The Sylph stood across the mouth of the bay, and made her landing at the rude wharf (and it was so rude, that Dory had to be very careful in handling the yacht, or she would have stove it all to pieces). When it was evident that she was going to stop there, the picknickers hurried to the wharf to see her, for she was a great curiosity to people who did not live near the lake. The present party were from twelve miles inland, and intended to drive back to their home by moonlight.
"Can we be permitted to go on board, and look at this steamer?" asked the gentleman who had employed Ash Burton to sail the party in the forenoon, as he hailed Captain Gildrock on the hurricane deck. "Our people have never seen such a steamer as this appears to be, and their curiosity is excited."
"How many people have you?" asked the principal.
"About eighty-five."
"We have room enough for the whole of them, then; and I shall be happy to have them take a little trip in her," added the captain.
"You are very kind, sir; and your invitation is very unexpected. We are very glad to accept, especially as we do not start for home till eight o'clock," replied Mr. Murdock, the manager of the party.
"I have a little business with you, sir; and, after your party are on board, I should like to see you in the pilot-house."
"Business with me?" exclaimed Mr. Murdock, greatly surprised.
"In regard to the boys who took some of your party out to sail," Captain Gildrock explained.
The picnickers were delighted with the invitation, and accepted it with enthusiasm. They crowded on board so eagerly, that the principal interfered to prevent them from breaking the wharf down with their weight. They were soon on board, and the order was given to Captain Dornwood to back out from the pier.