They were about one-quarter of the distance to the mainland when the raft began to wobble and threaten to go to pieces.
"We ought to have bound the logs tighter together," grumbled Fred.
"I don't believe we need so many," answered Joe. "Supposing we let some of them go? Then we can bind what remain so much tighter together."
One log was already loose and they let it go, and then undid another on the opposite side of the raft. While they were using the ropes to bind what were left Fred uttered an exclamation of dismay:
"My sweep!"
"What of it?"
"There it goes!"
The sweep was only a few yards away, but it drifted further and further and they could not get it, try their best. The raft now appeared to be coming apart all over.
"It looks to me as if we'd have to swim for it," observed Joe. "Shall we turn back to the island? It's closer than the mainshore."
"I don't know," answered the stout youth doubtfully. "I don't want to get a cramp——"