The crew of the Winooski, who had been pulling very leisurely for some minutes, gave attention to their officer at once.
"Oars!" added Dory: and, the moment he gave the word, the oars were levelled at right angles with the length of the boat, with the blades feathered.
All the crew looked at the coxswain, wondering what was coming, for they had taken a rest after the Gildrock was beaten, and were not in need of another. This was the usual position of the crew when the officer had anything to say, or any announcement to make.
"Now you may look behind you, if you wish," continued Dory, with a meaning smile.
Every rower believed there was something to be seen, or the permission would not have been given, and they all availed themselves of the opportunity.
"The kid-glovers afloat!" shouted Thad Glovering, in the bow.
"Gentility on the wave!" exclaimed Life Windham.
"The dudes in the spray!" added Jim Alburgh.
"The exquisites on a racket!" cried Nat Long.