Page:Cornelia Meigs--The island of Appledore.djvu/221

Rh Billy thought harder for a moment than he had ever thought in his life before.

“Yes, I believe in you,” he said at last. “And if you are going I am going too. But how will we cross?”

“I have arranged with Sanderson to let me have his boat,” returned Johann. “I own a half interest, so if I sink her I will not be  doing wrong. But you should not go with me.” He looked at the storm-tossed harbour  and the angry sea outside. “No,” he finished mildly, “it would not be wise.”

“If you can, I can,” was Billy’s decree. “Wait two seconds while I get my things.”

He dashed wildly up to the hotel and was back again almost before Johann had loosed  the dory that was to carry them out to Sanderson’s boat. The rocking and pitching were so great that it was difficult to embark, but  Johann had managed it and Billy was just  preparing to follow, when a firm hand took  him by the arm.

“What are you two boys doing, starting a suicide club?” growled Captain Saulsby’s  voice in his ear.

Billy turned quickly.