probably never been taken from their resting-places. I told Ben Bowman
to take one of these, and Dyer Perkins the other, for both of them had
had some experience in the woods. I had made up my mind just where the
trouble was. I directed Washburn to go on board of the Islander when we
got alongside of her, and superintend the cutting away of the boards
and joists, with two more men from the other steamer.

Buck and Hop were to stand by the hawsers by which we were to make fast
to the Islander. As soon as we came up abreast of the consort, I saw
Colonel Shepard and his family on the quarter-deck. They were very much
alarmed at the situation, for Mrs. Shepard was wringing her hands in
terror, and the colonel was trying to comfort her. As soon as our bow
came abreast of the party, Owen made a long leap to the deck of the
Islander. It was a careless trick, and he deserved to fall overboard
for risking his life when there was not the least need of it. As soon
as we were fairly alongside our consort, the deck hands leaped on board
of her with the fasts, and we were soon securely lashed together.

"Stop your screw, Captain Blastblow!" I shouted, though I realized a
moment later that I had no business to give orders to him, or to
undertake to manage the business of the occasion.

Washburn leaped on board with his two axe-men, and I heard him politely
ask the captain to send two of his men with axes to assist him. Captain
Blastblow not only stopped the steamer, but he instantly ordered his
mate and another man to do what the mate of the Sylvania desired.

"I think we had better go ahead, Captain Blastblow," I continued,
trying to be less imperative than before.

"If you see the way out of this scrape, Captain Alick, I am willing to
do anything you say," replied the captain of the Islander.

"I think I do see the way out of it; and the best plan is to go ahead,
full steam," I answered.

I had a theory, though I had had as yet no opportunity to test its
correctness. I called Buck to the wheel, and told him to steer for the
middle of the river. I was afraid if the building struck the bank it
might be tumbled over on the steamers. I went on board of the Islander.
I asked the captain to steer for the middle of the river, and then went
forward into the building. My theory in regard to the boarding and
studding was correct. Washburn was directing the four men, and
assisting them himself, to pull out the boards and joists. They ha