He stopped short as he caught sight of the seaman's doleful expression.
"What's the matter?" he asked. "True, we are not out of troubles yet, but with a good boat under us."
"Dot iss idt," returned the captain from his side of the boat. "How voss vee to get der boat under us?"
"Bale her out, of course."
"Budt she is now on a lefel mit der vater. Vot is der use of baling. As fast as vee bale out der Bacifig he come in."
"By George, that's so," agreed Nat, immensely crestfallen; "but see here," he went on, with a sudden flash of inspiration, "it's only our weight that keeps her level with the water. Yours particularly. Why can't we let go for a few seconds and swim at the stern while I bale out a few canfuls?"
"Dot vould be a goot idee if idt vossn't for vun ding," rejoined the captain, with a wry face.
"And that is?"
"Sharks!"
Nat shuddered as he heard the dread word.