"Pray God that it may!" was the fervent ejaculation.
Leslie intently watched the progress of the boat, as the waters tossed it hither and thither; at one moment he believed it would float quite near, and then again his hopes were dashed, as it was whirled in another direction. At length, after his hopes had been alternately raised and dashed for many times, to his consternation he found it would pass the house a dozen yards distant. What could be done? It seemed their only hope from destruction. How could it be reached and entered? The distance was not great; should he swim to it? He looked at Mrs Price and Maud, and nerved his heart to the task.
"What are you about, Leslie?" cried Mrs Price, as she saw him climbing on to the window sill.
"I am going to swim to the boat."
"My child, you must not; the risk is too great!"
"Have no fear, ma'am, it is for your sake and Maud's," replied Leslie; and without further words, he plunged into the water and struck boldly out for the boat.
He found the turbulence of the waters stronger than he anticipated, and was compelled to put forth all his strength to prevent being carried away. The lessons he had learnt from Old Crusoe were of good service now. He had to put them all into practical use, or his brave attempt would have ended in death. He gained the boat at last, but he was so exhausted that it was with difficulty he could climb into it, and when he had done so he was obliged to rest himself, to recover a little measure of strength. He found, as he knew he should, the oars safely secured, one to either side of the boat, and by their aid it was not long before he stood beneath the window from which Mrs Price was anxiously watching him.
"Will you place Maud in, while I prevent the boat from knocking against the wall of the house."
Leslie's head was on a level with the window sill, so that it was not far for Maud to be lowered. The feat was successfully accomplished; then Mrs Price turned to her two servants, desiring them to enter first.
"Make haste," said Leslie, for the girls hesitated, "or the boat will be dashed to pieces."