"Hey, there, come back with that boat!" yelled Howard Fenton.
"Oh, of course we won't!" came from "Little Bill."
"Make a hundred yards' dash for it. I'll bet on the fat boy!"
"Give Fenton ten feet start, an' he wouldn't lose by more'n a hundred!"
These words, floating over the air, grew fainter, as the "Dauntless" drew away from the island, her sail, a shining patch of white in the sunlight, and her hull3 scarcely seen against the rippling4 water.
"Well, this is a pretty how-de-do, isn't it?" growled5 Dick. "Talk about cheek, eh? Looks as if they're going to take their time in coming back, too."
"Oh, never mind," said Fenton, resignedly. "As long as the boat isn't hurt, I don't care. Anyway, we can't help ourselves."
Jim Havens looked disturbed.
"Honest, fellows, I didn't know a thing about it," he exclaimed, earnestly. "Didn't think that Sanders would play such a mean trick."
"Fenton ought to punch him good and plenty," said hot-headed Dick Travers.
"Rather out of my line," laughed the New York boy. "It's only a bit of fun on their part. Let's be philosophical6, like our friend," and he pointed7 toward Dave Brandon asleep on the mossy bank.
Jim Havens brightened up when he saw that the visitors were disposed to take it good-naturedly.
"They're not going to hurt the boat," he said; "but I'm afraid that Dugan will keep right on to the village. He's been wanting for some time to get a gun that he left with his uncle."
"Why didn't he take your boat, then?"
"Oh, that's it. But say, I've heard that 'Little Bill' is rather reckless with boats."
"Maybe, but Sanders ain't. Whenever you fellers are ready, I'll take you to the shore—that is, if the two don't get back before that time."
"How about that hole in the boat?" asked Tom Clifton.
"It isn't much. We ran into a rock yesterday and dented10 a couple of boards. It's all fixed11 now."
"And strong enough to hold a ton or so?" laughed Travers, pointing toward Dave Brandon.
The object of his remarks sat up and yawned.
"Had a fine nap—say, what's up?" he asked.
"You haven't been, for one thing," replied Dick. "Pirates have run off with the 'Dauntless.'"
"Is that all?" said the poet, calmly, rubbing his eyes. "Thought, from the way you looked, that something had happened. Tell me about it."
"Real saucy13 chaps," he said. "That bank makes a capital place for a nap. When the 'Dauntless' hoves in sight, let me know."
But when several hours had passed, and there was no sign of the boat, all concluded that Havens' surmise14 must be correct.
The boys sat around, talked about baseball and hunting, and stood up and talked about the same things. Then they strolled up and down the pebbly15 beach, and cast many an anxious look over the choppy water, for the wind was blowing much more strongly, and only Dave Brandon was content.
Finally they lounged around a cheerful blaze, while supper was being prepared.
Being accustomed to roughing it, none would have cared if they had been compelled to spend the night on the island, but Howard Fenton did not wish to worry his father by an unexpected absence. Therefore, when darkness began to approach, he asked Jim Havens to get the "Dart" ready.
They stayed, however, to finish their scanty16 meal, and then cleaned up, still hoping that the "Dauntless" would put in an appearance.
When Howard Fenton finally walked down to the water's edge, the tree tops were sighing noisily, and black, wild-looking clouds had risen above the top of the cliff. A sudden and rapidly growing darkness fell over the scene. It was apparent that the twilight17 would be very quickly blotted18 out.
"Guess we'll have a rough night of it," observed Bob.
"We're in for a good ducking—that's what," put in Tom Clifton.
"I really have to get over to the shore, fellows," spoke21 up Fenton, earnestly. "My pater would imagine all sorts of terrible things."
"Pile in," added Bob, as he sprang on board the "Dart."
"By Jove, it certainly looks wild out there," declared Sam Randall, indicating the sombre expanse of lake.
"Enough to make a fellow feel kind of creepy, eh?" chimed in Tom. "The wind is freshening, too."
"Don't get scared," said Havens, calmly. "Let me run up a couple of these 'electric lights,' and we'll get under way with a rush."
Several lanterns were fastened in position, then the skipper, aided by Howard Fenton, started to shove off. Clumsy and heavily laden23, the boat resisted their efforts for a moment, then swung out suddenly into the gurgling water, at the same instant giving a lurch24 which was far from reassuring25.
The sail was hoisted26 and the "Dart" instantly responded by plunging27 her nose deeply in the water, white showers of spray were sent flying in all directions.
In the dim light, the crags of Promontory29 Island looked gigantic and the dark line of firs on Hemlock30 blended mysteriously into the distance.
"I 'most wish we hadn't come," declared Tom Clifton, nervously31. "Wow! I thought she was going over that time sure."
"Wind enough to blow a fellow's head off," grumbled Dick. "It's worse than I thought."
"And listen to that water gurgling," observed Fenton. "Keep your eyes open for the 'Dauntless.'"
"Likely to meet her in the passageway," said Havens, grimly. "Hold on tight, fellows, and mind your heads!"
