"Look sharp, Charlie, and bale out that before the next comes." Charlie set to work with a will, and for a time we rowed steadily on, without saying a word.
"What's the time ?" I asked presently of Hall, as I saw him take out his watch.
"Five," said he.
It was an hour after the time we had expected to be back at Parkhurst, and we were not yet clear of Shargle.

The same thought evidently crossed the minds of the other three, for they all glanced in the direction of Raven Cliff, now scarcely visible through the heavy rain.
"I wish we were safe home," muttered Hutton, the most dispirited of our crew.

"What fools we were to come!" We said nothing, but pulled away doggedly at the oars.
Now it really seemed as if we were making some progress out of that wretched current, for the white cottage on the cliff appeared farther astern than it had done since we began to row, and we were beginning to congratulate ourselves on our success, when Hall, who had for some time been anxiously watching the shore, cried out-- "For goodness' sake pull hard, you fellows! we are drifting in fast.
Here, Charlie, take the helm, and keep her the way she is, while I get down the sail.

It's no use now.

Mind your heads, but don't stop rowing," he shouted to us, as he let down the sail suddenly, and lowered the mast.