“No, it is uninhabited. Nothing but a few sea-birds and, once in a while, some sealer, after water, goes there,� was the rejoinder.
To the right, or western side of the island, there was a sort of lane or channel through the closely packed ice. It soon appeared that it was Terror Carson’s intention to guide his craft through this to a mooring ground. He took the wheel himself, as he usually did in emergencies. Soon, sharp orders to the sail-handlers came crackling from his lips in a continuous volley.
“Easy on your main sheet.�
“Aye, aye, sir.�
“Blocks and tackles forward.�
“All clear, sir.�
It was ticklish work, for here and there the gnarled heads of black rocks showed above the surface of the water. If one had penetrated the Polly Ann’s hull there would have been an end to her then and there. But Terror Carson steered her, with an expressionless face and consummate skill, past every peril. At last they lay off a rocky cove. The leadsman in the bow sang out that there was plenty of water.
“Let go the anchor,� bellowed Carson.
The cable roared out, and for the first time in many days, the Polly Ann lay at rest.
Raynor leaned over the rail, not having anything to do just then, and watched the island with a strange fascination. Even its sinister name did not detract from his desire to go ashore and give it a thorough exploration. In time to come Raynor was to grow to know that island well and regret the day he ever saw it.