, “it’s being moved and seconded, that the sweeps are a humbug. Those of that mind will please manifest it by saying Ay.”
“Ay!” rang forth from Arthur, Tom, and Phil.
“Contrary minds, Nay.”
No response.
“It’s a vote,” said Bruce. “And now, gentlemen, we may as well consider what’s to be done next.”