Although Vincent understood the management of a sailing-boat on the calm waters of the rivers, this was his first experience of sea-sailing; and although the waves were still but small, he felt somewhat nervous as the boat dashed through them, sending up at times a sheet of spray from her bows.

But he soon got over this sensation, and enjoyed the lively motion and fresh wind.

The higher points of the land were still visible; but even had they not been so it would have mattered little, as he had taken the precaution to bring with him a small pocket-compass.

The wind was from the southwest, and he was therefore able, with the sheet hauled in, to make for a point where he judged the mouth of the York River lay.
"Golly, massa! how de boat do jump up and down." "She is lively, Dan, and it would be just as well if we had some ballast on board; however, she has a good beam and walks along splendidly.

If the wind keeps as it is, we shall be back at the mouth of the York in three or four hours.