"I am afraid the wind is scanting; see how our sails are sagging!"
"The wind certainly is dropping," M. Zermatt answered, "but since it is blowing from aft let us put the foresail one side and the mainsail the other. We are sure to gather some pace that way."
"It should not take us more than half an hour to round the point," Ernest remarked.
"If the breeze drops altogether," Jack suggested, "we have only to put out the oars and paddle as far as the cape. With four of us at it the pinnace won't stay still, I should imagine."
"And who will take the tiller while you are all at the oars?" Mme. Zermatt enquired.
"You will, mamma, or Mrs. Wolston, or even Hannah," Jack replied. "Why not Hannah? I am sure she would shove the tiller to port or starboard as well as any old salt?"
"Why not?" answered the girl, laughing. "Especially if I have only to do what you tell me, Jack."
"Good! It is as easy to manage a boat as it is to manage a house, and, of course, all women are adepts at that from the start," Jack answered.
There was no need to resort to the oars, or to what would have been much simpler—towing by the canoe. As soon as the two sails had been set crosswise the pinnace obeyed the breeze more readily and made appreciable progress towards Cape East.
Various signs went to show that beyond the cape the wind from the west would make itself felt. The sea on this side was vivid green a couple of miles from the shore. Sometimes little waves, deploying in white lines, gleamed with bright reflections. The voyage proceeded gaily, and it was scarcely half past eight when the Elizabeth was athwart the cape.