"There are enough tools for work both ashore and on board," said Ellerton. "I've seen to that. But I should like to get the animals off."
"The ox?"
"If possible. Otherwise we must kill it and bring the carcase ashore piecemeal."
Andy thought for some moments. He, too, realised the danger of the animal being devoured by sharks. Dead or alive, the ox would be far more useful to the castaways.
"How are we going to get the brute on deck?" asked Terence.
This was a poser, for with the fall of the foremast the derricks for working the fore-hold had also been carried away.
"We must rig up a pair of sheer-legs," observed Ellerton.
"Well? How are we to pass a sling round the brute's body?"
"That's as easy as pie; the beast is quiet enough."
"Then you take the job on, Hoppy; I'd rather not. So let's look sharp with the sheer-legs; there's plenty of tackle to hoist the creature with."