Both boys were very hungry, for it was now nearly night and they had taken their lunch in the middle of the day. The crackers were eaten, and washed down with a drink of cold water from the jug; but it was a dry and unsatisfactory supper and Paul resolved in future to keep the Fawn provisioned for such an emergency as the present.
The wind still blew with undiminished violence, and the black clouds indicated rain. By and by the darkness came on, and there was no longer any prospect of getting home before the next day. Just before dark, a man hailed them from the shore, and offered them a bed at the farm house; but Paul thanked him and declined the offer, at the same time hinting that they had nothing on board to eat.
"Come ashore, then, and get some supper," replied the man.
"We can't get ashore; we draw too much water," answered Paul.
"I will bring you off then."
The man pushed a skiff into the water, and soon came alongside the Fawn.
"You have got a fine boat here," said he.
"Yes, sir; she is a very nice boat."
"But this is pretty heavy weather for boys to be out. Whose boat is she?"
"She belongs to us."