Page:Silver Shoal Light.djvu/270

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250
SILVER SHOAL LIGHT

was uncertain how much scope to give the cable, but she judged the water to be not over two fathoms. Garth lowered away on the throat halyards, and when he released the peak, the sail got away from him and came down with a run, nearly smothering Joan, whom it enveloped. He was much ashamed of his poor seamandship although Joan assured him that it was lack of muscle, not of knowledge, that had caused it. He helped her contritely while she stowed the sail and lashed the boom. The transfer from the catboat to the skiff was attended by some anxiety, but Garth suddenly exhibited a surprising steadiness, and Joan landed him and the various supplies on Trasket Rock without mishap. Then she sat down upon the little strip of sand at the foot of the rocks and put her head in her hands. Garth, who was already consulting the compass, looked up and saw her; then came to where she sat.

"What's the matter?" he said. "Why, Joan! You weren't frightened, were you? Why, I've been out in lots worse ones with Fogger."

"Yes," said Joan weakly, "but being 'out with Fogger' is a very, very different thing