“Godfrey mighty!” he exclaimed.
“What was it?” shouted Ralph. “What was it, Captain Eri?”
But Captain Eri did not answer. He had turned, and was running at full speed back to the beach. When they came up they found him straining at the side of the dory that Luther Davis used in tending his lobster pots. The boat, turned bottom up, lay high above tide mark in the little cove behind the point.
“Quick, now!” shouted the Captain, in a tone Ralph had never heard him use before. “Over with her! Lively!”
They obeyed him without question. As the dory settled right side up two heavy oars, that had been secured by being thrust under the seats, fell back with a clatter.
“What was it, Captain?” shouted Ralph.
“The lifeboat upset. How many did you make out hangin' onto her, Perez? Five, seemed to me.”
“Four, I thought. Eri, you ain't goin' to try to reach her with this dory? You couldn't do it. You'll only be drownded yourself. My Lord!” he moaned, wringing his hands, “what 'll Pashy do?”
“Catch a-holt now,” commanded Captain Eri. “Down to the shore with her! Now!”
They dragged the dory to the water's edge with one rush. Then Eri hurriedly thrust in the tholepins. Perez protested again.