The Wonder Island Boys: The Mysteries of the Caverns

by Roger T. Finlay

For the purpose of the test it was decided to put aboard a load of stone, of a weight equal to what their contemplated load would be, and this they estimated, not counting their combined weight, at six hundred pounds. This would be ample for all purposes.

The day selected was bright, with a fair wind. By agreement Harry was selected as the skipper, as he knew every part of the boat. It devolved on him to take command for the day, but he would not consent to be the permanent captain, as he thought that a duty which devolved on the others as well.

Angel was invited, you may be sure, and he enjoyed the idea of a sail when he recollected, as was no doubt the case, his former trip. There was evidence of the remembrance in the animal, when they saw him at the boat, on more than one occasion, swinging back and forth on the rigging.

The Professor was in his element in the boat. It was a glorious journey for him, and the boys knew it was appreciated on his part. The wind was blowing from the west, so the sails were tacked and an easy sail made for the mouth of the Cataract.

Outside the sea was rolling, but not disagreeably so; but a much stronger breeze sprang up toward midday, and before two o'clock it was very brisk. The cliffs were rounded, and as the wind had not changed quarters, the sails were set for a southern course. This brought them around the bay and toward the headland to the east of the mouth of South River.

That region had always possessed a fascination for George and an attraction for the Professor as well. George, particularly, was anxious to penetrate the river, and sail up to the falls, but Harry's more practical views prevailed. "If we want to explore the river we can do it any day with a wagon, or on foot; but while we have the ship out, why not take a sail down the coast toward the mountains?"

The Professor concurred in this as the most liable to give them the best results, as they were out for the purpose of making tests of the craft on the open sea.

After sailing for an hour along the coast to the south, the shore line turned to a southwesterly direction, and the mountain range was now clearly perceptible, extending southwest, and along which it appeared that the coast followed. The wind changed and came from the mountains, and made progress slow. There was also a decided change in the temperature, and by four o'clock it was impossible to follow the coast except by constant tacking.

The boat was turned to the north, and with the strong wind, which had now perceptibly increased, began to make good time. As evening approached, the wind increased, until it blew with considerable violence, every minute being more boisterous, and the Professor suggested that the jib be taken down, which was done; but the increasing gale, and the terrible strain on the mast and sail, made the boys look inquiringly at the Professor, for a word of warning.

He sat there grimly during the raging storm, and with the halliards gradually let down the mainsail when the tempest had reached such a point that it appeared to sweep everything from the boat.