A few old rags were at length rummaged out of the little receptacle of food, clothing, and dirt in the bow of the boat, and cast into the waves For a moment all flattered themselves that the experiment had been successful--the sail fluttered, swelled a little, and then flapped idly down against the mast.

The party were in despair, until, after a whispered consultation together, Julian and Edwin stepped forward as messengers of mercy.

In a trice they divested themselves of jacket and vest and made a proffer of their next garment to aid in raising the wind.
At first there seemed a doubt in the minds of the boatmen whether they ought to accept so magnificent an offer; but finding, on giving them a preparatory shake, that the value of the contribution was less than they had imagined, they, with many shouts and much laughter, consigned them to the waves.

To the great delight and astonishment of the boys, a breeze at this moment sprang up, which carried the little vessel beautifully over the waters for about half the distance to Garlic Island.

By this time the charm was exhausted, nor was it found possible to renew it by a repetition of similar offerings.