"The islands are close together and seem as if they had once been one, but have been cleft asunder by the arm of a giant.

The strait between them is very narrow, and once within it we shall be perfectly sheltered.

We must make as close to the point of the island as we can well go, so as not to touch the rocks, and then turn and enter the strait.

If we keep out any distance we shall be blown past the entrance, and then our only remaining chance is to try and run her on to Colonsay, and take the risk of being drowned as she is dashed upon the rocks." The light had almost faded when they ran along at the end of Oronsay.
Archie shuddered as he saw the waves break upon the rocks and fly high up into the air, and felt how small was the chance of their escape should they be driven on a coast like that.

They were but fifty yards from the point when they came abreast of its extremity; then the fisherman put down the helm and turned her head towards the strait, which opened on their left.
"Down with the sail and mast, lads, and out with your oars; we must row her in." Not a moment was lost, the sail was lowered, the mast unstepped, and the oars got out, with a speed which showed how urgent was the occasion.