“Are you counting on bending that at once?”
“Of course; it’s the hardest part of the job, and should be attended to first.”
“But by doing that we shall destroy our tent.”
“What’s to prevent our livin’ on board the rest of the time we’re forced to stay here?”
“Crickey! I never thought of that!” Roy exclaimed with a hearty laugh, and five minutes later he and Vance were pulling the raft ashore.
By Ned’s instructions the rope which had been used in guiding the yacht around the point into the bay was not cast off when that task was completed, but had been made fast ashore, so that in order to work the raft back and forth it was only necessary to pull either way on the line.
A painter with a sliding loop moored the collection of timbers which was to serve as a boat, and the communication with the shore could be kept up easily and readily.
Ned already had one of the tents down, and this canvas (the foresail) was taken on board without delay.
The boys were by no means experienced sailors, therefore fully twice the time necessary was spent in bending the sail.
When it had finally been completed to the satisfaction of the young captain, Roy insisted that the range be put back in its old place at once.