“If you’re going to Miami by way of Madeira Hammock,” said the captain, “you’d better allow two days for the trip.  You’re likely to get some tangled up in that country.”

“Then we’ll cut out our day here.  We have had our share of fun out of this place.  What is there in that bay to the east of us, Captain?”

“There’s a creek that leads to the Cuthbert Rookery, but it isn’t the season for that.  It’s a hard trip anyway, through small salt-water lakes and little overgrown creeks where you have to drag your skiff most of the way.  And you’ve got to carry all the water you drink and you won’t find that a joke.”

“We have had all we want of that kind of country, Captain, so we’ll hike out of here at daylight and get to Madeira Hammock quick as you can find the way.”

“I can find the way now, anyhow as far as Lignum Vitae Key, and if the tide doesn’t bother me too much in the cut, maybe to Hammer Point.  Beyond that I want daylight and then I ain’t sure.  Do you want to make a night run?”

“Sure,” said both the boys together.

“If you will excuse me from any share in this night navigation,” said Mr. Barstow, “I think I will turn in.  How is it with you, Molly?”

“Oh, I’ll stay up a while and help Captain Hull navigate the ship.”

The moon rose soon after the anchor was broken out, and its light reflected from the white canvas of the bellying sails and the tops of the white-capped waves, gave a dream-like beauty to the night.  Captain Molly called to Engineer Dick: 

“Stop that noise in the engine room!” and Dick promptly shut off the gasoline from the motor.  Captain Hull made no complaint of this mutinous interference with his authority, but said: 

“That’s right, we don’t need the engine now and I reckon we ain’t going to need it to-night.”

The wind was fair and strong from the north, and every minute its sweep grew wider and the waves bigger as the Irene drew from under the shelter of the cape.  The captain and Ned stood by the wheel, while the girl and Dick sat on the front of the cabin in the moonlight, watching the white water that rose from under the bow of the clumsy craft, with each heavy blow that it struck upon the waves.

[Illustration:  “YOUNG HERONS SPREAD WINGS AND STRETCHED LONG LEGS AS THEY FLED”]

As they sailed the wind grew stronger and at Horse-neck Shoals the crest of breaking waves covered the deck of the Irene with foam.  Following the swish of each heaving wave as it lifted and swept past the boat came a heavy jar as the craft struck in the soft mud beneath her and her headway was checked.

“It’s all right,” said the captain, in answer to Ned’s look of anxiety.  “I expected her to touch, but she’ll pull through.”