IX.
ADRIFT.
DRIFTING! drifting! slowly, but steadily, the boat floated out from the shelter of the pier.
Quite absorbed by the droll movements of the tiny crab, Mamie did not notice their danger, till, passing out from the shadow which the breakwater had thrown upon it, the boat glided into the broad sunlight which flooded the waves beyond.
Then, startled by the burst of sunshine which fell upon her, she raised her head, and saw the dreadful truth.
Out on the waters, alone, alone! she and Lulu, two little helpless children, with no eye to watch, no hand to help!
For a moment or two she sat perfectly stunned, motionless where she was, crouched at the bottom of the boat, her eyes fixed upon the now fast-receding shore, her lips seeming glued together with horror and affright, a sick, faint feeling coming over her.
Out on the sea! out on the sea! alone! alone!
And so the precious moments were lost.
Little Lulu prattled away, all unconscious of fear or danger, and still interested in her captive, and his efforts to escape. But presently she too looked up.