"Up oars!" said Uncle Ben, who stood on the rock.
The manœuvre was executed with admirable precision.
"Shove off!" which was done by the bow and stroke oarsmen.
"Let fall!" said Ben.
The oars fell altogether on the water, and the boys shipped them.
"Give way together!" added Ben; and away went the Zephyr with the first stroke of the oars.
Captain Sedley steered up the lake in the direction of the widow Weston's cottage. The Zephyr darted like an arrow through the water, her sharp bow cutting the tiny waves like a knife, making a most musical ripple as it dashed a clear jet of white foam as high as the gunwale.
It was scarcely three minutes before Captain Sedley gave the command "Way enough!" The boat darted into a cove by the widow's house, and Frank and his father landed.
Tony, it seemed, wished to join the club; but his mother, fearful lest some of the boys should taunt him with the occurrences of the past few days, desired him to remain at home. Captain Sedley's request, however, was quite sufficient, and Tony followed Frank down to the boat.
"Three cheers for Tony Weston!" exclaimed Charles Hardy, as they came in sight.