sheer them off; but when the lower end of the island was reached, Thad
really believed there might be a sudden inward sweep of the water that
had been so long held at bay by the rocky shore.

There always is more or less of this eddy at the end of an island in a
river; and upon a large lake in our country it may be found as a rule
toward the eastern terminus, since the prevailing storms come from the
west, southwest and northwest.

The only question with the anxious lad was whether this eddy would have
sufficient "pull" to drag them in behind the island. Upon that one
small possibility rested all their hopes.

Thad knew that possibly he and his chums might render some assistance at
this critical moment, if so be they were ready.

"Allan--Giraffe, come here!" he called out.

The two scouts heard him above all the racket of the elements, which,
what with the howling of the wind, the breaking of the waves against the
boat, and the roar of the surf on the exposed end of the island,
amounted to a tremendous volume of sound.

"Ay! ay!" Giraffe was heard to cry in return, as he proceeded to make
his way forward, clinging to every object that offered a stable hold,
because the wind seemed trying its level best to tear him away.

Bumpus also heard the call, but as his name had not been mentioned he
dared not take it upon himself to move so much as one of his tightly
braced feet. He seemed to feel that if he did so it would be at the risk