ON THE OUTER REEF. 69 



" Well, that was a blow ! " said Tom. 



" Oh, it's nothing when you get used to it,' 7 

 said Long John. "I've seen seven or eight 

 squalls movin' around, lookin' jest as if they 

 were painted on the sky. It's quick come, quick 

 go, with 'em ; but, if you keep your weather eye 

 open, you know how to steer clear of 'em.*' 



"This is not the way home, is it?" asked 

 Dick, as Long John headed the flying boat be- 

 tween Long and Bush Keys. 



" It's one way," the latter replied, trimming 

 the sail still more. 



Crossing the reef, the boat dashed into blue 

 water and bore away to the south, where the 

 long line of breakers seemed to form an impassa- 

 ble barrier. Long John kept along the reef 

 until nearly opposite the sally-port of Fort Jef- 

 ferson, which could just be seen a mile away, 

 then suddenly he bore off before the wind, and 

 headed straight for the breakers. 



The boys looked at the raging surf in some 

 anxiety, and then glanced at Long John. He 

 was cool and calm, as was also the old boatswain, 

 Busby. 



