"
"They are an awful group of rocks," Watkins said, as they examined
the chart; "you see some of them show merely at high tide, and a
lot of them are above at low water. It will be an awful business
to get among them rocks, sir, just about as near certain death as
a thing can be."
"Well, it's got to be done, Watkins," Tom said firmly. "I see the
danger as well as you do, but whatever the risk it must be tried.
Mr. Grantham and the two ladies went on board by my persuasion, and
I should never forgive myself if anything happened to them. But I
will speak to the men."
He went on deck again and called the men to him. "Look here, lads;
you see that steamer ashore on the Paternosters. In such a sea as
this she may go to pieces in half an hour. I am determined to make
an effort to save the lives of those on board. As you can see for
yourselves there is no lying to weather of her, with the current
and wind driving us on to the reef; we must beat up from behind.
Now, lads, the sea there is full of rocks, and the chances are
ten to one we strike on to them and go to pieces; but, anyhow, I
am going to try; but I won't take you unless you are willing. The
boat is a good one, and the zinc chambers will keep her afloat if
she fills; well managed, you ought to be able to make the coast of
Jersey in her.
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