"I can't do any more," she said desperately. "You've got to do the rest. Do you understand? You've got to!"
"Yes, ma'am," answered the boatman. "Will you take a chance in a mean channel?"
"Anything!" she cried.
"That's funny," he chuckled, "for a lady who doesn't want to get away. I was going to take the chance anyhow. Sometimes I make it and sometimes I miss it. I've been aground there six times. This is the first time I ever tackled it at night."
Miss Chalmers looked over her shoulder and saw that they were rapidly approaching land.
"You're running straight ashore!"
"Maybe—if I don't hit it."
By hitting "it" he meant a channel, into which they plunged a moment later. It was very narrow and very dark, and it served to make two islands where the casual observer thought there was only one.
"If we don't pile ourselves up this is going to be about as clever a thing as I ever did," remarked the steersman genially. "If we do hit anything you'll find a life-preserver under the starboard seat. In any event I'll lay you three to one they don't follow us."
She did not take the bet; she was too intent upon watching the rocks that rushed by almost within reach of her arm.