I did get it that time, and we took it back to the "Hoppergrass."

"You ought to have gaffed it, you know," remarked Jimmy.

Captain Bannister climbed on board.

"Come on, boys," he said, "we want to get under way while this
breeze holds. It don't amount to much now. Sam, you take Clarence
ashore, and get back as quick as you can. Jimmy, you can help me
on the sail, an' Ed--you stow all these things below. I've got to
have standin' room."

When I got back from shore Ed had put the clothes, and most of the
food into the cabin, and the sail was going up.

"Now, the anchor," the Captain sang out; "all of yer better take
hold ... one of yer coil up that rope ... now! all together! ...
now! ... now!"

And with the usual and very necessary grunts and groans from the
Captain the anchor slowly came out of the water. We were already
moving down river.

"Swash it round, and get that mud off,--I don't want any of it on
the deck. ... That's right. Now, shove these jugs under the seats,
... that's better. What's that striking?"

He was at the wheel, listening to the North Church clock.