heavily
in the water. Could he get it aboard? Would he have the strength?
These thoughts passed through his mind with lightning rapidity. But
still he kept on, and ere long he had the joy of seeing the big hook
loom in sight. Then an almost superhuman pull, and the warp was on
deck, and securely fastened around the capstan. A shout went up from
the tug when this had been accomplished, and Eben staggered back,
exhausted by his mighty efforts. He saw the warp suddenly tighten, and
felt the "Eb and Flo" swerve to the right. Would the line hold? That
was the all-important question now. The strain was terrible, and the
rail over which it passed snapped like matchwood. It creaked, as it
bit into the deal below, and at times Eben imagined he could see the
strands parting. Fortunately it was a new rope and held firm as the
tug battled its way against that racing current. Inch by inch it
moved, dragging its heavy, helpless burden from the jaws of
destruction. There were no shouts now on board the tug, for in the
presence of so great a danger and with so much at stake lips were
silent.

Eben stood like a statue near the capstan, his eyes fixed upon that
straining warp, to him the rope of deliverance. He knew that it was
holding, and that the tug was making better headway now. The crisis
was past, and in a few minutes he felt sure that he would be safe.
Neither was he mistaken, for ere long the tug escaped the deadly
current by drawing somewhat to the left. Then from the shore he heard
cheers and shouts of excited men who had gathered there. Several
blasts from the tug sounded forth as signals of her success, as she
triumphantly ploughed her way to a wharf on the right.

Eben could not recall very clearly what happened after that. He heard
numerous voices as the boat was being tied up, saw as in a dream men
crowding on board, and listened to their questions and words of
congratulation. He was dazed by the confusion, and longed to be away
by himself that he might think. He was only able to do this, however,
when the crowd had departed, and he was left alone upon deck. He had
not deserted his post of duty, and a thrill of pleasure swept over him
at the thought that he had been true to his trust. Then his mind
turned suddenly to Jess Randall. He wondered if she would ever hear of
what he had done, and if she did, would she be proud of him?

CHAPTER XII

CORNERED

Donaster had finished his dinner,