"She kept riding like a duck, and was ahead of the waves most all the
time," was the testimony Davy added; which might be set down as the
first words of praise given to the little craft thus far during the
cruise.

"Why, goodness gracious, Thad, we must be sinking!" bellowed the amazed
Bumpus, also craning his fat neck the best way he could, in order to
peer into the cabin.

"Just what she is doing," replied the scoutmaster, composedly; because
they were now in comparatively shallow water, out of the reach of the
storm; and it did not matter so much what happened after this.

"Sprung a leak, mebbe?" suggested Giraffe, joining the group.

"Wouldn't be surprised if that was what happened," Allan added, as, he
too took a survey of the flooded interior.

"Then, like as not she'll go down right under us, after a bit, Thad!"
exclaimed Bumpus, in new excitement, as he contemplated the distance
still separating them from the point of the island, and mentally figured
whether he could float to safety with that life preserver on, and one of
his chums towing him.

"She will, and that's a dead sure thing," Giraffe told him.

"We ought to get her in closer before that happens, hadn't, we,
fellows?" Step Hen wanted to know.

"We've got to try that same, and right away!" declared Thad, as he