“If I can get out to the seaplane and get it started I’m sure we’ll be able to get away,” she whispered, “but first we’ve got to get out of the cabin.”
They tried the windows, one by one, and the third appeared loose. Working quietly with a kitchen knife they finally slid the window aside.
The darkness was heavy and Jane slipped through the window first. Jackie was second and finally Sue. The lights were out in the other cabin and they moved swiftly down to the beach. Little waves lapped the sand.
“Do you think the water’s deep?” Sue whispered.
“I’ve got to chance it,” replied Jane. “The rowboat’s padlocked. Here goes.”
She plunged in boldly. The bottom fell away gradually and the water was only a little more than waist deep when she reached the pontoons and pulled herself aboard.
Turning, she called softly to Sue.
“Wade out with Jackie. It isn’t deep.”
A minute later Sue, holding Jackie in her arms, was beside the seaplane and Jane helped them aboard.
“Get into the forward cockpit,” she said. “I’m going to cast off the mooring line.”