"Matt, can you go to windward of the barges?" he called to the helmsman.
"I might, possibly, but it would be a close squeeze," replied Matt.
"Then we must work more to windward: tack, if you please," added Dory; and it was evident that he had prepared his plan of attack.
Matt came about and headed the Goldwing to the north. Dory kept his eye on the barges, but he gave no hint of his method of operations. Probably Matt thought he was entitled to be informed in regard to the plan, but the accident in the river for which he was responsible had humbled him, and he asked no questions.
When the schooner had made about a quarter of a mile of northing, the skipper gave the order to tack again. Matt was directed to steer for a certain point on the shore, which would carry the yacht a little distance to windward of the barges, allowing for the headway they would make before she could reach them. In that lively breeze even the width of the lake at Beaver River was only a run of a few minutes for the Goldwing, and she was very soon abreast of the Gildrock. The Winooski was about a hundred fathoms ahead of her.
"Now, Matt, we have some sharp work to do, and every thing must be done on the instant," said Dory, when the Goldwing had passed the Gildrock and was up with the Winooski.
"Perhaps you had better take the helm, then?" suggested the coxswain of the Gildrock.
"I can't, for I have a job to do here on the forward deck. We shall go about, and run for the Gildrock in a moment," replied Dory. "I want you to make for her stem just as though you meant to run her down."
"All right, Dory; I will obey orders to the letter," returned the helmsman.