On this Sammy handed the pig to Pat, who disappeared with it among the bushes. No sound was heard; but after a short absence Pat returned in triumph, having accomplished his object. “And now we’ll have two roasts, instead of one.” Driving two forked sticks into the ground, he made another with a sharp point, and ran it through the duck and the pig; then he laid the stick with its burden upon the two forked sticks, and knelt down by the fire. “The coals are just right,” said Pat. “I’ll sit here an’ give it a turrun till I’m tired, an’ thin ye’ll relave me.” So he kept on turning the spit, and soon a rich aromatic fragrance filled the air. “Isn’t there any salt?” asked Pat, after a time. “Of course,” said Johnny; “and there’s pepper too. I’ll get the castors.” “Do, thin, and quick too,” said Pat. The castors were soon forthcoming, and Pat sprinkled a little salt and pepper over the roaster and the duck. “That’s the way,” said he, “to bring out the full fleevour.” At length they were done, and taken off the fire. The plates, knives and forks, upon which Pat had looked so contemptuously shortly before, were now brought forth. A pleasant place was found in a secluded spot, and here they sat down to dine. They had scarcely begun when footsteps were heard. Pat went out to reconnoitre. It was Jiggins and Muckle. “Have ye caught any fish?” was his first address to them. “No,” said they in a discontented tone; “and we’re starving.” “Is it starvin’ ye are? Thin will ye just step in here, for we’ve got the most illegant dinner ye ever sot eyes on.” And saying this he led them to the little secluded nook, where the table was spread on the grass. At six o’clock they went up to tea, and Mrs. Pratt sympathized deeply with the poor boys, who had lost their appetites from anxiety. XIII. _Adrift.--Skilful Navigators.--Breakers ahead.--A narrow Scratch.--Stuck in the Mud._ LET us now return to the unfortunate “B. O. W. C.” who had met so unexpectedly with another adventure. On going on board of the schooner, they found the water low; and the tide had just begun to float her in rising. As they had slept but little the preceding night, they retired almost immediately, and soon were buried in a profound slumber. The next morning Phil was awake first. He went up on deck, and the next instant gave a loud cry. “Hallo, boys!” he cried. “Get up! We’re adrift. Hurry up--quick!” Awaking instantly at this startling news, they tumbled up on deck without a moment’s delay; and there, true enough, they found themselves far out in the bay, adrift, apparently, as Phil had said. “This is queer,” said Bruce. “Here’s her anchor down, as usual.” The others walked to the bows where Bruce was, and saw the chain hanging down, just as though she were anchored. “We are anchored, sure enough,” said Arthur. “No, we’re not; we’re drifting,” said Bart. “Look at the land.” A look at the land satisfied all that the vessel was actually moving through the water.