Part 25 (2/2)
”Perhaps you haven't got the right way.”
”If I haven't I shall try again, and keep trying till I do get it,”
replied Noddy, as he handed Mollie the end of the rope which he had wound four times round the capstan. ”Do you think you can hold this rope and take in the slack?”
”I am afraid there will not be any to take in; but I can hold it, if there is,” said she, satirically, but without even a smile.
Noddy inserted one of the capstan bars, and attempted to ”walk round;”
but his feeble powers were not sufficient to move the boat a single inch. He tightened up the rope, and that was all he could accomplish.
”I was afraid you could not stir it,” said Mollie; but her tones were full of sympathy for her companion in his disappointment.
He struggled in vain for a time; but it required a little more engineering to make the machinery move. Taking a ”gun-tackle purchase,”
or ”tackle and fall,” as it is called on sh.o.r.e, he attached one hook to the extreme end of the capstan bar, and the other to the rail. This added power accomplished the work; and he made the capstan revolve with ease, though the business went on very slowly. He was obliged to s.h.i.+ft back the bar four times for every revolution of the barrel. But the boat moved forward, and that was success. He persevered, and skill and labor finally accomplished the difficult task. The boat floated in the water alongside the wreck. He had worked; he had won.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND.
”There, Mollie, what do you think now!” exclaimed the youthful engineer, as he made fast the painter of the boat to a ring in the deck of the schooner.
”You have worked very hard, Noddy, but you have succeeded. You must be very tired.”
”I am tired, for I have done a hard day's work.”
”You ought to rest now.”
”I think I will. We are in no hurry, for we are very comfortable here, and storms don't come very often.”
It was late in the afternoon when the work of getting out the boat was finished. Noddy had labored very hard, and he was perfectly willing to rest during the remainder of the day. Mollie made some tea, and they had supper at an early hour. It was a remarkably pleasant day, and the air was as soft and balmy as a poet's dream. Both the young workers were very much fatigued, and they sat upon the deck till dark.
”Where is my father now?” asked Mollie, as she cast a nervous glance towards the beautiful island which they hoped to reach on the following day.
”Where is he?” repeated Noddy, surprised at the question, and not knowing what she meant.
”I mean his remains.”
”In his state-room,” answered Noddy, very reluctant to have the subject considered.
”Will you do one thing more for me, Noddy?” demanded she, earnestly and impressively.
”Certainly, I will, Mollie.”
”It shall be the last thing I shall ask you to do for me.”
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