The others walked to the bows where Bruce was, and saw the chain hanging down, just as though she were anchored.
“We are anchored, sure enough,” said Arthur.
“No, we’re not; we’re drifting,” said Bart.
“Look at the land.”
A look at the land satisfied all that the vessel was actually moving through the water.
“Let’s try the anchor. It must be dragging,” said Bart.
So they all went to work at the windlass, and in course of time found the anchor raised. As they worked, they found it lighter than they expected; and when at length they had ended, they ran to the bows. All was explained. The anchor was broken off short at the fluke.
“That’s how it happened,” said Bart. “And so we’re in for another adventure.”
“What shall we do now?”
“Sail the vessel, of course,” said Bruce.