“She cost $8,000,” Roy replied.
“Think of it! We know how to earn that much money, or save it, which amounts to the same thing, and yet are not willing to make one trial. She isn’t hurt any to speak of, and even if half a dozen timbers have been shattered, it wouldn’t cost a great deal to replace them.”
“But we shall probably be unable to work the engine in case you get her off the bank.”
“Well, what of that? If a vessel comes along, we can have her towed into port. She will lay in the little bay as snug as a bug in a rug if we moor her properly, but is bound to go to pieces in case the next heavy gale finds her where the surf can beat directly upon her bottom.”
It was impossible not to be convinced by the arguments which Ned brought forward, and the boys began to consider seriously the idea of escaping from the key by means of the yacht. He seemed to be so positive it could be accomplished that they fancied it was a very much more simple matter than had at first been supposed.
Vance insisted, however, that the proposition should stand as first made.
“You get things in order for floating the yacht, and Roy and I will see what there is under the sand which covers the old hulk. We can come up to help you at any time, and when you are ready for the more serious part of the business we shall have finished our job.”
As a matter of fact Ned would have preferred that they work together, since the task could be accomplished in so much less time when there were hands enough to carry everything forward at the same moment; but he could not well object after having been the one to propose it, and thought he had succeeded very well in effecting this much.
There was no intention of beginning any new labor now that the night was so near at hand.
All were both tired and depressed because of the scenes through which they had passed, and they remained in the tent discussing Ned’s plan until it was time to prepare another meal.