"You'll have a swell time proving I ran you down on purpose," added his son.
Seeing that it was useless to prolong such a fruitless argument at long distance, Jack refrained from making a reply. Besides, the _Curlew_ required his entire attention now. He took the tiller himself and kept the injured craft inclined at such an angle that but little water entered the hole the _Speedaway's_ sharp bow had punched in her.
The shore, on which were a few small houses and a wharf hidden among trees and rocks, appeared to be a long distance off. But the _Curlew_ staggered gamely onward with Jack anticipating every puff of wind skillfully.
"I believe that we'll make it, after all," said Billy hopefully, as the water-logged craft was urged forward.
"I wish that Donald, with his sissy-boy clothes, was ashore when we land," grumbled Noddy. "I'd give him what-for. I have not forgotten how to handle my dukes, and as for his old octo-octo----"
"Octogenarian of a father,--I knew I'd get a chance to use that word----" said Noddy triumphantly; "he's worse than his son. They're a fine pair,--I don't think."
"Well, abusing them will do no good," said Jack. "We'll have to see what other steps can be taken. I'm afraid, though, that they were right; we'll have a hard time proving that it was not an accident, especially as Noddy had dropped our tiller."
"Well, I just couldn't----" began Noddy, rather shamefacedly, when there came a mighty bump and the _Curlew_ came to a standstill.
"We've run on a shoal, fellows," declared Jack. "This cruise is over for a time."
"Well, anyhow, we can't sink now," said Noddy philosophically, "but although the _Curlew's_ stuck on the shoal I'm not stuck on the situation."
"Better quit that stuff," ordered Jack, "and help Billy lower the mainsail and jib. They are no good to us now. In fact a puff of wind might send us bowling over."
His advice was soon carried out and the _Curlew_ lay under a bare pole on the muddy shoal. The boys began to express their disgust at their predicament. They had no tender, and would have to stay there till help came because of their lack of a small boat.
"Better set up some sort of a signal to attract the attention of those folks on shore," suggested Billy.