A minute later he returned, bringing a coil of stout rope, one end of which he made fast to a tree on the bank.

At the same time both Grimshaw and Plater appeared, each bearing a large package securely wrapped in canvas on his shoulder.
All three men entered the skiff and pulled out to the raft, carrying the loose end of the rope with them.

Mr.Gilder and Grimshaw quickly returned to the land, leaving the burly Plater to make a vigorous attack with an axe against the sides of one of the wheat bins.

He soon splintered and tore off a board, leaving an aperture through which a broad stream of wheat rushed out on the deck of the raft.

This Plater began to shovel overboard, working with furious energy, as though combating a hated enemy.