The shark had lost its prey.
Frank sank down in the bottom of the boat, utterly helpless and without strength.
Barney placed Inza on the rear seat.
“Begorra!” he gasped, wiping great drops of perspiration from his face; “thot wur a close shave, but we did it, me b’ys!”
Ephraim Gallup, despite the exertion of rowing, was pale as a ghost, and Browning was seen to shiver.
“Darn my pertaturs!” muttered the Vermonter. “It’s a wonder we did do it, b’gosh!”
“A wonder!” came from Browning! “It is a miracle!”
“Be me soul, we did it, though! Cheer, b’ys—cheer!”
Then, standing upright in the boat, they waved their caps and gave a wild cheer of joy.
Away on the beach the cheer was answered by another and another and yet another.