"I am so anxious to get a peep at the inside of her," replied Charles, as he took hold of the line that held the boat, and pulled her towards the shore. "Don't you think he will be here before two o'clock?"
"I don't know. I wouldn't touch her, Charley," said Frank.
"See how she shoots ahead! I scarcely pulled at all on the line."
The light bark, under the impulse of Charles's gentle pull, darted to the shore, throwing her sharp bow entirely out of the water.
"Don't, Charley; you will scrape the paint from her keel on the sand," interposed Frank. "She is built very lightly, and my father says she cost him four hundred dollars."
"I won't hurt her. Just twig the cushioned seats in the stern, and see all the brass work round the sides! My eyes, how it shines!" exclaimed Charles, holding up both hands with delight.
"Just see the oars!" added Fred Harper.
"And there are the flags rolled up in the stern," said another boy.
"Won't we have a glorious time!" continued Charles, as he placed one foot on the bow of the boat.
"Don't get in, Charley; that isn't fair," interposed Tony Weston.