Captain Tarwell didn’t bother to listen for he could see for himself what was wrong. He knew too, that he would have to work fast to beat the tide.
“I’m not as strong as I was in the old days when I was master of the Gorchester,” he remarked after inspecting the mired wheels. “But with all hands to help, I think we can heave ’er free. Lay to!”
Rosemary, Jane and Miss Gordon got on one side of the car. Connie and Sunny stood by the other, to help the captain. Mrs. Williams started the engine again.
“Heave-ho!” shouted the captain. “All together now! Push, maties, push!”
The Brownies exerted all their strength. Slowly the car began to move. One tire caught firmly in the sand and then the other.
Suddenly the car spurted forward so fast that Connie and Jane went sprawling in the sand. It did not hurt them. They were laughing as they scrambled to their feet.
“We’re out!” cried Connie. “Just in time too!”
Mrs. Williams swung the car in as narrow an arc as possible. Another moment and all four wheels were on firm sand again. Best of all, the car now was headed toward the cottage beach.
“Oh, Captain, we’re so grateful!” Miss Gordon thanked him. “I hope you didn’t strain yourself pushing so hard.”
“Not a bit,” he chuckled, picking up his cane. “Always glad to answer an SOS distress call.”