Paula was rather timid, but Inza enjoyed every moment of the sail. With a position near Frank, who was at the wheel, she chatted and laughed, not in the least affected by the motion or the heeling of the sloop. Remarkable to state, Browning did not remain below and sleep in his bunk, as was his custom. He came on deck, looking remarkably wide awake, and he made himself agreeable to the girls and Miss Gale. There was not swell enough to make anyone seasick, which added to the pleasures of the cruise. Diamond was doing his best to make himself agreeable to Paula, and she seemed to find his company acceptable, but after a time she called Bruce to her, so that she was between them. "Don't you think Mr. Merriwell very reckless, Mr. Browning?" she asked. "Mr. Diamond insists there is no danger, but just see how frightfully the yacht tips at times?" "Of course, I wouldn't want to frighten you, Miss Benjamin," said Bruce, giving her a significant look and winking toward Jack; "but we all know Frank Merriwell's a veritable landlubber, and he hasn't any more judgment about running a boat like this than a four-year-old youngster." Paula looked alarmed at this, and Diamond muttered something under his breath. When Jack was not looking, Bruce gave the Boston girl a reassuring smile, whispering: "Not the least danger in the world, Miss Benjamin." She looked relieved, and then a mischievous expression flitted over her face, for she understood Browning's little game. Immediately she pretended to be both frightened and indignant with Diamond. "I knew it!" she exclaimed. "Mr. Diamond could not deceive me. I was sure there was great danger." "Of course," said the big fellow, in his peculiar way, "we may reach Green's Landing in safety, but the chances are against it. However, if we are capsized, I shall not fail to assist you in getting to the mainland, Miss Benjamin." "How thoughtful of you!" she murmured, nestling a bit nearer the big fellow, while Jack ground his teeth and looked as if he longed to murder somebody. "How far away is the mainland?" "Only about five miles--a short walk. Hem! I mean a short swim." Diamond sourly observed: "Without doubt, you could walk it much easier than you could swim it, Mr. Browning." "Oh, that is an easy swim," said Bruce, offhand. "I have often swam ten or fifteen miles. Without doubt, I could get Miss Benjamin safely ashore." "It is nice to have such a wonderful swimmer near one--I feel so safe now," said Paula. Under his breath the Virginian growled something that sounded like "confounded liar." "Eh?" said Bruce. "What were you saying, sir?" But Jack looked away, pretending to be interested in a distant island. He showed his anger so plainly that Paula was aroused to tease him still more, and she turned to chat confidentially with Bruce.