“We couldn’t do it any harm,” said William.
“It’s simply no distance to France from my bedroom window,” said Ginger.
The longing in their frowning countenances changed to determination.
“Come on,” said William.
It was quite easy to push and pull the boat down to the water. Soon they were seated, their hearts triumphant and their clothes soaked with sea water, in the little boat and were being carried rapidly out to sea. At first William tried to ply the oars but a large wave swept them both away.
“Doesn’t really matter,” said William cheerfully, “the tide’s takin’ us across to France all right without botherin’ with oars.”
For a time they lay back enjoying the motion and trailing fingers in the water.
“’S almost as good as bein’ pirates, isn’t it?” said William.
At the end of half an hour Ginger said with a dark frown:
“Seems to me we aren’t goin’ in the right d’rection for France. Seems to me, Cap’n, we’ve been swep’ out of our course. I can’t see no land anywhere.”