The other boys crowded around Walter.
“It is coming in pretty fast for a fact,” muttered Paul.
“We’ll all have to get at it,” said Jack soberly.
There was only one bailer in the boat, and there was nothing else in the shape of a can or pail.
“Take off your sweaters,” said Jack to the boys. “Soak up the water and wring them out over the side of the boat. Lively now!”
A moment more and the boys were working like beavers.
“It must have been the straining of the engine,” explained Jack. “It’s started a board in the old tub. Work like the mischief, boys!”
Bess and Belle were huddled together in alarm, but they said nothing to betray the panic that was growing upon them.
Cora’s lips were pressed a little more tightly together and her cheeks were a trifle pale. But her eyes were glowing like stars, and were full of courage and determination.
She gave the wheel a turn and headed straight for the island, which was the nearest land.