"There are rocks along here," declared Nellie. "Go slow, Jerry."

The steersman, who could manage the boat from the engine cockpit, as
well as from the bow, further slowed down the motor, until the Ripper
was barely moving through the water.

Suddenly there was a grinding sound, the boat heeled over to one side,
and came to a stop.

"The rocks!" cried Rose. "We're on the rocks!"

"Reverse!" yelled Ned, and Jerry did so, as quick as a flash, but it
was too late.

"We're aground," he announced grimly.

"Will we sink?" asked Olivia in alarm.

"I guess there's no danger of that," announced Jerry, as he went
forward, "but I hope we haven't stove a hole in her," he added,
peering anxiously over the side.

"How about it?" asked Ned.

"Well, it might be worse," answered Jerry. "We have run right on the
cleft of a rock, and we're held there. Can't get off until high tide,
I suppose. Say, we seem to be up against it on our first trip."

"Oh, as long as we're not sinking we're all right," said Olivia. "We
can wade ashore. It's not far."