When the two schoolboys started out with the hired lad they did not intend to remain away longer than sunset, and not one of them dreamed of the marvelous adventures in store for each ere he should be permitted to see his native land again.
The start was made in a fair breeze, and it looked so nice overhead that Mont proposed they take a short run directly into the ocean.
"All right—I'll go you," answered Carl slangily, and away they skimmed.
By noon they were almost out of sight of land, and while they were eating the repast Stump had prepared Carl proposed that they turn back.
This was hardly accomplished when it suddenly grew dark, and they found themselves caught in a squall.
"By gracious! I didn't bargain for this!" cried Carl. "If we don't take care, we'll go to the bottom!"
"Don't worry—yet," answered Mont. "I guess we'll get back all right."
Blacker and blacker grew the sky, until absolutely nothing could be seen. Every sail was closely reefed, and the boys strained their eyes to pierce the gloom which hung over them.
Suddenly Stump set up a yell.
"Look out; there is a ship!"