"No, no! He's further out an' on."
"Bobby!" Topsail shouted. "Oh, Bobby!"
There was no reply. For a moment the rowers lifted their oars from the water. Silence was all about—from the boat to the shore rocks, where the waves were breaking. The cries for help had ceased.
"Gone down," Bill Watt muttered.
The men gave way again. Again they paused to call Bobby's name, and to listen, with anxious hearts, for some far-off, answering cry. Again they gave way. Again they called and called, but heard no answer.
"Gone down," Bill Watt repeated.
"Give way, lads!" cried Eli. "He's further out."
Old Bruce came out from hiding. He crawled to the stern seat and sniffed to windward. Then, with his nose pointed astern, he began to howl.
"Shut up, you!" Topsail exclaimed.