cing a heavy sea in the bay.

"We shall have a chance to find out what kind of a sea boat the Fawn
is," said Paul, as he weighed the anchor.

"I am glad of it," replied John.

"The wind is freshening every moment," said Paul, casting an anxious
glance to windward.

"Hope it will blow a gale."

"I think we shall get more than we want."

"Not more than I want, at any rate."

Paul hoisted the jib, and the Fawn rushed out among the white-capped
waves; but she walked over them so majestically, that John declared she
could weather any gale that ever blew. For a time she breasted the foam
of the head sea in a most gallant manner; but the wind came in fearful
gusts, increasing in violence every moment till Paul came to the
conclusion that it was no longer safe to carry the jib and mainsail, and
proposed to set a reefed foresail. John scouted the idea, but he did not
want the mainmast blown out of her, and consented to the change.

John took the helm, and Paul, after lowering the jib and mainsail,
hoisted the reefed foresail. The boat rode easier then; but as the wind
and tide were both against them, it was soon discovered that she made no
headway. As the gale steadily increased in fury, Paul would not attempt
to carry any more sail, though John insisted that she could bear the jib
and a close-reefed mainsail.

It was evident to Paul that, unless he put on more sail, he could not
beat up to Bayville against the tide; but it was clearly imprudent to
carry any more sail, and for two hours more the Fawn struggled with her
hopeless task without making a single mile.

"What are you going to do, Paul?" asked John, impatient, but not
terrified by their situation.

"We can't beat up in this sea."

"I know that."

"We will run over to Farm Island, and anchor under the lee of the high
bluff;" and he headed the Fawn in the direction indicated.

CHAPTER XII.

PAUL SLEEPS ON HIS WATCH.

Farm Island was about two miles distant, and as the Fawn had the wind on
the quarter, it required but a short time for her to reach her haven of
safety. Under the high bluff on the seaward side of the island, the
water was comparatively tranquil; and here Paul anchored.

"We are all right now," said he, with a feeling of relief, as he took in
the foresail.

"When do you suppose we shall get home?" asked John.

"I don't know; we will not borrow any trouble, so long as we are in a
place of safety."

"Mother won't think we are