"What will be done?" asked Mr. Bernard, losing all his ordinary calmness. "Can he help himself at all?"
"He can if anybody can," answered the mate gruffly.
"Hark, he is calling!"
Every ear was strained to catch the words.
"Let go there! let's see if I can move."
They all left the rope and crowded near the edge of the rocks, watching the slow and dangerous transit as the shaky basket was pushed along step by step, with a jerky motion that tipped the basket from side to side in a frightful way.
"Hold on there; I'll sling a line, captain," as the basket came near enough to make it possible.
The man seemed too exhausted to pull a foot further, and he crouched down in the basket as low as possible, with hands outstretched to catch the line.
A dozen attempts were made in vain, as the wind would blow it out of its course; but at last the coil dropped into the basket, and was easily clutched and made fast.
The boys commenced to cheer, but Mr. Bernard hushed them, saying, "Not now, boys,--wait!"