“The same thing may happen to our small raft,” said Nat.
“I hope not,” said Owen; “we will make a couple of paddles, and we shall then be able to guide it.”
They returned for this purpose. The tools, fortunately for them, had been left behind. The paddles were soon made.
“In case we get on shore safely, these tools may be useful. You go first, Nat, and I will hand them to you,” said Owen.
Nat sprang on to the raft. Owen then handed down a bag of nails, a hammer and saw, some gimlets and chisels, which Nat secured, as he was directed by Owen, who leapt down after him. As it was dangerous to remain alongside the wreck among the masses of timbers, they immediately cast off the ropes and began paddling away.
Their slight raft was several times nearly struck by pieces of floating wreck. Shoving away from them with their paddles, they, however, floated clear. Owen observed an opening between two of the higher rocks.
“If we can pass through there we may get round the lee side, and land without difficulty,” he said.
They exerted all their strength to reach the opening. Again they were in great danger from a piece of wreck which came surging up and down close to them. They, however, scraped clear of it. “We shall get through now,” cried Owen; “paddle away, Nat.”
In a few minutes more they reached the opening, which was just wide enough to allow their small raft to pass through.
“Hurrah! we have done it,” cried Nat, as they saw the white surf breaking astern of them. The current, however, threatened to carry them out to sea, but by great exertion they kept close to the rocks, and paddled on. At length they reached the rock where their shipmates were collected. As they scrambled up on the rock the first person they saw was Mr Scoones.