“I say, what about the men?” said Briscoe.
“They must know, of course, and take their share of what we carry away.”
“Oh!” groaned Briscoe, “and after finding what has been the dream of my life.”
“What do you mean!” said Brace wonderingly.
“Why, we’ve only got those two boats and can’t take much. Brace, my lad, do you think it would be possible to bring the brig up here?”
“Yes, perhaps we might if you could knock down those falls, and do away with all the shallow parts between here and there.”
“Of course,” said Briscoe, with another groan full of misery. “I forgot all that.”
“I say,” said Dellow, as they came within sight from the lower terrace once more, “something’s happened while you’ve been away.”
“What is it?” said the captain.
“Tide’s turned, and the water’s flowing steadily the other way.”