"There isn't any storm and we aren't caught yet. Besides, I feel a little puff of wind," John added, as he turned his face in the direction from which the wind appeared to be coming. John had been rowing for a half-hour or longer, and perspiration was streaming down his face. Close to the water the air was cool, but as there was no breeze it was well-nigh impossible for any one working as hard as John had been to cool himself quickly. "There's a little puff," he added, and once more the sail was hoisted and for a little while the skiff moved steadily forward. "John," suggested Fred a little later, "I think the best thing for us to do is to try to get in the course of those lake boats. We can't see the shore of Duck Island any longer and if we go far enough over to the west and our skiff sinks, it may be that some one of those boats will pick us up." Whether or not it was the swifter action of the skiff the leak steadily was becoming more apparent. Indeed, after a brief time Fred said, "Is there anything on board we can use to bail this boat?" "I haven't seen anything," answered John, and a hasty search quickly revealed the fact that there was no implement on board which could be used in the manner indicated by Fred. The latter, however, taking his cap did his utmost to dip out the water, which was steadily increasing in the bottom of the skiff, into the lake. His efforts were unavailing, however, and in a brief time the boy, now thoroughly alarmed, arose and said, "I tell you, Jack, this boat isn't going to stay afloat very long." John made no reply, but as he turned to look behind him Fred also glanced in that direction, but the island from which they had departed had long since disappeared from sight. Far away in the west occasional trails of smoke could be seen, although both boys were aware that doubtless such indications of the passing of the steamers came within their vision long after the vessels themselves had disappeared from the region. It was speedily becoming manifest that the boys would be compelled to struggle desperately in order to keep their sinking craft afloat. They both clearly understood that they were Go Ahead Boys and were not to give up easily, but the water was entering faster now and the peril consequently became more threatening with every passing moment. Almost in despair John looked toward the low lying streak of dark cloud in the west which he clearly understood indicated the course of a passing lake-boat. The mast meanwhile had been taken down and no attempt was made to sail. "Let's throw that thing overboard," suggested Fred in a voice sounding strangely, even in his own ears. "What thing?" "Why, the mast and sail." "Cut the sail and throw it overboard," ordered John, "but save the mast as long as you can." "What for?" demanded Fred.