Lavelle took a running leap from the bow of the boat and landed beside the laboring Chang. With their combined strength they pulled the craft safely clear of the water. Then, he ran back and, before he would permit the others to leave the boat, handed Emily ashore.
As Lavelle released the precious weight he felt the ground under him wobble. Emily staggered where she stood and reeled against him.
"I have forgotten how to walk on land," she said in innocent embarrassment and with an attempt at a smile.
Lavelle made no answer. His worst fears were true. They had landed on a floating island. Any moment might see it engulfed.
CHAPTER XI
Lavelle caught Emily by the arm as the island's heaving reeled her against him and held her. The tense, startled expression which she saw in his face drove the faint smile of embarrassment from hers. It frightened her.
She followed his glance, which was sweeping their surroundings. They were standing in what had evidently been the bed or course of a creek or large brook. It gullied its way clear across the island from east to west, following the base line of the hill.
"What is it?" Emily asked in dismay. "Something is wrong, captain."
Before Lavelle could form an answer the island gave another heave. The shell of earth rippled as if it had been so much water.