“All we can do is to tow her in as she is,” continued Jack. “We’ll do that willingly; eh, fellows?”
“Sure,” came the prompt answer.
“If you’ll do that I’ll be much obliged. Our race didn’t turn out just as I anticipated,” went on Fred.
“You kept your sails up too long,” said Pepper.
“I know that—now. But I thought the Ajax would stand the blow until I reached the Cove. How are you, Will?” he continued, turning to the boy who had come so close to drowning.
Will Carey had little to say. He mumbled in a low tone and looked rather darkly at Jack.
“He is angry because you hit him,” whispered Paul to Jack.
“I can’t help it if he is, Stuffer,” was the answer. “I simply had to do something or go down with him.”
“I know it, and he ought to be thankful he was saved. But some fellows don’t know what gratitude is.”
Not without considerable difficulty a line was made fast to the bow of the capsized sloop and the task of towing the Ajax was begun.