In a few minutes more, all the passengers were aboard, and they set sail; but they had not gone far when it became evident that something was amiss; they were making no progress.
"What is the matter?" asked several voices, and Violet looked inquiringly at her husband.
"There is no cause for apprehension," he said; "we are aground, and may possibly have to wait here for the turn of the tide; that's all."
"It's the lowest tide I ever saw," remarked the captain of the yacht; "we'll have to lighten her; if some of the heaviest of you will get into the dory, it will help."
Quite a number immediately volunteered to do so, among them Edward and Zoe, Bob and Betty, Harold and Herbert. The dory was speedily filled, and then, with a little more exertion the yacht was set afloat.
They moved out into deep water, and a gentle breeze wafted them pleasantly toward their desired haven.
"Look at the sun, papa," Elsie said, gazing westward. "It has a very peculiar appearance."
"Yes," he said, "it looks a good deal like a balloon; it's redness obscured by that leaden-colored cloud. It is very near its setting; we shall not get in till after dark."
"But that will not matter?"
"Oh, no; our captain is so thoroughly acquainted with his vessel, the harbor and the wharf, that I have no doubt he would land us safely even were it much darker than it will be."