CHAPTER X.
A Queer Cousin.
As every one knows, it would be almost an impossibility for sixteen sail-boats to go any where in company without trying their speed, especially if they were sailed by boys.

When our heroes stepped into their vessels, each skipper made up his mind that his boat must be the first one to touch the opposite shore.

Not a word was said about a race, but every one knew that one would be sure to come off.

Every thing was done in a hurry, and the little vessels were all afloat in a moment.

They were on the leeward side of the island--that is, the side from the wind--and they would be obliged to get around to the opposite side before they could use their sails.
The coast-guards shoved their boats out into the current, and allowed themselves to float down toward the foot of the island, thinking that course easier than pulling, against the current, up to the head of the island.
Frank noticed this movement, and said, in a low voice, to the smugglers, "Don't follow them, boys.