attached a sail, like the
mainsail of a sloop, and the whole was controlled by a piece of sharp
iron, fixed on the stern in such a manner as to turn like a rudder,
and to cut with any required degree of pressure, by means of a lever,
into the ice. With this simple regulator it was made perfectly safe,
being stopped as readily, and on the same principle, as a skater
arrests his course.

Grant, to whom Pownal and Bernard were both known, invited the little
party to take a sail with him, assuring them there was no danger. The
invitation was at once accepted by Miss Bernard, though the more timid
Faith hesitated, and the four took their seats. The group of persons,
as before observed, were at the head of the Severn, and the wind was
drawing up the river, it was, therefore, necessary, to beat against
the wind at starting. To the surprise, in particular of the ladies,
this was done with the most perfect ease, the vessel, on her sharp
runners, making but little lee-way, and obeying her helm more readily
than any boat in water. Indeed, obedience was instantaneous. She
whirled round as quickly as one could turn one's hand, requiring
promptness and presence of mind in the steersman. Thus, like a
bird, with smooth and equable motion, she flew with her delighted
passengers, in many a zig-zag, down the Severn, until they had gone
as far as desired, when round she spun, and before the breeze, houses,
and men, and trees, gliding by as in a race, dashed up to the starting
point.

Upon leaving the ice-boat, the eyes of Pownal discovered the tall form
of Holden, in the midst of a group of persons whom he appeared to be
addressing; and upon his mentioning the circumstance to the others,
it was proposed to join him. Accordingly, they added themselves to his
audience. Several large baskets were lying near him on the ice, and so
engaged was he in his subject that he took no notice of the approach
of his four young friends. The address was not without a burst or two
of eloquence, springing out of the intense conviction of the speaker,
and was listened to respectfully enough. Not that a convert was made;
not that there was a person present who did not regard his notions
as the hallucinations of a disturbed intellect, but a part of the
bystanders esteemed and respected him as a man of noble and generous
disposition, lavish of his small means towards those whom he
considered poorer than himself, and never faltering in any act of
kindness on