That is because the river (they had left the creek fifteen miles up) was winding in its course.
On the whole, however, Bob decided that it was very fair progress for the first day, and that only about two-thirds of the time.
Rushford was a town of fifteen hundred inhabitants, and presented as busy an appearance as a town three times the size in the East. Clip, who was fond of variety, was reluctant to return to the boat, but Bob said:
"We must relieve Sam, and give him a chance to come ashore and get some coffee. You come with him, and show him the restaurant."
This arrangement suited Clip, who liked as much variety and excitement as possible.
On returning to the boat Bob was somewhat surprised to find his young lieutenant in conversation with an old lady dressed in antediluvian costume. She had a sharp face, with an eager, birdlike look, and seemed to be preferring a request.
"Here's the captain; you can ask him," said Sam, who seemed much relieved by the return of Bob.
"Is he the captain?" asked the old lady. "Why, he's nothin' but a boy!"
"He's all the captain we have," answered Sam.
"Be you in charge of this boat?" asked the old lady.