We're well nigh across the Potomac, an' just a hummin'."

The day was breaking, and in the gray light of early dawn I could see
the little craft laboring under her rag of a sail in a manner that
sent my heart into my mouth, although I'm not given to being timorous
on the water.

"We must get in some of that sail," I cried, forced to yell at the
full strength of my lungs in order to be heard above the rollicking
sea song in which Bill Jepson was pouring forth his musical soul.

"Let her go as she is; I'll answer for it that no harm will be done."
Bill said with a laugh as he cut short his song. "We wouldn't be in as
good shape with the paddles, an' that's a fact."

By this time Jerry had awakened, and he, like me, had the idea that
we were storming through it at a hotter pace than the canoe could
safely stand; but the sailor insisted that nothing was wrong, although
he did suggest it might be a good idea if we baled the craft a bit,
and we were forced to act upon his advice in order to save ourselves
from being swamped.

The canoe rode more easily when the liquid load had been taken from
her, and I came to the conclusion that perhaps it might be as well to
let Bill Jepson have his way since we were cutting down the miles in
great shape, and speed was the one thing necessary for us just at that
time.

We were forced to use the baling dishes about every ten minutes before
crossing the mouth of the river, and then the little craft made better
weather of it, to the great relief of both us lads.

No one would ever have suspected that Bill Jepson was a deserter who
would surely be hanged if the Britishers caught him. He sang, told
stories of a wild and terrible kind, mimicked the officers of the
Narcissus, and explained what the Americans would do when the enemy
came up the bay, going into the details of the naval maneuvers as if
perfectly familiar with all the defenses, instead of being wholly
ignorant of everything connected with the war save from an English
standpoint.

It was not a very appetizing breakfast which we had that morning, for
the food, stowed in the stern of the boat, was soaked with water; but
to lads who had never been accustomed to luxuries a little thing like
fasting did not seem to be of much importance.

The breeze, which had been freshening all night, increased with the
rising of the sun, and Jerry and I, unwilling to suggest that the sail
be reefed, saw the little craft humming along under th