"So much the better," added Rosabel.
When the sloop was a mile from the shore, where the water was not sheltered by the high cliffs, the white caps lighted up the bay, and it was very lively sailing. The Rosabel, close-hauled, pitched smartly, and the spray soon drenched Stumpy, who, presuming not to intrude himself into the presence of the New Yorkers in the standing-room, remained upon the half-deck. Mr. Redmond was not willing to own it, but he was actually frightened, as Leopold could see by the way he started when the boat pitched, and by the energy with which he held on to the washboard.
"I don't know that I like this very well," said he, at last, with a sort of shudder.
"It's perfectly splendid," exclaimed Belle.
"Elegant," added Rosabel.
"I will come about whenever you wish, Miss Hamilton," said Leopold.
"O, no, not yet," protested Isabel.
"I think it is about time," put in Charley. "It is cold and wet."
The skipper enjoyed the starts and squirmings of the young gentleman. He had the boat perfectly in hand, though by this time she had all the wind she could stagger under. He knew very well that the most exciting part of the sail was yet to come, for he would have the wind free as soon as he came about. If the girls had not been on board, he would have let the boat over far enough to take in a few buckets of water, for the especial benefit of Mr. Redmond. He knew just how much she would bear, and he could do it with entire safety; but he did not care to alarm his fair passengers. Having weathered the island, he let off the sheets a little. The Rosabel heeled over, and promptly increased her speed. The wind came in gusts, and now every flaw carried her down to the washboard. Mr. Redmond was more uneasy than ever, but the girls only shouted in the exuberance of their delight.
"I don't believe in this thing," said Charley, at last, when his nervousness overcame him.