CHAPTER XXI—HOW THE PLAN WORKED
“He’s gone crazy,” muttered Grant. “What does he think he’s doing?”
George, having completed his strange performance, returned to the stern of the Balsam and quietly resumed his seat.
“What were you trying to do?” demanded John curiously.
“I scratched the mast.”
“I know you did. Why did you do it?”
“To give us more breeze.”
“I suppose scratching the mast is going to make the wind blow,” and John laughed loudly. “I think you’re crazy, Pop.”
“Wait and see,” said George calmly. “I remember that I once read somewhere about sailors scratching the mast when they wanted a breeze, so I thought I’d try it. We need to try everything if we want to win this race. They’re ahead of us now.”