He could see his brother fighting like mad to swerve the boat still further toward that shore, now so very close. It did not seem possible that Bob could be equal to the slightest additional call upon his reserve forces.
Now they had actually reached the upper end of the island, and were commencing to speed along its length.
A minute or so more, and they would know their fate. Everything seemed to depend on that last turn, when the canoe arrived at the junction of the two currents, just below the foot of the haven of safety.
"On the outer side—change over and help me!" shouted Bob, knowing that the critical moment was at hand.
Sandy started hastily to obey, jumping at conclusions. But once more his nervousness played him a scurvy trick.
"Oh! it is gone!" Bob heard him shriek suddenly, and, glancing up, the elder brother saw what had happened. The fierce sweep of the current had snatched the paddle from Sandy's weakened hand, and it was already floating far beyond his reach!
CHAPTER XXVII
BOB
The situation had suddenly grown more desperate.