"Getting back to Santa Barbara at present is out of the question.

For all we know, we may be a hundred or two hundred miles from the coast." About two o'clock in the afternoon the sky cleared a little.

But as the fog lifted, the wind blew with greater force, sending them reeling and plunging into the mighty waves.
"It looks as if we should be swamped after all," said Tom dolefully.
"Never say die, Tom," came from Sam resolutely.
"I suppose Mrs.Stanhope will be worried half to death." "No doubt of it." Nobody had any heart to talk, and each watched eagerly for some sign of a sail.

Tom had a spyglass, and just before sunset he let out a shout: "A ship! A ship!" "Where ?" came from the others.
"Off in that direction," and Tom pointed with his hand.
All took a look through the glass, and saw that he was right.

There was a steamer approaching.
"If only they see us." said Dick, and his brothers nodded.
The girls had heard the cry, and now came on deck to learn what it meant.
"Oh, I hope they take us on board and back home," said Nellie.