"I'll lower them something with a line when we get ashore," said the mate, glancing up at the perpendicular face of the cliff. "It isn't long ago that I was wrecked myself and wanted help."
Joe had seen enough to gladden his heart as he lay looking over the edge of his high perch. The boys were safe at high tide, and the boat was coming back without them, so he went back toward his companions, and when within hailing distance, cried, "Come on, boys; let's go over to the boat-landing, and wait till Mr. Kramer gets back."
The boys were ready for anything that would help to pass away the time, and they rushed away in time to see the boat rounding the rocky point that had hidden it from view.
"Whew! there they come, but no Walt or Ned," exclaimed Cliff Davis.
"What did you find out, Joe?" whispered David, locking arms with his friend.
"The boys are all right: the water won't come any higher. But won't it seem a long time before they get back?"
When the boat reached the landing the mate called cheerily, "Boys, your messmates are all right, but very hungry; have you got any dinner with you?"
"Yes; we saved some for them, but the tide carried off a lot."
"Well, bring it along, and I'll get a line and lower it to them."
"Hurrah for you, sir!" shouted the boys. "Oh how glad they'll be!"