The dripping oars were all extended at the same height from the water, at the command of the coxswain.
"Up oars!" continued he.
"You will certainly run against them, Frank," repeated Mrs. Sedley. "Pray don't be careless."
"There is nothing to fear, mother."
Indeed, the Zephyr was approaching fearfully near the Sylph, and even Uncle Ben began to feel a little uneasy.
"Port your helm, Frank!" shouted the veteran.
"Keep her steady, Uncle Ben."
Frank, looking through the two rows of perpendicular oars, steered the Zephyr alongside her companion, and passed within a very few inches of her.
"Play 'Old Folks at Home,' if you please," said he, as the boat darted by the sluggish Sylph.
"That was a little too close, my son," said Mrs. Sedley.