In a few minutes the Goldwing was within hailing distance of the barges. Dory declined to take the helm when Matt suggested, and was again busy with his lines on the forward deck.
CHAPTER XV. THE SKIPPER USES A NAUTICAL LASSO.
"What's that?" called George Duane, while Dory was still busy on the forward deck.
This question was called forth by what sounded like a volley of cheers from the New York side of the lake; but nothing could be seen to indicate the source from which the noise came.
"There it is again," added John Brattle, as three distinct cheers came over the waves. "There is some sort of a party up that little cove."
There was an inlet just to the south of the barges, from which it was now evident that the sounds came. But parties from the surrounding country frequently had frolics on the shores of the lake, and the students concluded that the cheers came from one of these gatherings.
The Topovers continued on their course, and seemed to be laboring to increase their speed, which was certainly moderate enough. They pulled but six oars in each barge, and against the wind and the heavy sea they could make but little progress. The Goldwing was making three miles to their one, and the moment for action was near.
Though the Goldwing was close-hauled, she leaped over the waves like a bird, and Matt was running directly for the barges, one of which was following the other, the Winooski being ahead. The skipper finished arranging the lines on the forward deck. Getting on his feet he made a careful survey of the situation.