“We’ll get out of here as soon as we can. No whimpering, Tom. With common sense and courage we may be saved yet.”
Jack ransacked several nooks in the cabin and brought to view several old coats made of tarpaulin cloth. In these, as a protection against the rain and waves, the trio encased themselves.
Then the boatswain tied a strong rope around his waist and bade his fellow-companions in peril do the same.
“Now, keep close to me,” he said.
He climbed to the deck, the boys following him. It was well that he took the precautions he did, for the first wave swept Will and Tom off their feet.
Jack clung to the wheel, toward which he with difficulty made his way.
His companions crouched at his feet, awed and frightened at the wildness of the storm.
“The boat may weather the storm yet, leaking as she is,” remarked Jack.
“But if not?”
“Then we must trust to the small boat those scoundrels have left behind. Hold fast, lads. A light!”