The sail rattled32 and banged as the boom swung around, while a sheet of water foamed33 over the sides. Already they were drawing near the space which separated the islands.
"Not on your life, sonny," laughed the skipper. "I could go through here with my eyes shut."
"Oh, ho! This is better," remarked the "poet," cheerfully, "but I guess the next stretch will be worse than ever, eh, Bob?"
"We're going to be tossed about a bit, that's sure," commented the captain. "How wet are you, Chub, anyway?"
"Just a little more than if I'd been soused in the lake," laughed Dave. "Hello, here comes the finishing touch—rain, by Jove! Might as well get out and swim."
When the "Dart" reached the end of the passageway, the lights of the village could be seen, apparently36 so distant that Tom uttered an exclamation37.
"Crickets, think of all that water to be crossed!" he groaned.
"Seems a lot because it's dark," put in Havens. "The 'Dart' isn't so fast, but she'll make it in no time, with this breeze."
As they rounded the shore of Hemlock Island, a pouring rain began to beat in their faces, and almost every instant hissing38, foaming39 water dashed over the gunwale. Once outside its friendly shelter, the "Dart" began to pitch and toss in an alarming manner.
Suddenly, a furious blast heeled her far over and she shivered from stem to stern.
A chorus of excited exclamations40 rose above the whistling wind.
"Get the bucket, somebody!" yelled Havens. "Bale her out, quick!"
Bob Somers, reaching forward, was tumbled to his knees in the water that swished forth41 and back with every movement of the boat.
But he got the bucket. Dick seized another, and both set vigorously to work.
"Don't let up, fellows," commanded Havens. "Here's another big one. Hold on tight!"
Again the "Dart" staggered and shook. For an instant, the boys fairly held their breath. Then Sam Randall made an alarming discovery.
"Great Cæsar!" he cried. "The piece of wood which plugged up that hole in the side is gone!"
"And the water is just pouring in," added Havens, in a voice which betrayed both surprise and agitation42.
"Everybody look around for that piece of board," went on the skipper, earnestly. "Hurry up—hole isn't much above the water line."
A quick search proved without result.
"Fill it up with any old thing," commanded Dave. "Don't get scared, fellows. Shore isn't very far now."
The boy's calm tones inspired the others, and an instant later Bob Somers was stuffing an old coat through the opening. Even Tom Clifton forgot his fright for the moment.
The downpour increased, however, until the village lights were entirely44 blotted out. Nothing could now be seen through the impenetrable blackness, and all sense of direction was speedily lost. The lanterns threw weird45 splashes of light around the storm-tossed boat and upon its water-soaked occupants. All strained their eyes to pierce the gloom, hoping that each moment the veil might lift, but the minutes flew by with nothing to cheer their sight.
"We're in an awful fix," groaned Tom Clifton, his teeth almost chattering46. "Where in the dickens are we, Havens?"
"It would take a smarter chap than I am to tell you, Tom."
"Going like sixty—that's a fact."
"Jim, you're a reckless skipper," said Howard Fenton. "It's a good thing you know more than we do about the lake."
The light revealed an anxious expression upon Havens' face, but he held the tiller with a firm grip and remained perfectly48 cool.
"Here, Sam, take hold of this bucket for a moment and bail49!" cried Dick Travers. "Whew! we owe Sanders and Dugan something for this;" and, as he was relieved, Dick groped his way forward.
The violent motion began to have its effect upon Tom Clifton. "I feel awful funny, fellows," he gasped50. "Christopher, I do!"
"I say, Havens," yelled Bob, "we must be getting pretty well in, now. Hadn't you better come about on another tack51?"
"Wouldn't be surprised. The wind has shifted two or three times and there's no telling which way we may be headed." The skipper smiled grimly. "The rain is letting up a bit," he added. "Look out for the lights ahead and keep on bailing52."
"Feeling better now, Tommy?" asked Dave Brandon. "You'll be——"
"Great Cæsar!" An exclamation interrupted him. Then a series of wild shouts arose on the night air, as a crunching53 and grinding suddenly sounded.
"What's up—what's the——" But Dave did not finish the sentence.
A violent shock tumbled the boys in a confused heap. Then came a terrific pounding. The "Dart" gave a convulsive shiver, turned sharply over on its side, and seven boys, wildly grabbing at empty space, were sent heels over head into the black water of Mountain Lake.
As he felt the chilling water encircle his neck, Tom Clifton gave a frantic54 shout for help. Then his cries were instantly stifled55.
Choking, gripped by a terror which nerved him to fight with all the energy he possessed56, Tom struggled to reach the surface. Unable, like the others, to swim, he could only kick and thresh out with his arms in a blind and desperate effort. He had a confused idea of touching57 bottom—then, gasping58 and choking, his head rose clear of the swirling59 water.
Vainly he tried to keep afloat. Down he went again, until his ears began to sing and the water poured down his throat. Then, as he gave up hope, something touched his collar with a firm, strong grip, and he felt himself rising. His head came above the surface for the second time, and a voice shouted in his ear, "Put your legs down and stand straight up!"
