“Hang on an’ shove away,” called out the steersman again.
One more lunge, and the boat smashed into a wave. The wave buried Bob and Jerry to their waists, and then Tom and Hal caught the water with a desperate sweep of their oars. The Escambia broke through another crest, touched the beach once more and then bounded into deep water. Jerry and Bob were swept from their feet.
With a dozen long sweeps of the oars, the life boat rose and fell, holding her own against the sea, and then came the welcome “chug,” “chug,” of the motor, and the propeller took hold.
“Pull in the line men,” shouted Captain Joe. As the Escambia slowly forged seaward, Tom and Hal shipped their oars, and, bracing themselves against the wind and spray, laboriously drew Bob and Jerry into the boat.
[CHAPTER VIII]
THE ESCAMBIA TO THE RESCUE
The Escambia met the waves like a stubborn bull dog. As each new one broke over her, the laboring oarsmen were deluged. Bob and Jerry took the bow seat and caught up the idle oars. Both were soaked to the skin.
His teeth set, his arms straining at his heavy oar and his body chilled, Bob’s only thought was: could he hold out? He was already trembling from exhaustion but he gave no sign of it. He was no longer a half invalid seeking rest—he was one of six persons exerting every ounce of energy to save human lives.