Mr. Sherwood had offered to furnish as many men as could be employed
to assist in the work; but the young engineers had so arranged their
plans that no help was needed. At sunrise in the morning the boys ran
down to the Goblins in the ferry-boat, which was necessary for the
transportation of sundry heavy articles. The raft was already there,
moored in the proper place for commencing the labors of the day. The
engineers were deeply interested in the operations before them, for
there was a difficult problem to be solved, which required all their
skill and ingenuity; and Lawry felt that his future prosperity and
happiness depended upon the success of the undertaking.

Their plans and their machinery were yet to be tried, and there was
a degree of excitement attending the execution of the project which
was as agreeable as it was stimulating to their enthusiastic natures.
People had laughed at the idea of two boys raising a steamer burdened
with heavy machinery, and both of them felt that their reputations
were at stake.

"Now, Lawry, we shall soon find out what we can do," said Ethan, as
they made fast the ferry-boat to the raft.

"I know what we can do," replied the young pilot confidently. "If
the casks will float her, she shall come to the top of the water
before to-morrow night. Now, Ethan, the first thing is to get a rope
under her."

"That's easy enough."

"It's all easy enough, if you only believe in yourself."