“All aboard!” called Abe, who acted as master of ceremonies. “All aboard, and I’ll cut loose!”
They climbed in, taking the places assigned to them, for there was not much room to move about. The sail was ready to hoist, Joe and Abe having made a seamanlike job of this. The food and water had been stowed away, and the tools they had succeeded in getting from the carpenter’s quarters were put in place. A large tin was provided in case there should be necessity of bailing against leaks.
“All aboard!” called Abe again.
[He was the last one in, and arranged to cut a single rope that held the boat fast], thus allowing it to slip into the sea from the sloping deck of the derelict.
There was a moment’s pause. They all took a last look at the wreck which had been their home for so many days.
“Give the word, Joe,” said Abe in a low voice. “Watch the waves, and give the word to cut when the sea’s calm.”
“Aye, aye,” answered his mate quietly.
Fortunately there was not much of a swell on, but certain waves were larger than others, and Joe watched for a favorable one on which to launch the craft.
“Cut loose!” he called suddenly.