"Oh, yes, of course," responded Mr. Bangs. "Get aboard, ladies."
"I don't believe you know how to sail a boat, Augustus," said Mrs. Bangs, eying her husband doubtfully. "Are you sure you do?"
"Nonsense!" snorted Mr. Bangs. "Don't be getting nervous, now. Don't you know I was elected commodore of the Green Pond Fishing Club only two weeks ago?"
Mr. Bangs refrained from communicating the fact that the principal occupation of the members of the Green Pond Fishing Club was the mixing of certain refreshing liquids in tall glasses, and sipping them on the verandah of a clubhouse.
The party therefore embarked. Mrs. Bangs was not wholly at ease, however.
"Supposing there isn't any wind by and by, Augustus, and you have to row. Why don't you take somebody along, to help? We've got lots to eat."
This idea, at least, seemed to strike Mr. Bangs favourably. He glanced to where Henry Burns and his companions stood.
"Hello," he called, "want to go out for a sail? Got room enough. Take you along."
The three boys stepped toward the boat.
"Not scared of the water, are you?" queried Mr. Bangs.