and he hauled in the rope, bringing the hogshead chock up to the hull
of the sunken craft.

"We are growing wiser every moment," laughed Ethan.

"So we are. Lower away, slowly. That's it," said Lawry. "Lower away."

"The sinker is on the bottom," replied Ethan.

"All right; can you see the hogshead?"

"Yes; you have hauled it completely under the guard. The water is as
clear as crystal," answered Ethan.

"Hold on a moment till I make fast this line!"

Thus far the experiment had been entirely successful, and Lawry's
bosom bounded with emotion. The plan for raising the _Woodville_
was his own, though he had been greatly assisted by Ethan, who had
designed and constructed the derrick and windlass, thus diminishing
the labor of the enterprise. The young pilot felt like a conqueror
when he had placed the first cask in position.

Sculling the wherry back to the raft, he pulled the string attached
to the toggle, and drew it out of the noose.

"Hoist away," said he.

"Hoist, it is," replied Ethan, as he took hold with him.