"The island! Oh! how did I come to forget that?" shouted Sandy, immediately beginning to show signs of new ambition. "Yes, that is it, Bob! We must try to land on the island, if it is still above water."
"Oh!" declared Bob, quickly, "part of it must be, for you remember it had quite a little hill on it."
"Yes, yes, for I spoke about the splendid tree that crowned the top, and said how I would like to own a cabin up under its shelter. But perhaps we have gone past the island! That would be terrible, wouldn't it, Bob?"
"Surely. But I am positive that is not true. I am looking to see it at any moment now. And, Sandy, just as soon as it comes into view, we must paddle like everything to make it. Once we fly past, and it is all over with us!"
The two castaways looked at each other, and each set his teeth with a determination to do wonders should the occasion call for it.
"Do you suppose we are anywhere on a line with the island?" asked Sandy, a new fear taking possession of him.
Bob shook his head.
"I don't know. It is impossible to tell anything in all this noise and confusion. But I think so; I hope so," he replied.
Both now settled down to watching the watery vista that stretched beyond. The wind was driving the rain out there on the river, so that at times a curtain seemed to be raised before them, only to fade away as the rain again held up for a brief interval.
Bob cast an occasional glance full of apprehension down at the water that was coming into the canoe. He knew that the leak must be growing, slowly but surely. Could they manage to make land before the boat filled and sank under them?