As he said this, he pointed to the mast, half of which was seen rising out of the pool where the boat had gone down.
"But you don't need to mind," continued the captain, "for they're goin' to send us in one o' their own boats aboord the floatin' lightship, where we'll get a change o' clothes an' some-thin' to eat."
As he spoke, one of the sailors came forward and announced that the boat was ready, so the captain and the major assisted Minnie into the boat, which soon pushed off with part of the workmen from the rock. It was to be sent back for the remainder of the crew, by which time the tide would render it necessary that all should leave.
Ruby purposely kept away from the group while they were embarking, and after they were gone proceeded to resume work.
"You took a smart dive that time, lad," observed Joe Dumsby as they went along.
"Not more than anyone would do for a girl," said Ruby.
"An' such a purty wan, too," said O'Connor. "Ah! av she's not Irish, she should ha' bin."
"Ye're a lucky chap to hae sic a chance," observed John Watt.
"Make up to her, lad," said Forsyth; "I think she couldn't refuse ye after doin' her such service."
"Time enough to chaff after work is over," cried Ruby with a laugh, as he turned up his sleeves, and, seizing the hammer, began, as his friend Dove said, "to work himself dry".