"May we throw our stuff on board first?" inquired Linda, picking up the bag which contained, besides their few possessions, all the bank's money.
"Sure! Anything breakable in it?"
"Only a couple of mirrors," returned Dot, who had regained her cheerfulness with amazing speed. "And we're not afraid of bad luck," she added.
A moment later the girls climbed to safety, and pressed their rescuer's hand in gratitude. It seemed like a miracle to them both, and the old seaman was like an angel from heaven.
"How soon will we get to the coast?" asked Linda eagerly.
The man shook his head.
"We can't go to the coast," he replied. "We're headed for Cuba."
"But we must get back as soon as possible," pleaded Linda, beginning to wonder whether she was about to be kidnapped again.
"You were headed for the open ocean," the seaman informed her, to both girls' consternation. "And that's where we have to go. I can't stop at the United States.... I'm awfully sorry...."