8o THE SWAN AND HER CREW. 



" Well, I don't think there is any great risk. We will take \ 

 every reef in, and the tide will be in our favour. It will be 

 a good trial for the yacht too. If we can get to the top of 

 Breydon against this gale we shall have every reason to be 

 satisfied with her. I am game to try." 

 " So am I," said Jimmy. 

 " Then if you are, I am," said Dick. 



" That's right. Then do you make all snug on board, 

 while I run back to the town. I have something to buy," 

 and off he went. 



In a short time he returned with a small life-belt in his 

 hand. 



" Here, this is for you, Dick. Jimmy and I swim so well j 

 that there is no danger for us, but you cannot swim so very 

 far yet, so you had better wear this in case of a capsize, though 

 I don't expect one. Now, are you ready ? " 

 " Yes." 



" Then, Jimmy, do you take the main-sheet, and you, Dick, 

 take the mizen-sheet, and I will cast off." 



The sails were hoisted, and everything made taut and trim. 

 Frank undid the moorings, and jumped on board, seizing 

 the tiller just as the yacht's head turned from the shore, and 

 she heeled over before the wind. No sooner was she free 

 from the quay than she seemed to be at the opposite side 

 of the river, at such a pace did the wind impel her. Although 

 her raft-like frame gave her so much stability, yet she heeled 

 over until her deck to leeward was in the water. She came 

 back on the opposite tack with the speed of a racehorse. 

 Frank said', 



" I say, she fairly seems to run away from us. Quick, 

 loose the sheet, Jimmy ! Here's a squall ! " and the yacht ran 

 up into the wind, and her sails fluttered as Frank kept her 

 so until the gust had passed. They were soon out in the open 

 water of Breydon, and were able to take longer tacks. This 

 gave them some ease, but they found that the Swan was 

 not a " dry " boat. Her lowness and flat shape caused her to 

 " ship " the short curling seas. They, of course, passed over her 

 deck harmlessly, but nevertheless they made her wet and un- 

 C9mfortable. As long, however, as she was safe and sailed 

 well, the boys did not mind this at all, and they stuck to their 

 work bravely, handling their yacht with great skill and courage. 



