"He'll be battered to pieces!" exclaimed Biff.
"I wouldn't give a nickel for his chances, myself," said Chet.
Joe shook his head.
"He may get there all right, but if he tries to bring Captain Royal's body back with him, he hasn't a Chinaman's chance."
Frank was now but a few yards away from the shallow pool where the old man lay. He vanished for a moment, emerged from the waves, staggered a few paces, then a huge roller swept over him and sent him against the side of the cliff. But he was evidently unhurt, for the others saw him wave toward them. Then he plunged along the base of the wall, flattened himself against the cliff as another wave rolled down upon him, and then splashed into the little pool.
"He made it!"
"Yes. But can he get back?"
Frank was bending over the body of Captain Royal. The other boys saw him straighten up suddenly and wave to them. He shouted something but the roar of the waves drowned his voice.
"Perhaps he's trying to tell us the captain is alive," suggested Joe.
They saw Frank tugging at the limp form, trying to get a convenient grip on Captain Royal's body.