Frank, the Young Naturalist by [pseud.] Harry Castlemon
page 32 of 212 (15%)
page 32 of 212 (15%)
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they came to a spot where the wind was broken by the trees. The
Speedwell gradually slackened her headway, and the Champion, which could sail much faster than she before a light breeze, gained rapidly, and soon came alongside. "There is only one fault with your boat, Frank," said William; "her sails are too small. She can carry twice as much canvas as you have got on her now." "Yes," answered Frank, "I find that I have made a mistake; but the fact is, I did not know how she would behave, and was afraid she would capsize. My first hard work shall be to make some new sails." "You showed us a clean pair of heels, any way," said Ben. Lake, clambering over into the Speedwell. "Why, how nice and handy every thing is! Every rope is just where you can lay your hand on it." "Let's go ashore and see how we are off for a crop of strawberries," said Harry. William had pulled down his sails when he came alongside, and while the conversation was going on the Speedwell had been towing the Champion toward the island, and, just as Harry spoke, their bows ran high upon the sand. The boys sprang out, and spent two hours in roaming over the island in search of strawberries; but it was a little too early in the season for them, and, although there were "oceans" of green ones, they gathered hardly a pint of ripe ones. After they had eaten the refreshments which Frank had brought with him, they started for home. As the wind blew from the main shore, they |
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