Sandy ran abreast of it for a time, sprang into the surf, threw himself upon it flat like a frog, and then began paddling shoreward.

The other two now rushed into the water, grasping the near end of the derelict, the whole party pushing and paddling until it was hauled clean of the brine and landed high on the sand.
A triumphant yell here came from the water's edge, and the balance of the gang--there were seven in all--rushed to the help of the dauntless three.
Archie heaped a pile of pebbles within reach of his hand and waited the attack.

What the savages were going to do with the plank neither he nor Tod could divine.

The derelict was now dragged over the sand to the hulk, Tod and Archie pelting its rescuers with stones and shells as they came within short range.
"Up with her, fellers!" shouted Sandy, who, since Scootsy's unmanly tears, had risen to first place.

"Run it under the bowsprit--up with her--there she goes! Altogether!" Archie took his stand, his long sapling in his hand, and waited.