The anchor was weighed, the jib was hoisted, and the Goldwing remained just where she had been at her moorings. There was no wind at all in the lower regions; but the gaff-topsail soon filled, and the boat began to move, though it could hardly be seen. Then Dory ordered the crew to set the jib-topsail. This sail was fitted with snap-hanks, by which it could be set upon the main-topmast-stay. Ash, as the best sailor in the party, was sent out on the bowsprit to hook on the hanks. The halyard, which led down the mast, was attached to it; and the sail went up into its place, with the upper clew close to the topmast-head. The upper part of the jib-topsail filled, and the motion of the sloop was increased a little. Dory had a balloon-jib, which could also be used as a spinnaker, in the cuddy. The Goldwing slowly moved towards the creek; and, without the lofty sails she carried, she would not have moved at all. "It is part of a boatman's trade to know something about the weather, for I don't think we shall have an up-and-down breeze much longer," said Dory, as he looked about him. "The wind is about west now, and it is very likely we shall have showers before night." "Old Prob tells us all about the weather," added Ash. "But you don't have Old Prob at your elbow all the time. Showers come up in the west more than from any other quarter, and the clouds will tell you what to expect. When a squall approaches, you can always see its action on the water before it reaches you, unless you happen to be under a weather-shore, which will shelter you to some extent. But you must look out for your boat before you see the squall on the water. The clouds will let you know that it is time to take in all kites." In the river they got more wind, and the boat soon reached Lake Champlain. By that time, it was blowing moderately from the west. With her extra sails set, the Goldwing rushed rapidly through the water, with the breeze on the beam. It continued to freshen; and after the sloop had passed Split Rock Point, she had all she could carry. Ash Burton had the helm, and the boat heeled over so that the rail occasionally went under. It was exciting sailing. "Now, I should like to know where the danger comes in," said Archie, as he saw a little spray slop in over the washboard. "It don't come in at all if the boat is properly handled," replied Dory. "It would not be prudent to let her fall off a great deal." "What would happen if she did fall off too much?" asked Con. "Nothing at all, unless she were brought round far enough to place her keel in line with the direction of the wind. Then, with the sails trimmed as they are now, the boom would be likely to be carried over to the opposite tack. It would fill on the other tack with a shock, which might upset her. But even a blockhead would not let her do that." "Suppose she did upset?" queried Ben Sinker.