The heaving lever was put into the windlass and, with Phil astern to watch the cable where it ran through the ring bolt, Steve operated the engine while the others took turns, two and two, at the windlass.

Gradually the manila cable tightened and strained and the screw churned hard, but the _Adventurer_, save for righting herself a trifle, gave no indication of moving from her sandy bed.

Steve summoned the boys who were not working the windlass to the after part of the boat in order to lighten the bow as much as possible, and they worked on.

Just when it seemed that not another inch of the cable was to be conquered there was a shout from Ossie and Han, who were panting at the lever, and the _Adventurer_ moved! After that it was only a matter of time.

Inch by inch the cruiser dragged her keel along the sand, each minute floating a little freer and each minute putting her deck more level as the stern found the deep water.