It was again an ideal morning, and without the faintest hitch the boat was made fast alongside the battered hull of the San Martin.
"I've a mind to try and patch up that gig," remarked Ellerton, gazing at the battered boat.
"Take too much time," was Terence's reply.
"No, I mean to fasten some painted canvas over the hole and nail some copper sheathing outside the canvas to protect it. It won't be a long job, so meanwhile you might clear all the light gear out of the cabins and saloon."
Two hours sufficed to effect the temporary repairs, and the gig on being launched let in very little water. Ellerton was overjoyed with his success.
"We'll take a double load ashore, Terence," he exclaimed. "We may as well make a start by clearing the for'ard hold."
So saying, Ellerton began to strip off his clothing. He was an expert swimmer and diver, and these qualifications stood him in good stead.
Taking a strong hook attached to a rope in his hand, he dived from the coaming of the hatchway. The top of the stacks of galvanised iron was but a few feet below the surface, and in a few seconds the hook was affixed to the wire rope that held the plates together.
Then, regaining the deck, the apprentice assisted his companion in hauling their booty out of the hold.
Six times the operation was repeated, till the deck resembled a "tin" city in the western plains of Arizona.