“She’s shifted her helm and will bring the lighter on the shore side of her.”
They noticed that she had altered her course; then she slowed down perceptibly.
Five minutes later the Loa appeared to be motionless; if she was moving, it was very slowly; the lighter had been brought abeam. Observers who had no glasses could tell the relative position of the two craft, so clear was the air; those with marine glasses could see that preparations were going forward to make the provision boat fast; through the powerful telescopes every movement of persons on the deck and bridge could be watched.
Captain Saunders commenced to describe rapidly what was happening, for the benefit of those who had no lenses to aid their vision.
“The lighter is abreast the Loa,” he said. “They have let a rope down over the side, and a sailor is descending to the boat. There! he has found a footing and is making the rope fast to the bow. Another rope has been thrown him, which he is making fast to the stern. Down this comes another fellow, to help him, and another. Three of them are now on board. Fenders are being thrown them to place between the sides, for she is bumping heavily. Ah! nearly over!”
“What was nearly over?” Mr. Dartmoor asked. “The lighter?”
“Yes. She was almost swamped. I wish she had been. Perhaps that wrench has dislodged the machinery of the mine. Now they are passing down poles and these are being used between the sides, instead of fenders, so as to keep her farther off. More men are going on board; there are fully a score of them among the green stuff. I can make out a number of them eating fruit. Poor fellows, what a treat all that does seem! Little do they know that they are enjoying chirimoyas, paltas, and oranges while standing on the brink of death! Now we shall be able to tell. The suspense won’t last much longer!”
“What has happened?” asked Don Isaac.
“They have swung the crane around and are lowering the chain with a basket attached.”
“That means they are loading with the green stuff first, I believe. You said that was on top, did you not, Carl?” asked the editor.