ght.

Jack asked many questions concerning tides and prevailing winds. He
also noted the lay of the course they must follow in making their
passage across to the other side.

The genial keeper gave him numerous points that might be of value. He
also declared it as his opinion that they could not have a better day
for the trip, as the sea was comparatively smooth, and the wind light,
as well as from a favorable quarter.

And so the boys returned to their boats, determined to make the effort
to cross while the chances were so much in their favor.

Nick was only waiting to be invited aboard the good old _Comfort_; and
Jack, who believed that it would be better to have only one to occupy
their attention in case anything went wrong with the untamed speed
boat, asked George if he had any objections to letting his crew change
ships, to which the other immediately replied that such a thing would
please him immensely.

"I can manage her much better without a cargo, fellows," he declared,
earnestly. "Now, listen to him, would you, calling me a cargo?"
whimpered Nick; but while he thus pretended to be offended, it was
laughable to see how quickly he made the transfer, as though afraid
Jack might change his mind, or George want him to stay.

About nine o'clock the start was made, as the tide would be most
favorable around that time, the lighthouse keeper had told them.

Since the _Comfort_ had been overhauled she was capable of making
better time than previously, when she was known as the "Tub" by the
rest of the boys. Herb declared he could take her across in two hours,
though Jack privately believed it would be nearer three before they
reached Norfolk.

It turned out to be a hedge, just two and a half hours elapsing from
the time they made the start until they drew up near the big wharves at
Norfolk.

However, time was not giving these happy-go-lucky lads the least
uneasiness just at present, so long as they did reach port in safety.

"And it's just as well we started so early," Jack remarked, "because
the wind is freshening all the while, and it will be blowing great guns
out there before long.

"Hey, Josh! why not make a change again, and you get aboard the
_Comfort_?" proposed Nick, who hated to give up a good thing.

"No you don't," retorted Josh, "not any for me. You just go and stew
in your own gravy, will you? Took me a whole month to get the creak
out of my bones after the last time you coaxed me to c