“I suppose even that might be done,” admitted Mr. Howbridge. “But, you know, there are five of us, and we are of some weight. The raft must cover sufficient area to bear us up, and the children as well when we get them, if, perchance, the motor-boat should be unusable.”
“Those logs do float pretty deep in the water,” observed Neale.
“Green logs,” said Luke, joining in. “They are almost awash.”
“Can’t we use the seasoned timber along shore?” asked Ruth, faintly.
“Not so well,” Luke said thoughtfully. “You see, that is of all sizes and shapes. The easiest way to build the raft is with these trimmed logs. But most of the trees were felled during that small hurricane which brought us to the island.”
“Oh!” wailed Agnes, “don’t say that it can’t be done.”
“Not at all,” said Mr. Howbridge, briskly. “We are going to bind those timbers together right after we have eaten, step a mast, bend a sail, and set sail. But we must not make the raft too cumbersome; therefore we cannot all embark in this venture.”
“Oh!” murmured Ruth.
But Agnes shouted: “I’m going! I don’t care, Guardy Howbridge! If Neale goes, I’m going.”
“Agnes!” murmured Ruth, putting a restraining hand upon her sister’s arm.