He sent the boat flying through the water with swift, sure strokes
as he talked, and brought it ashore at the first landing-place
they found. Here they drew it up on the bank and, taking out the
lobster-pots, turned it upside down so the rain would not fill it. Two
great green lobsters with goblin-like eyes were hidden away under the
pots, and when the boat was overturned they tumbled out and started at
a lively pace for the water.

"Hi, there!" shouted the Captain, seizing them by their tails, "where
are your manners? By jolly, I like to forgot ye! Come along now and
take supper with the Pepperells. I invite ye! They 're short of clams
and they 'll be pleased to see ye, or I miss my reckoning." There were
pegs stuck in the scissor-like claws, so the creatures were harmless,
and, swinging along with one kicking vigorously in each hand, the
Captain plunged into the long meadow grass, the children following
close at his heels.

The clouds grew darker and darker; there was a rumble of thunder,
and streaks of lightning tore great rents in the sky as they hurried
across the open meadow and struck into the pasture land beyond.

"Head into the wind there and keep going," shouted the Captain as the
children struggled along, impeded by their wet clothing. "It 's from
the north, and we 're pointed straight into it."

Past bushes waving distractedly in the wind, under the boughs of young
oak trees, over stones and through briars they sped, and at last they
came in sight of the cabin just as the storm broke. Goodwife Pepperell
was standing in the door gazing anxiously toward the river, when they