"I don't like such remarks at this time," said Grant. "I never
want the man who says 'I told you so' to come around to me with
his comfort."

"I didn't mean it that way," protested George.

"Of course you didn't, Pop, but we're boxed here as sure as you
live. There isn't any use in complaining or in spending our time
wishing that we had done something else. Is the wind going down
any?"

"Not a bit," spoke up John. "I think it's getting stronger if
anything."

Meanwhile the little boat had been rolling and tossing, almost
helpless in the trough of the waves. Poor Fred was stretched out
at full length on the cushions and the ghastly expression of his
face indicated that he at least was not suffering from any fear
of the fate which might befall them. He had reached that stage in
his sickness wherein he was completely indifferent to his
surroundings.

Again and again the anxious boys did their utmost to discover the
cause of the trouble. They were unable to find any serious defect
with the machinery, however, and their anxiety steadily
increased. Several times the motor-boat shipped water and once or
twice she was thrown with such violence by the onrushing waves
that it did not seem possible she could again right herself.