They shoved off, presently, Tom in command, Huck at the after oar and

Joe at the forward. Tom stood amidships, gloomy-browed, and with folded

arms, and gave his orders in a low, stern whisper:

Luff, and bring her to the wind!"

Aye-aye, sir!"

Steady, steady-y-y-y!"

Steady it is, sir!"

Let her go off a point!"

Point it is, sir!"

As the boys steadily and monotonously drove the raft toward mid-stream

it was no doubt understood that these orders were given only for

style," and were not intended to mean anything in particular.

What sail's she carrying?"

Courses, tops'ls, and flying-jib, sir."

Send the r'yals up! Lay out aloft, there, half a dozen of ye

--foretopmaststuns'l! Lively, now!"

136

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer