CHAPTER VI

AN UNEXPECTED MEETING

As just related, the boys had brought the Spray as closely
inshore as possible. All were now in the cabin, Dick and Tom
attending to Sam's wants; and consequently no one noticed the
passage of one of the palatial steamers that make daily trips
between New York and the capital of the State.

These steamers, in running so fast, cast out long rollers on both
sides that go tumbling shoreward one after another. The rollers
now caught the Spray and sent her dancing up and down like a
cork.

"Hullo, we're in danger!" shouted Tom, and rushed for the deck,
with Dick almost at his heels. The anchor was dragging, and
unless pushed off the yacht would soon be pounding on the rocks,

"I'll put up the sail!" roared Dick. "You bring up the anchor!"

"I guess you had better pole her off," replied Tom.
Nevertheless, he did as Dick requested, working like a beaver.

The wind was still faint, and when the mainsail was hoisted it
failed to fill. Seeing this, Dick seized a pole and Tom did the