The two barges were half a mile from the point. They had come together, and the crew of the Dasher were baling her out. By keeping the crew well astern, the ragged holes in the bow were raised above the water line. The Topovers who had been on board of her were transferred to the Racer. The Chesterfields were a sorry crowd, and as they had no further use for their allies, the Racer conveyed them to the point.
Of course Tom's bonds were removed then, and as the Racer started for the other side of the lake the Topovers took up the line of march for Genverres. When the Sylph reached the first bend in the river, the Dasher, pulling only half her oars, had begun her voyage across the lake. The Racer kept close to her, but she seemed to get along very well, though very slowly.
"I don't believe those fellows will feel like coming over here again very soon," said Oscar in the pilot-house.
"I don't know about that," replied Dory Dornwood. "This is the third time they have got the worst of it; but I have no idea that they will ever be satisfied until they get even with us."
"That is just what I think," added Captain Glovering, who was seated in the pilot-house. "But I don't believe they will want to attack us on the water again."
"If we hadn't had those pike-poles we could not have done a thing, and it was only an accident that they happened to be on the caisson," continued Oscar.
"I don't think so; we should have found some other way to meet them," answered Captain Glovering. "When they have had as much experience on the lake as we have, they may be able to do something."
"But the Topovers are madder than the Chesterfields, and they are our neighbors," suggested Oscar. "I believe we shall hear from them again soon. Tom swore he would fix us yet, and if he ever caught me alone he would pound me till I couldn't see out of my eyes. I only hope he will meet me alone."
"Let him alone; don't get into any quarrel with him," said Dory, in his quiet way.
"I shall not seek any quarrel with him, and I will do the best I can to avoid a fight; but if I get into one in a natural way, I shall try to be a muscular Christian."