They could not tell; and the minutes seemed hours till the canoe could come round to them again.
When he was seen returning, a shout of joy broke from them, for they had not expected him so soon.
"There is a large rock just round there," he said, as he came near, and they placed poor Alice beside him.
He was off again in a moment, and still the water kept on steadily rising. It was now to their middles.
"He cannot rescue us all," said George bravely; "you girls must go first."
"We will keep to ages, George," said Nellie firmly, "at least as far as I am concerned, till it comes to my turn, and then I should like Hope to go first. Let us have no confusion or dispute."
"Why should I go first?" asked Hope, looking imploringly at her.
"Because I am sure of going 'there,'" said Nellie; "and oh, Hope, I don't mind!"
As they stood now by the rocks, the swell rippled against them, and almost took them off their feet. They held each others' hands; but it began to be apparent that all could not be saved.
"Now, George," said Hope, when the canoe was seen returning; "Nellie is quite right; you go at once."