He then showed them how to get their oars out, and how to start together; but they did not feel interest enough in the process to pay much attention to what he said, and several ineffectual attempts were made before they got a fair start.
"Hallo! Ain't you going to take me?" shouted Barney, from the shore, as they were leaving.
"Will you obey orders?"
"Yes; but I won't be kicked."
"Nobody wants to kick you," replied Charles, who, deeming that the rebel had made a satisfactory concession, put back after him.
"This ducking will be the death of me," said Barney, as he got into the boat.
"A little hard pulling will warm you, and when we get back, we shall make a fire on the island," answered Charles, in a conciliatory tone, "Now, ready—pull!"
The Rovers worked better now, and the Zephyr moved with tolerable rapidity towards the shore; but it was very dark under the shadow of the trees, and Charles could not readily find the place where the materials for the tent had been concealed. Each of the crew thought he knew more about the business than the coxswain; and in the scrape the Zephyr was run aground, heeled over on one side, and filled half full of water.
It required some time to bail her out; but it was accomplished at last, the stakes and poles put on board, and they rowed off to the island again. Tim had arrived before him, and had landed the stores.
"Where are the matches, Tim?" asked Charles.