Milly worked as unceasingly as did the two boys, but the cable came across the tossing waves but slowly.
“Where are the crew—where is your father?” asked Brandon.
The girl’s face worked pitifully at this question.
“Father is dead,” she sobbed, “and the crew took to the boats while I was below. That was early this morning.”
“And you’ve been here alone ever since!” said Brandon pityingly.
At that instant there was a slight exclamation from Swivel, and the small cable by which they were endeavoring to gain the larger one, came in over the rail with fearful suddenness.
All three were sent sprawling on the deck.
“What is it?” gasped Milly.
“The rope’s parted,” cried Brandon in horror.
“Never mind; don’t you give up, missy,” Swivel exclaimed. “We’ve got anoder rope yet. Where’s de end o’ dat rope you had tied ’round you, Brandon?” he demanded.