"A brilliant piece of navigation," observed John Hackett.
"Shut off power a bit, Kirk," said Nat; "I don't want to run on any shoals."
Talbot obeyed, and the motor boat progressed slowly toward the shore. Finally the boys saw that a sort of flat expanse extended back from the water, but the fog prevented them from gaining a definite idea as to the formation of the land.
"There seems to be a pretty good channel here," observed Dave.
"That's the reason I'm cruising along a bit," returned Nat, quickly.
The "Nimrod" skirted the shore for fully half a mile, then rounded a jutting point.
"No use, fellows, we'll have to anchor and wade ashore," said Nat finally; "I can't take the boat in any further."
Accordingly, the boys took off their shoes and stockings and rolled up their trousers. Nat cast the anchor overboard, then, each taking some needful article, they waded ashore.
"We'll have a swim here this afternoon," proclaimed Nat; "bet I can beat any fellow in the crowd."
"I'll take you up on that," said Hackett. "My eye, this fog is a nuisance."