Dab explained, that, as soon as Dick found he was really to go to the academy, he determined to teach his tongue new habits; and the whole company heartily approved, even while they joined Dab in advising him not to attempt too much at a time.
"You might sprain your tongue over a big word," said Ford.
There was an abundance of talk and fun all around, as "The Swallow" skimmed onward; and the outlines of the long, low sand-island were rapidly becoming more distinct.
Nearer they drew, and nearer.
"Is that a light-house, away over there?" asked Annie of Dab.
"Yes, that's a light-house; and there's a wrecking-station, close down by it."
"A wrecking-station?"
"I say," said Ford, "are there men there all the while? Are there many wrecks on this coast?"
"Ever so many wrecks," said Dab, "and they keep a sharp lookout. There used to be more before there were so many light-houses. It was a bad place to go ashore in, too,—almost as bad as Jersey."
"Why?"