"So much for our native allies," observed Mr. McKay. "They are all in the swim in this business. No matter, they can do us no harm."
To the accompaniment of a farewell shout of anger from the baffled inhabitants of Ni Atong, the yawl glided swiftly across the moonlit sea.
CHAPTER XVI
THE GALE
Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.