"All ready now, Vallington," I continued, when the preparations were completed. "Back her slowly."
He started the engine, as I directed.
"Haul taut on that rope!" I shouted to the boys at the line.
The wheels turned, and the shaft revolved. The rope groaned and strained.
"Stop her!" I added to the engineer, afraid to risk the strain. "Run aft the chain-box."
My orders were obeyed; and as the boat floated at her stern, the weight of the chain-box was sensibly felt.
"Back her slowly again," I continued.
Again the rope groaned and strained as though too much was expected of it.
"She starts!" cried the boys forward. "She is coming off!"
I heard the keel scraping upon the bottom; and as the rope wound up, the Adieno slid off into the deep water.