"If the Champion beats this, she will have to go faster than she does now." Their pursuers were evidently much surprised at this sudden exhibition of the Speedwell's "sailing qualities;" and William hauled more to the wind and "crowded" his boat until she stood almost on her side, and the waves frequently washed into her.
"They will overtake us," said Frank, at length; "but I guess we can keep ahead of them until we cross the river." And so it proved.

The Champion began to gain--it was very slowly, but still she did gain--and when the Speedwell had accomplished half the distance across the river, their pursuers were not more than three or four rods behind.
At length they reached the island, and, as they rounded the point, they came to a spot where the wind was broken by the trees.

The Speedwell gradually slackened her headway, and the Champion, which could sail much faster than she before a light breeze, gained rapidly, and soon came alongside.
"There is only one fault with your boat, Frank," said William; "her sails are too small.

She can carry twice as much canvas as you have got on her now." "Yes," answered Frank, "I find that I have made a mistake; but the fact is, I did not know how she would behave, and was afraid she would capsize.

My first hard work shall be to make some new sails." "You showed us a clean pair of heels, any way," said Ben.