Now, lads, keep her steady and we'll be there in an hour." All the men were vitalized into new life, but the storm rose at the same time, and spray and foam dashed over them.

All but two or three were compelled to work hard, keeping the water out of the boat, while the others steadied her with the oars.

Robert saw the captain's face grow anxious, and he began to wonder if they would reach the island in time.
He wondered also how they would land in case they reached it, as he knew from his reading and travelers' tales that most of the little islands in these warm seas were surrounded by reefs.
The wind drove them on and the island rose out of the ocean, a dark, low line, just a blur, but surely land, and the drooping men plucked up their spirits.
"We'll make it, lads! Don't be down-hearted!" cried the captain.

"Keep the boat above water a half hour longer, and we'll tread the soil of mother earth again! Well done, Peter! You handle a good oar! You're the youngest in the boat, but you've set an example for the others! There's good stuff in you, Peter." Robert, to his own surprise, found his spirit responding to this man's praise, slaver and pirate though he was, and he threw more strength into his swing.

Soon they drew near to the island, and he heard such a roaring of the surf that he shuddered.