Almost instantly burst out a hubbub of excited
voices, there was a rattle of sandalled feet on shingle and a sound of men
running hard.
Roy sprang to his feet, but Ken caught him by the arm.
'Steady! Don't hurry, or you'll give the show away. It's not likely
they're all gone.'
'Every man Jack of 'em,' Roy answered, as he walked boldly out on to the
beach.
Ken glanced round sharply. It seemed as though Roy were right. So far as
he could see, the whole population of the beach had departed for the scene
of the explosion.
'There are the boats,' said Roy. 'Three, four--yes, half a dozen of them.
Now we shan't be long.' 'They're great clumsy brutes of things,' Ken
answered. Hang it all! There isn't one we can manage between us.'
'Wait. There's a smaller one beyond. That might do us.' muttered Roy,
hurrying forward.
Ken followed quickly. As Roy had said, this boat which lay by itself was
decidedly smaller than the others. It had, however, been pulled clear of
the water.
'Good, she's got a pair of oars,' said Roy.
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