There was not time for anyone to reach Rollings ere that crafty, unbalanced wretch, clutching desperately at the iron box, bounded to the rail, stood there tottering for an instant, and then leaped far out into the water.
It was Tom Halstead who first saw the iron box and comprehended the meaning of the scene.
"There he goes!" yelled Halstead. "And the box with the three millions in it will sink like a stone!"
CHAPTER XXIV CONCLUSION
Never slow to act, Captain Tom darted aft, intent on leaping overboard also.
Ted Dyer, however, chanced to be standing close to the stern. Ted saw Rollings when the latter first leaped to the rail.
As quickly as it flashed upon Dyer what was happening, the San Francisco boy scrambled to the rail. Almost at the instant that Rollings jumped Ted's own feet left the rail. The two struck the water within thirty feet of each other.
Nothing but the slow speed of the steam yacht, perhaps, saved both from being dragged under by the force of suction. In a moment or two the pair were left astern.