Dave Brandon's strong arms held him, and, mechanically obeying his friend's command, Tom found to his astonishment60 that by so doing he could touch bottom.
The wave of thankfulness which swept through him could not quite blot19 out the few awful moments through which he had just passed, and, for the time being, all he could do was to stand erect61 and hold on tight.
It was difficult to talk, with the water bubbling and splashing around them. And the wind was cold. Even Dave's teeth were chattering and his words came out in a series of jerks.
"Sure—fine," whispered Tom.
His hand closed with a tighter grip on that of Dave's. Then his eyes fell on a curious spectacle.
Close by, partly submerged, was the "Dart." A lone63 lantern illuminated64 with a feeble, yellow glow the heads of his companions, all staring at him anxiously.
That is what Tom meant to say, but the cold and a strange weakness prevented such a lengthy66 effort.
Presently he heard Jim Havens remark, "Tommy's all right, fellows. Let's skip before we get stuck in the mud." Then, almost before he realized it, they had left the treacherous67 water and were climbing up a bank.
"I feel like a beautiful mess," groaned Havens, when they came to a halt.
"I'd like to have a good, square look at you," returned Bob, grimly. "I want to laugh, but can't. It isn't any island for you to-night, eh, Havens?"
"Not unless I swim back," was the reply. "Something is holding the 'Dart' fast. Awful lucky we weren't spilled out in the middle of the lake. Come along, fellows," he added. "Let's get our blood in circulation;" and he started off on a trot68.
Bedraggled and miserable69, his companions followed through the rain. The exercise began to warm their chilled bodies and the prospect70 of reaching shelter spurred them on.
When the lights of the Resort House were seen burning against the blackness, the group slowed down.
They declined Fenton's invitation to stop at the hotel.
"We'd like to, old man," grinned Bob, "but it's the Rickham for us to-night."
"Fo' de land ob goodness, is you de same gemmen what left dis mornin'?" he asked. "Whar', fo' goodness' sake, has yo' been?"
"In the lake, paying a visit to the fishes," replied Bob, as he made a break for his room.
Three-quarters of an hour later, the Ramblers, in dry clothes, were enjoying a hearty72 meal, and Sam Bins' curiosity was satisfied.
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1
derisive
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| adj.嘲弄的 | |
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havens
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| n.港口，安全地方( haven的名词复数 )v.港口，安全地方( haven的第三人称单数 ) | |
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hull
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| n.船身；(果、实等的)外壳；vt.去(谷物等)壳 | |
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rippling
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| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
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growled
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| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的过去式和过去分词 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
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philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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dented
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| v.使产生凹痕( dent的过去式和过去分词 )；损害；伤害；挫伤（信心、名誉等） | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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saucy
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| adj.无礼的；俊俏的；活泼的 | |
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surmise
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| v./n.猜想，推测 | |
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pebbly
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| 多卵石的，有卵石花纹的 | |
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scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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blotted
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| 涂污( blot的过去式和过去分词 )； （用吸墨纸）吸干 | |
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blot
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| vt.弄脏（用吸墨纸）吸干；n.污点，污渍 | |
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grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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lurch
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| n.突然向前或旁边倒；v.蹒跚而行 | |
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reassuring
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| a.使人消除恐惧和疑虑的，使人放心的 | |
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hoisted
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| 把…吊起，升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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promontory
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| n.海角；岬 | |
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hemlock
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| n.毒胡萝卜，铁杉 | |
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nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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foamed
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| 泡沫的 | |
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groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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hissing
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| n. 发嘶嘶声, 蔑视 动词hiss的现在分词形式 | |
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foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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43
wailed
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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weird
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| adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的 | |
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chattering
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| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
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racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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49
bail
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| v.舀（水），保释；n.保证金，保释，保释人 | |
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gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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51
tack
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| n.大头钉；假缝，粗缝 | |
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52
bailing
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| （凿井时用吊桶）排水 | |
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53
crunching
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| v.嘎吱嘎吱地咬嚼( crunch的现在分词 )；嘎吱作响；（快速大量地）处理信息；数字捣弄 | |
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54
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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55
stifled
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| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的过去式和过去分词 )； 镇压，遏制； 堵 | |
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56
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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57
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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gasping
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| adj. 气喘的, 痉挛的 动词gasp的现在分词 | |
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swirling
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| v.旋转，打旋( swirl的现在分词 ) | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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lone
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| adj.孤寂的，单独的；唯一的 | |
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illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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pumpkins
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| n.南瓜( pumpkin的名词复数 )；南瓜的果肉，南瓜囊 | |
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66
lengthy
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| adj.漫长的，冗长的 | |
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treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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68
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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69
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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bins
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| n.大储藏箱( bin的名词复数 )；宽口箱（如面包箱，垃圾箱等）v.扔掉，丢弃( bin的第三人称单数 ) | |
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hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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