Part 8 (1/2)

At length the day broke, and the camp became the scene of activity.

Breakfast over, there was a rush to the boat; Quexo, however, remaining with the injured Mr. McKay.

The weather showed every indication of remaining fine, a light south-easterly breeze--a part of the regular trade-wind--blowing off sh.o.r.e, while not a cloud was visible in the dark blue sky.

”We must make two trips to-day,” observed Andy, as they pushed off from the little natural dock. ”Yesterday the clouds kept the sun's rays from us, but to-day we will not be able to work during midday.”

”Honestly, I don't feel like work,” remarked Terence, stifling a yawn.

”I suppose there is some excuse for you, seeing you did two turns of sentry-go last night,” replied his friend. ”Still, this is an exceptional time, and we must set to work with a will. Can we get over the reef, do you think, Hoppy?”

”We had better stick to the channel,” replied Ellerton. ”You see, we don't know the actual depth, and there is a slight swell on. We'll board on the port quarter, so as to get between the s.h.i.+p and the reef.”

The lads plied their oars steadily yet without undue exertion, and in less than half an hour from the time of leaving the sh.o.r.e they ran alongside the stranded _San Martin_.

Ellerton's first care on boarding the wreck was to supply fresh water and food to the animals. To get them safely ash.o.r.e was a difficult problem, for the ox was an unwieldy brute to s.h.i.+p aboard the cutter, while it was equally risky to let it swim ash.o.r.e on account of the presence of numerous sharks. The sheep could be trussed up and laid upon the bottom boards.

Andy and Terence at once made for the provision-room, and returned laden with flour, salt beef, tinned goods, and some small chests of pressed tea. These articles they placed on deck close to the entry port and proceeded to procure more.

Ellerton, having attended to the live stock, made a thorough exploration of the after cabins and staggered on deck looking like a second-hand wardrobe dealer, for he realised the necessity of having a good supply of clothing. Then a huge pile of bedding, including waterproof sheets, blankets, and pillows, was added to the already large collection of plunder.

”I think this lot will be sufficient for one trip,” remarked Andy.

”We may as well take the rest of the navigating instruments,” replied Ellerton, ”and, what is also necessary, the carpenter's chest.”

”Capital,” replied his chum. ”That will, of course, come in handy; but won't we require it on board?”

”There are enough tools for work both ash.o.r.e and on board,” said Ellerton. ”I've seen to that. But I should like to get the animals off.”

”The ox?”

”If possible. Otherwise we must kill it and bring the carcase ash.o.r.e piecemeal.”

Andy thought for some moments. He, too, realised the danger of the animal being devoured by sharks. Dead or alive, the ox would be far more useful to the castaways.

”How are we going to get the brute on deck?” asked Terence.

This was a poser, for with the fall of the foremast the derricks for working the fore-hold had also been carried away.

”We must rig up a pair of sheer-legs,” observed Ellerton.

”Well? How are we to pa.s.s a sling round the brute's body?”

”That's as easy as pie; the beast is quiet enough.”

”Then you take the job on, Hoppy; I'd rather not. So let's look sharp with the sheer-legs; there's plenty of tackle to hoist the creature with.”

The work of making the early preparations proceeded without a hitch, then Ellerton commenced his particular part of the operations.

By the aid of a lantern which he hung from the deck-beams, the apprentice descended once more to the partially submerged hold.