ting of Paul's old boat.

In spite of the strong wind and the heavy sea, Paul kept the boat on her
course, though, as the tide was against her, she did not make much
headway.

"Can you weather South Point, Paul?" asked Thomas, who had been silent
for some time.

"I'm afraid I can't; this old boat makes about as much leeway as
headway."

"It is pretty rough out here--isn't it?"

"Rather," replied Paul, indifferently.

"She takes in a good deal of water."

"Mostly spray; you can bale her out, if you have a mind to do so."

Thomas was glad to have something in the shape of occupation, for it
required all his power to conceal a certain nervousness, which he would
not have had Paul see for all the world. He took the tin kettle, and
worked as though the safety of the craft depended entirely upon his
efforts.

The wind seemed to increase rather than diminish in force, and the sail
was becoming more exciting every moment; but Paul maintained his
self-possession, and though he had some doubts about his ability to keep
the old craft right side up, he did not permit his companion to know
that he had a single misgiving.

"We can't fetch by the Point," said he, when Thomas had done baling.

"Better come about then; we may get ashore on the rocks."

"Good!" exclaimed Paul, with a hearty laugh.

"What is the matter now?" demanded Thomas.

"The idea of striking a rock on the weather side!" laughed Paul.

"You are right; I didn't think."

The boat now came into comparatively still water, under the lee of Long
Island, as the outermost of three small islets, extending out in a line
from the mouth of the river, was called. The island was a mass of rocks,
rising from ten to twenty feet above high water mark, and as they got
behind it, they were sheltered from the force of the wind. In this
situation, Paul attempted to tack; but the old boat would not come round
in stays, for she had partially lost her headway, and the tide was
against her.

"That's bad," said Thomas; "we shall lose all we have gained by this."

"Take an oar and heave her head round, then," replied Paul.

"Ay, ay;" and Thomas took the oar, and brought her head up to the wind.

There was a coolness and self-possession in the demeanor of Paul which
filled his companion with confidence as well as admiration, though he
was in no humor to acknowledge it. If Thomas was not actually terrified
by the sweeping billows and the rude pitching of the boat, it was