"If necessary," said Jack, "I shall take charge o' this vessel myself, an' sail it around in circles till the weather changes."
But an hour later, in spite of gloomy predictions, it did seem as though the wind was lessening; hope quickly revived. Rawdon, a town of considerable size, was already in view.
"I'll lay to until you can make it."
The captain had hailed them.
"Isn't he a daisy!" cried Tim, delighted enough to dance a jig, if space had allowed. "Cheer up, Sam and Tommy; you'll be all right soon."
"Get out," mumbled Sam, ungratefully.
Fifteen minutes later came the sound of Captain Mason's commands. Eagerly the boys watched his crew, as they executed order after order with speed and precision. The mainsail, flapping furiously, was lowered; the jib hauled down; then, as the anchor shot out of sight with a splash, the "Osprey" was rolling under bare poles, with the town of Rawdon directly before them.
But it was an hour later when the good-natured and careful skipper decided at last that it would be safe for them to make a start.
"I can't afford to take any chances with future statesmen, lawyers, or doctors," he chuckled, as he finally turned to his men and gave orders to get the boat ready.
It was quickly lowered, and piled up with luggage. The two indisposed boys tumbled in—another moment, and they were off.