Nicolas, you take this boat astern and make fast.

Don't wake the sleepers---poor, tired shirkers!" Tom, in utter disgust, leaped aboard the boat at the bow.

There, behind the wheel, Evarts lay on the floor of the boat, his rolled-up coat serving as a pillow.
Almost noiselessly Tom hauled up the light anchor.

Then he stood by the wheel.
"All ready at the engine, Mr.Reade!" called the superintendent, softly.
"Let her go," Tom returned, "as soon as Nicolas boards." The Mexican was quickly aboard, after having made the rowboat's painter fast.
"Headway!" announced Renshaw, throwing over the drive-wheel of the engine.
"Put-put-put!" sputtered the motor.

Then the "Morton" began really to move.