"Can you steer her, commodore?" he asked.
"Certainly I can. I understand the wheel now, and I know all about the lake. If you can manage the engine, I can take care of the steering."
"My brother is an engineer on a Hudson River boat, and I have spent many a day with him in the engine-room. I think I understand the engine pretty well," he replied.
"Let us go ahead then," said one of the impatient fellows.
"We will start her again, commodore; and I wish you would take her to some place where we can lie to, and decide upon our future course."
"I will do so, general; but I don't think it will hurt those on the island to wait a while," I answered.
"Very well; we will go where you pilot us, commodore," added Vallington, as he returned to the engine-room.
Three of the students were sent down into the fire-room, after being instructed in their duty by the general, who was careful to tell them not to put too much wood in the furnaces. By this time the Splash had come alongside, and was made fast to the stern. I invited Bob Hale and Tom Rush to occupy the wheel-house with me, and I took my place at the spokes.
"What are we going to do?" asked Bob, who had not been present at the conference on the forward deck.
"That is not decided," replied Tom. "We are going to lie to somewhere, and talk the matter over."