26 THE SWAN AND HER CREW. 



broad, and then they found their progress barred. A little 

 promontory of rushes ran out across the dyke, and on the end 

 of this promontory was a coot's nest containing eight eggs. It 

 was necessary to cut away the promontory before the boat 

 could pass into the open broad. They were loth to destroy 

 the nest, so they carefully moved it from its position ; and as it 

 was very large and substantial, they allowed it to float, 

 thinking the old bird would come and fix it herself. Then 

 with beating hearts they hoisted their sails. Frank went to 

 the helm, Jimmy took the main-sail sheet, and Dick the mizen 

 sheet, while Bell sat on the cabin and whistled for a wind. 



" I am sure the leaves of the trees are rustling a little bit," 

 said Dick. 



" And I think I see a ripple on the water," said Jimmy. 



Frank looked back and saw that they were already fifty 

 yards from the shore, and that they were rapidly increasing the 

 distance. 



" Why, look ! she sails fast, without any wind at all," he said ; 

 but then they became sensible that there was a slight zephyr 

 from the south, which increased as they got out more into the 

 open water. A ripple arose on the water, and the yacht sailed 

 faster. A cheer broke from the boys as they saw their efforts 

 were crowned with success. The breeze increased, and they 

 sped along more quickly, passing over acres of shallow water 

 that sparkled as clear as glass over the bright yellow gravel. 

 Immense shoals of bream and perch, and many large pike, 

 darted away from them as they sailed on, and the Swan slipped 

 as softly through the water as they could desire. They went 

 the whole length of the broad, and then Frank cried out 



"Stand by, we are going about; haul in her sheet;" and 

 putting the helm over, the yacht swung round like a top, and 

 went across on the port tack up the broad. 



They put about again across to the reed bed, and after one 

 more tack they came within hail of the boat house, where they 

 could see Mary and Florrie waiting for them, and waving 

 their handkerchiefs. Frank took his " line " steadily, and ran 

 her up in the wind's eye within ten yards of the boat-house ; and 

 Dick took the punt ashore for the two girls, who were loud in 

 their expressions of delight and amazement. With this addition 

 to their party they 'cruised about the broad for some hours, 

 learning how to handle their craft, and gaining confidence in 



