The rope was hastily lowered, and Nat placed the loop of it about the shoulders of the unconscious Sam. Then those on deck hauled him up.
A few seconds later, with the aid of the same rope, Nat was pulled on deck.
"Is he—is he all right?" he asked anxiously.
"Yes," answered the pilot. "That was a plucky rescue."
"Well, I couldn't do any less, seeing I knocked him overboard. I was afraid I couldn't get him. He's quite heavy."
"This is a dramatic farewell," commented Mr. Weatherby. "I suppose you can't go now, until you have changed your clothes."
"I don't want to go until I know whether he is all right. I'm sorry I struck him so hard."
"He deserved it, for he took an unfair advantage of you."
"Yes, that's so; but I didn't think it would end this way."
"Better go to the engine-room, and change your clothes," suggested Mr. Weatherby. "I'll wait for you."