Page:Barbour--Lost island.djvu/217

 tryin' to scrape seaweed off'n the rocks with the keel!" Dave was on deck in less than sixty seconds. The engines were stationary, and the captain was barking out sharp orders. Instead of rising and falling gently, the Manihiki was firm as a rock at the bow and canting over slightly, while her stern hung a foot too low in the water.

"Some plates are stove in for'ard, sir," Dave heard a voice shout, "and the sea's coming in through a big hole!"

Four or five gulls hung gracefully overhead, as though waiting for the pickings.

Dave saw Tempest coming toward him.

"Shall we be able to back off, do you think?" the boy asked.

"I hope not," said Tempest. "If she slips off that rock, she 'll sink in about three minutes."