It fell true, and within Arnold's reach.
Gradually pulling in the line, Harry and Tom drew their chum to the side
of the Fortuna. The figure in his arms appeared perfectly lifeless.
Quickly they prepared to take both on board.
"Make a bowline in a bight in that line," directed Harry. "Pass it down
to Arnold and let him send us up the man first."
"Right-o," responded Tom, quickly preparing the line.
It was but the work of a moment to securely fasten the line about the
man's limp form and in another moment he was safely on deck. Arnold
followed, coming over the rail like a monkey.
First aid to the drowned was administered rapidly by the boys who prided
themselves upon their proficiency in this art.
"Looks like a nasty bump he got on the coco, too," commented Tom. "How'd
they happen to sneak upon us so close?" he added.
"Humph!" grunted Harry. "We all forgot to keep the Klaxon going while we
listened to that fairy tale about the Spanish Treasure Chest. Maybe they
forgot to blow their fog horn also, and there you are. Natural result of
neglect. That's easy."
"Where are they now?" queried Arnold peering about in the fog.
"I believe that as soon as they saw we were picking up this chap," Jack
replied, "they filled their sails and away they went. Certainly they are
not here now."
"Hush, boys, he's coming to," declared Tom, watching the newcomer
anxiously for signs of returning consciousness.
"Sure enough," assented Harry. "I tell you that little trick of pulling
a fellow's tongue out isn't near as good as turning him face down.
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