The wheels of the steamer turned rapidly for a moment, and the _Woodville_ slid off the ground into deep water. "Hurrah!" shouted Lawry, as he rang the bell to stop her. "She's all right now," he added, through the tube. "Go ahead, then," replied the engineer. "As soon as I make fast the wherry astern." Before he went to the wheel-house he sounded the pumps again, and visited the forehold to examine the oilcloth over the aperture in the bow. There was but little water in the well, and the canvas carpet was faithful to its duty. There was nothing to fear, though Lawry couldn't help fearing. "Are you all ready, Ethan?" called the pilot through the tube. "All ready; but don't you think we had better hoist the flags, and go over in good style?" responded the engineer. "Aye, aye." The small American flag and the union jack, which had been taken from the poles the night before, and deposited in the locker of the wherry, were displayed, and Lawry returned to his post. The pilot rang his bell to start, and the wheels turned slowly as Ethan opened the valve. The _Woodville_ moved off from the shore, and Lawry's heart bounded as though it had been part of the engine. He grasped the spokes, and heaved the wheel over; the beautiful craft obeyed her helm. "Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!" shouted Lawry, at the mouth of the speaking-tube. "Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!" echoed back from the engine-room. Lawry stood at the wheel, looking through the open window in front of him. It was his hour of triumph. As he gazed at the shore, he saw the ferry-boat start out from the landing. There was no vehicle in her, and as the steamer approached nearer to her, he saw that Mr. Sherwood and the ladies were on board of her. They were coming out to welcome and congratulate Ethan and himself upon the triumphant success of the enterprise. Mrs. Wilford was with them, and Ben held the steering oar. Lawry informed his friend, through the tube, of the approach of the party. The ladies in the ferry-boat were waving their handkerchiefs, and Mr. Sherwood was swinging his hat. "Whistle, Lawry!" shouted the engineer, as the pilot informed him what was taking place. "Hurrah!" shouted the pilot, as he pulled the string. As the _Woodville_ came up to the bateau, Lawry rang to stop, and, swinging his hat out the window, gave three cheers all alone, while the ladies waved their handkerchiefs in reply. CHAPTER XIV CAPTAIN LAWRY The bateau ran up to the steamer, and Ben made her fast at the forward gangway. Mr. Sherwood still cheered, and the ladies continued to wave their handkerchiefs. "Won't you come on board?" said Lawry to the party. "I shall, for one," replied Mr. Sherwood. "I'm afraid of her," added Miss Fanny. "There is nothing to fear, ladies. She is safe, and we are running her very slowly," continued the young pilot. "Lawry knows where the rocks are," said Mrs. Wilford, "and I'll warrant you there is no danger."