Mr. Bangs's party began now to arrive: a somewhat fleshy, and withal nervous and agitated lady, who proved to be Mrs. Bangs; two young girls, an angular lady carrying a fat pug dog in her arms, and a small boy. "Aha, we're all here," cried Mr. Bangs, joyfully. "Let's get aboard and be off. Splendid day for a sail, eh, Captain Coombs?" "Couldn't be better," replied Coombs, dryly. "Are those oars in her, Dan?" "Why, you don't suppose I'm going to row her, do you?" laughed Mr. Bangs. "We sometimes has to, when we doesn't want to," said Coombs laconically. "No fun staying out all night if the wind dies out." "Oh, yes, of course," responded Mr. Bangs. "Get aboard, ladies." "I don't believe you know how to sail a boat, Augustus," said Mrs. Bangs, eying her husband doubtfully. "Are you sure you do?" "Nonsense!" snorted Mr. Bangs. "Don't be getting nervous, now. Don't you know I was elected commodore of the Green Pond Fishing Club only two weeks ago?" Mr. Bangs refrained from communicating the fact that the principal occupation of the members of the Green Pond Fishing Club was the mixing of certain refreshing liquids in tall glasses, and sipping them on the verandah of a clubhouse. The party therefore embarked. Mrs. Bangs was not wholly at ease, however. "Supposing there isn't any wind by and by, Augustus, and you have to row. Why don't you take somebody along, to help? We've got lots to eat." This idea, at least, seemed to strike Mr. Bangs favourably. He glanced to where Henry Burns and his companions stood. "Hello," he called, "want to go out for a sail? Got room enough. Take you along." The three boys stepped toward the boat. "Not scared of the water, are you?" queried Mr. Bangs. "Not unless it gets rough," replied Henry Burns, with a sly wink at Harvey. The three jumped aboard, and Coombs, with something like a grin at his partner, shoved the boat's head off. He had got the jib and mainsail up, and they caught what little breeze there was stirring. The _Flyaway_ drew away from the landing. To Bangs's embarrassment, however, the boom suddenly swung inboard, swiped across the stern, causing him to duck hastily, and almost knocking the bonnet off the lady with the pug dog. Mr. Bangs had jibed the boat, greatly to his surprise. But no harm had been done, as the wind was light. Mr. Bangs laughed loudly. "Meant to tell you that was coming," he said. "She'll sail better this way. Ever been on the water before, boys?" Harvey nodded. "A little," he said. "Well, the more you are used to it, the better you'll like it," said Mr. Bangs. "Don't mind if she tips a little, if we get any wind. She sails that way. Funny that jib flutters so. Better haul in on that rope there and--and trim it."