Once opposite the road-bed, Judd took both oars and backed water slowly toward the wharf on the island, while Budd sat in the stern of the yawl, and with his head in the tube watched the bottom of the bay.
Rod after rod was gone over, when Budd suddenly removed his head from the tube with an exclamation of surprise.
"I say, Judd, the bottom here is covered solid with scallops, and the bed seems to extend as far as I can see in either direction."
"Let me see," answered Judd, pulling in his oars and joining his companion at the stern of the boat.
Taking the glass, he examined the sea-bottom for some minutes intently.
"It is as you say," he exclaimed, joyfully. "Let us see if we can find the size of the bed. Row, if you will, to the south, while I watch."
Budd good-naturedly took the oars and pulled in the direction indicated. He had gone about fifty feet when Judd motioned him to stop.
"The bed ends here," he explained, removing his head from the glass. "Now row slowly east."
Budd did as directed for ten or twelve rods; then Judd again motioned him to stop.
"That is the width of the bed," he explained. "Now row north."