This was a certain way of informing Barney when they should reach the land, and also the Celt could easier gain the shore by simply following up the wire.
The searchlight’s glare was thrown as far as possible up over the reefs, so that the course could easily be seen.
If the shore was successfully reached and it was not far distant, all of the valuable effects of the Dart could thus be saved.
At last all was ready, and then the party left the anchored boat.
Quickly they began to climb the reefs.
Up and up they went.
It was fearfully slow work, and they were obliged to pause many times to rest.
But at length they saw what they believed was the light of day above.
Then the reefs began to assume a smoother character.
There was a regular motion to the waves, which was a certainty that they were nearing the surface.