During another hour the boys discussed the probability of being able to reach Key West within a certain length of time, and then Roy went below to make preparations for dinner.
Vance found the moments hanging rather heavily on his hands, and presently he lay down for a nap, leaving Ned to work the craft alone.
Fortunately she did not need much guiding. The wind had been gradually decreasing until it died away entirely, and before the noon-day meal was ready the yacht lost steerage-way.
It was useless to remain longer at the wheel, and Ned went below to overhaul the cabin on the chance of finding a pair of marine glasses in one of the lockers which had not been overhauled.
In this he was successful, much to his delight, and he went on deck once more in the hope of being able to see land.
He searched the horizon carefully in every direction, but failed to see that for which he sought.
This fact worried him not a little.
“It is almost certain there will be a breeze after the sun sets, and unless the stars shine very brightly we shall be obliged to keep on without knowing whether we’re goin’ to strike a reef or run out into the ocean.”
Now for the first time since he decided in his own mind that it would be possible to carry the Zoe into port did he begin to question the wisdom of such an attempt.
Limited though his experience as a sailor had been, he understood how many chances there were against success and also the dangers which were in their way.