"Now, lads, take your places at the sheets, ready to haul or let
go as I give the word." So saying, Tom Virtue took his place in
the bow, holding on by the forestay.
The wind was full on the Seabird's beam as she entered the broken
water. Here and there the dark heads of the rocks showed above the
water. These were easy enough to avoid, the danger lay in those
hidden beneath its surface, and whose position was indicated only
by the occasional break of a sea as it passed over them. Every
time the Seabird sank on a wave those on board involuntarily held
their breath, but the water here was comparatively smooth, the sea
having spent its first force upon the outer reef. With a wave of
his hand Tom directed the helmsman as to his course, and the little
yacht was admirably handled through the dangers.
"I begin to think we shall do it," Tom said to Jack Harvey, who
was standing close to him. "Another five minutes and we shall be
within reach of her."
It could be seen now that there was a group of people clustered
in the bow of the wreck. Two or three light lines were coiled in
readiness for throwing.
"Now, Watkins," Tom said, going aft, "make straight for the wreck.
I see no broken water between us and them, and possibly there may
be deep water under their bow.
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