"You wait and I'll show you how we'll manage; only get in!"
Thus adjured, Sam got into the barrel, and with some difficulty crouched so that his head was lower than the top of the barrel.
"Now I'll show you," said Clip.
He took a white cloth—it was apiece of sail-cloth—and spread over the top of the barrel.
"Now old Mass' Wolverton will have sharp eyes to see you," said Clip, triumphantly.
"That may do," said Sam. "But it isn't necessary to put it on now. It will be time if my uncle makes his appearance. I'll keep out of sight in the center of the boat."
Meanwhile Bob had gone to the house to bid good-bye to his mother.
"I feel anxious about your going off on such a long trip, Robert," said Mrs. Burton.
"You forget that I am almost a man, mother. It is time for me to assume some responsibility."
"But you are only a boy, after all, Robert. Think, if anything should happen to you, what would become of me?"