"Fun alive—isn't it?" chimed in Rosabel. "It would spoil it all to reef."
"If we only had a man with us, it would be another thing," groaned Mr. Redmond, with a shudder, as the boat went down to her washboard again.
"I think I am strong enough to handle her," suggested Leopold.
"But you don't understand it," exclaimed the New Yorker, desperately.
"If you think you understand it any better than I do, I am willing to let you take my place," said the skipper, with a smile.
"O, no! don't let him! I should certainly be afraid then," cried Belle.
"I don't pretend to know anything about a boat; and I don't think you do," blubbered Charley, angrily.
"I think I can get along with her," added Leopold, pleasantly. "This is a quiet time compared with what I have seen out here in this boat."
Mr. Raymond continued to growl, and the girls continued to scream and "squeal" with delight when the sloop heeled over, and when the spray drenched their water-proofs. The Rosabel was at least five miles from the land, still making things very lively on board, when a large schooner was seen dead ahead.
"I've had enough of this thing," said Charley, clinging to the washboard behind him. "If you don't turn round, or lower one of the sails, I shall call for help from that vessel."