"An' if it aint we may be able to shove it up by standing one box on top of another." This was tried, and after much difficulty the hatch was thrown to one side, and they crawled to the deck of the schooner.
"I'm glad I am out of that!" ejaculated Dick.

"But how it's raining! Let us go to the cabin for shelter." Once in the cabin they proceeded to make themselves as comfortable as the state of affairs permitted.
"With no boat it is going to be no easy matter getting back to the house," said Dick.

He was much worried concerning the girls.
"We'll have to stay here until the storm is over," said old Jerry.
But Dick demurred and at last it was decided to try getting to the house by journeying from one island to the next.
This was a dangerous proceeding, as we already know.

They had to build themselves a small raft and carry this from one crossing to the next.
By the time the last crossing was made the storm was clearing and the day was drawing to a close.
"We had best not show ourselves until we are sure how the land lays," said Dick, as they came up the beach.
Captain Jerry thought this good advice and they proceeded with caution until they came in sight of the house.

Then Dick set up a shout.
"Tom, Sam, and Captain Blossom are back! Hurrah!" "They look as if they were having a row with Baxter and the mate," came from old Jerry.
A row certainly was in progress, and as they came closer they heard Tom talking.
"Yes, Lesher, I want to know all about this quarrel with my brother Dick.