Rance was much taken by the sailboats. "I'm going to rig a sail on our boat, or die tryin'," he declared.
He spent the whole afternoon at this work while the other boys played ball and shot at a target, and by night was ready for a sail, though the others were skeptical of results.
That second night was less restful. The mosquitoes bit and a loud thunderstorm passed over. As they heard the roar of the falling rain on the tent and the wet spatter in their faces, and heard the water drip-drop on their bread-box, Milton and Lincoln wished themselves at home.
It grew cooler toward morning and the mosquitoes left, so that they all slept like bear cubs, rising fresh and rested.
It was a little discouraging at first. Everything was wet and the bread was inclined to be mouldy and tasted of the box; but the birds were singing, the sky was bright and cool, and a fresh western wind was blowing.
Rance was eager to sail, and as soon as he had put away the breakfast, he shouldered his mast.
"Come on, boys, now for the boat."
"I guess not," said Milton.
The boat was soon rigged with a little triangular sail, with an oar to steer by, lashed in with wires. Lincoln finally had courage to get in, and with beating heart Rance pushed off.
The sail caught the breeze, and the boat began to move.