“They’s one here,” he called back, “but ’tis too small. Is there none there?”
“No, b’y. Fetch that over.”
Here was desperate need. If the lad were to meet it, he must act instantly and fearlessly. He stepped out on the pan and pushed off with his gaff. Using his gaff as a paddle––as these gaffs are constantly used in ferrying by the Newfoundland fishermen––and helped by the wind, he soon ferried himself to where Job North stood waiting with his companions.
“’Tis too small,” said Stevens. “’Twill not hold two.”
North looked dubiously at the pan. Alexander Bludd shook his head in despair.
“Get back while you can, b’y,” said North. “Quick! We’re driftin’ fast! The pan’s too small.” 65
“I thinks ’tis big enough for one man an’ me,” said Donald.
“Get aboard an’ try it, Alexander,” said Job. “Quick, man!”
Alexander Bludd stepped on. The pan tipped fearfully, and the water ran over it; but when the weight of the man and the boy was properly adjusted, it seemed capable of bearing them both across. They pushed off, and seemed to go well enough; but when Alexander moved to put his gaff in the water the pan tipped again. Donald came near losing his footing. He moved nearer the edge and the pan came to a level. They paddled with all their strength, for the wind was blowing against them, and there was need of haste if three passages were to be made. Meantime the gap had grown so wide that the wind had turned the ripples into waves, which washed over the pan as high as Donald’s ankles.
But they came safely across. Bludd stepped swiftly ashore, and Donald pushed off. With the wind in his favour he was soon once more at the other side.