On they went, over the stormy waters, every minute being nearer their goal. The foam dashed in the face of the intrepid girl, and the salt water made her eyes smart; but she did not relax her efforts, but kept nobly and steadily at her work. Her father could not but admire her courage; and the sight of it gave him even more determination to succeed.
"Are you getting tired, my girl?" he asked presently.
"Not very, father. We shall do it," she replied.
"Yes, I really hope we shall. There they are, poor wretches, glad enough to see us, I know. It is a good thing it is an ebb tide. If it had not been, we could not have passed between the islands. It will be flowing when we come back; and if there are no sailors to help us, we may as well make up our minds to stay on the rocks with the others, for we shall not be able to get home again."
"Do not let us meet trouble half-way, father; the sailors will be able to help us."
They pulled hard a little longer, and then contrived to reach the rock on which the sufferers were waiting.
"Pray, take care, Grace."
"All right, father. Do not be afraid. I will not risk all by my mismanagement."
"If the coble is beaten against the rocks, she will be smashed to pieces."
"I will take care, father. Cannot you land now? See, there is a chance. Now, father!"