"I think I do, sir," answered the skipper. "I have been in a boat ever since I was born, and I can't remember the time when I couldn't sail one."
"I would give a hundred dollar bill if I could sail a boat as well as you can," said Mr. Jones.
"So would I," added Mr. Howe.
"I will tell you all I know about it for nothing," laughed the skipper. "I don't pretend to know much, but somehow I always get along. Won't you take the helm, sir, and try your hand at it?"
"No, not now; I should rather begin when it is not quite so lively," replied Mr. Jones.
"It is easy enough. She will almost steer herself. All you have to do is to run for that point of land, about eight miles ahead."
"Eight miles—is it?" asked Mr. Howe, consulting his watch.
"About eight from here. It is just ten from the point astern of us."
"It is exactly twelve o'clock now. Let us see how long it takes us to go eight miles."
"I can tell you now, sir," laughed Bobtail. "It will take us just forty-eight minutes."