It was not safe to leave her, with the prospect of a heavy blow, so near the Goblins, and they carried out the anchors in the wherry, and with the assistance of the capstan on the forward deck heaved her out into a secure position. The Woodville was safe for the night, and the supper-horn was sounding at the ferry-house. Nearly exhausted by their severe exertions, the boys returned to the cottage.
"I'm so glad that you have done it!" exclaimed Mrs. Wilford, when they went in to supper.
She had been a deeply interested observer of the operations of the young engineers, and her heart had bounded with emotions of joy, in unison with theirs, when she saw the steamer rise to the surface of the lake.
"I knew we should do it, mother," replied Lawry. "Where is Ben?"
"I don't know where he is. He went away just after dinner, and I haven't seen him since," added the mother.
"But I saw the ferry-boat go over in the middle of the afternoon."
"I know you did."
"But who went over with her?"
"I did," answered Mrs. Wilford quietly.
"You, mother?"