“I was noticing, when we let down the bunks in the hold, that the boards were loose. I think we would better each get one to cling to, if we found ourselves in the water.” This from the thoughtful Eleanor.
“I agree with you,” Virginia said, “for although we seem to be well-grounded, it is very probable that a hole has been made in the bottom of the boat. If larger waves come in, we will be lifted from the shoal, the hold will fill with water and the boat will sink.”
Even Sally, relieved because the rocking motion had ceased, went with the others below decks. They soon reappeared dragging boards, one at a time. They were not as easy to procure as had been supposed. Indeed, within the hour that followed, only three had been brought up on deck. It was then that Eleanor made a discovery. “The water is leaving the shoal,” she announced. “Before many minutes I do believe that we will be high and dry.”
Almost breathlessly the six girls leaned over the rail and watched the shoal.
“The tide has turned,” Virginia said. “It does, you know, every twelve hours, and it is just about that long since we started out on this voyage.”
Margaret, who had been intensely gazing at the shore, now exclaimed: “Girls, do you know what I think? I believe that we are stranded on the outer edge of a shoal that goes right up to the island, and that, in a few moments, it will be above water. Then we can land.”
Fifteen minutes later Margaret’s prophecy was fulfilled. Virginia rejoiced at this, for they would all be able to desert the craft, which she no longer considered a safe haven.
“I’ll climb over first,” Betsy volunteered, “and if I can walk to the shore without slipping in the briny deep, the rest of you may safely follow. First of all, let’s remove our shoes and stockings.”
Virginia remained in the boat until all the others had climbed out and were well on their way to the shore. Margaret, standing on the shoal, was waiting for her, when suddenly she uttered a cry of alarm.
“Virg! Hurry up, quick! The boat is slipping out with the tide.”