only
because he felt that he was in the charge of a skilful boatman. The old
craft soon caught the wind on the other tack, and drove out among the
big waves again.

Paul's mother was still on the beach watching the uneasy movements of
the boat, and in momentary expectation that she would be swamped. Her
earnest gestures were disregarded by her son, and she was prepared for
the worst fate that could befall him. Paul tried to keep his eyes away
from her; but he could not help stealing an occasional glance at her,
though his conscience reproached him for the pain and terror he was
giving her. But he felt that his courage and his reputation as a boatman
were at stake, and that, if he failed to achieve the purpose before him,
he would be the derision of Thomas Nettle and all his companions.

For two hours the boat labored heavily in the rough sea, and had
accomplished about two thirds of the distance to Tenean Point. The young
adventurers were now in the worst place in the bay, and the boat was
exposed to the full force of the wind and the sea, from which they had
before been partially protected by an island.

"What do you think, Paul?" said Thomas, suspending for a moment the work
of baling, in which he had been engaged for the last hour.

"What do I think?" replied Paul, coolly, as he wiped the spray from his
eyes; "I think it blows tremendous hard."

"So do I."

"Then we shan't quarrel about that, anyhow."

"Do you think you can make the Point?"

"Certainly I do; I'm in for it, at any rate."

"We don't make much headway."

"That's true."

"I shan't get to the picnic in any kind of season," continued Thomas,
crouching down under the weather rail, as a huge wave gave the boat a
slap that made her quiver like a leaf.

"I can't help that, Tom; I didn't want you to come this way."

"Don't you think we had better run for the shore, and give it up?"

"I don't think any such thing. If the old boat will only hold together
long enough, I'll put you ashore on Tenean Point."

"I'm afraid she won't hold together much longer."

"No matter; we will go it while she does hold together. Can you swim,
Tom?"

"You know very well I can swim, Paul."

"Better get your boots off, then."

"Who do you suppose could swim ashore in such a sea as this? Besides, it
is over a half a mile, and the surf on the beach would tear a fellow all
to pieces."

"You ought to have thought of these things before you came out here."

"It