"But, darlin', we aren't on land ourselves yet, and
I doubt me very much if we ever shall be. See the waves breaking over
this old tub. How long do you think she will stand it?"
Harriet did not answer at once. She was peering forward into the
darkness. Holding up her hand, she noted the direction of the wind.
"Do you see, Jane, the 'Sue' is behaving better! She isn't taking
nearly so much water. Do you know what has happened?"
"What is it, darlin'?"
"The wreckage that you cut away is holding the stern and acting as a
sea anchor, and it has pulled the bow of the boat around until we are
headed right into the gale. I am glad I didn't let you cut loose the
wreckage. It may be the very thing that will save us, but I don't
know. I wish you would get some one to help you bail out the pit. The
water is getting deep in here again, and the cabin is all afloat."
"But more will come in," objected Jane.
"And more will swamp us, first thing we know. You take the wheel. I
will bail."
"I'll do it myself, darlin'."
Jane asked Hazel to assist her, and together they slaved until it
seemed as if their backs surely would break.
The storm, while not abating any, did not appear to increase in fury.
It was severe enough as it was.
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