"Here is just what we want; and it will prevent you fellows from spilling yourselves into the drink in looking at my drawing," said Thad, as he produced the contents of the parcel. "I have heard something about these before."
"What are they, Thad?" asked Archie.
"A copy for each one of you of a sloop, with letters to indicate the parts," replied Thad, as he distributed them among his crew. "It is a picture of a sloop from Captain Douglas Frazar's book, called 'Practical Boat-Sailing.' The principal says it is a most excellent little book, containing a vast amount of simple and useful information for those handling sail-boats. Captain Gildrock is well acquainted with the author, and knows him to be a thorough seaman as well as a skilful yachtsman. Now, look at the picture, and imagine that it is the Goldwing."
"But the Goldwing has but one jib," replied Ben Sinker.
"And you have but one hat," returned Thad.
"I have another in my room."
"This sloop has another jib in her room, which is the sail-room in the boat-house. She don't wear it just now, as you don't have on your other hat. Now, Archie, what is the upright stick in the forward part of the sloop? Be practical about it, and don't talk any moonshine, if you please."
"It is the mast," replied Archie confidently.
"That isn't the name of it."
"Not the mast?" asked Archie, perplexed.