"To be sure," added Chesty, with joyful intonation, "and doubtless enjoying their outing."
The discovery changed the current of all thoughts and led them to forget their own calamity. The Salvador carried a small gasoline launch and two life-boats, all of which were in good condition.
"May we take the launch, Miss Dentry?" pleaded Steve.
"I was about to order it lowered," she said. "Can you run it, Mr. Kane?"
"Certainly," he replied.
"Then I shall go with you. It will carry six comfortably, and more uncomfortably; but as we may have passengers on our return trip only four had better go."
Steve ran to assist in lowering the launch. It had to be unlashed from its rack, first of all, and the tank filled with gasoline, the engine oiled and the boat prepared for action. The men worked with a will, however, and within half an hour the launch was lowered to the rocks and slid safely into the water. The landing-steps being impracticable, a rope ladder was lowered and by this means Madeline easily descended to the launch. Mr. Cumberford followed, as a matter of course, but Chesty Todd modestly waited to be invited to make the fourth voyager.
"Come along, sir," said Miss Dentry, and he eagerly obeyed.
"How about food?" he suggested.
The chef, a fat little Frenchman who was much interested in the fate of the Flying Girl and her chum, had foreseen this demand and now lowered a hamper.