"If we could only get out a rope," suggested Guy.
"What would be the use?" asked Payne. "And how are we a-going to do it? I don't mind any level risk, but I'd think twice before venturing on that ice with those propellers a-running like mad!"
"Ease her gently and let her slide back," decided Ranworth. "We're only wasting current uselessly."
Slowing down the motors sufficiently to check her descent, the Bird of Freedom returned yet again to the surface of the water.
"I certainly cannot see how a rope will help us, Guy," said Ranworth. "It must be led straight ahead to get any result out of the strain, and it's a moral cert. the tips of the propeller blades will foul it; then, good-bye to the propellers. We must, I'm afraid, give up further attempts to land here, and try again some way to the west'ard."
"We've some canvas aboard, sir, I believe?" asked Leslie.
"Yes, a couple of bolts—why?"
"If we could lay them on the ice, one strip in the track of each pair of wheels, the caterpillars would be able to obtain a grip."
"By Jove, yes!" ejaculated Ranworth. "Leslie, you're a brick. We'll try it." Then, in a lower tone he added: "I can't quite make out what is the matter with Rogers and Payne. They may be a bit off colour, but they seem almost on the verge of mutiny." Payne, quick of hearing, overheard Ranworth's words.
"Mutiny, eh?" he repeated. "Don't know so much about that, sir; but me and my mate didn't sign on for no monkey tricks in this blessed hooker. Give us a seaworthy craft and we are game. So if you want to fool about with good canvas, you jolly well do it yourself. What say you, mate?"