But the hatches were off, and the machinist was stationed at the opening with his revolver in hand. Dory was sure they could not get out by the companion-way, and he made haste to get under way, slipping the cable. The members of the Nautifelers Club were so devoted to their beer, that they did not seem to be aware that they were imprisoned in the cabin. They were quite noisy, and appeared to be bent upon having what they called "a good time," whatever became of Angy.
Mr. Jepson was a mechanical genius, and he soon found a way to cover the hatches. The jib was set, and then the La Motte did very well.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE GOLDWING ON THE STARBOARD TACK.
"Now we have got over the dictionary part of this business, and I don't think the rest of it will be quite so stupid," said Thad Glovering to his class in the Goldwing.
"Why don't you hoist the jib, Thad?" asked Hop Cabright.
"Because we have sail enough without it," replied Thad. "Ever since I came to Beech Hill, I have been hearing about the danger of carrying too much sail."
"But that schooner is carrying her jib," added Hop; and all eyes were directed to the La Motte, though she was still a mile distant.
"I am not in charge of that schooner, and I have nothing to do with her," answered Thad. "There is another of the dangers of a young skipper--that of doing as others do on the water. There is as much difference in boats as there is in men. One man can carry three hundred pounds on his back, while half that will break down another. A fellow must look at his own craft to ascertain how much sail she ought to carry. You needn't try to pick up a barrel of flour, Hop, because McGowen can do it."
"Do you suppose Dory is sailing that schooner, Thad?" asked Ben Sinker.
"Perhaps he is. I have no means of knowing any thing at all about it, but I don't believe he is. There were five fellows on board of the vessel when she was in the river yesterday, and I don't believe he and Mr. Jepson have whipped out the four of them that must have been left on board of her."