Stretching away from the island for a mile to the westward was a rocky
shoal known as the Devil's Arm. At high tide, in calm weather, it
might be crossed, but now it was a great white barrier of roaring
breakers rising in mighty geysers above the sea.

To the eastward of the island was a mass of black reefs known as the
Devil's Tea Kettle. The Devil's Tea Kettle was always an evil place.
Now it was a great boiling cauldron whose waters rose and fell in a
seething white mass.

It was quite out of the question to round the Devil's Arm and beat
back against the wind to the lee of the island. There was a narrow
passage between the Devil's Tea Kettle and the island. If they could
make this passage it would be a simple matter to fall in behind the
island to shelter and safety.

All of these things David saw at a glance. It was a desperate
undertaking, but it was the only chance, and he held straight for the
passage. If he could keep the boat to her course, he would make it. If
a sudden squall of wind overtook them the leeway would throw them
upon the island breakers and they would be swallowed up in an instant
and pounded to pieces upon the rocks.

Over and over again David breathed the prayer: "Lord, take us through
safe! Lord, take us through safe!" His face was set, but his nerves
were iron. Andy and Jamie, tense with the peril and excitement of the
adventure, crouched in the bottom of the boat. As they drew near the
island, Jamie shouted encouragingly: