William ran off like the wind, followed close by Mr. Seagrave and
Ready, and at a distance by Mrs. Seagrave and Juno; indeed, there was
no time to be lost, for the wind was off the shore, and in a short time
the boat would have been out to sea.
William, as soon as he arrived at the beach, threw off his hat and
jacket and dashed into the water. He was already up to his middle, when
old Ready, who had followed him, caught him by the arm and said:
"William, go back immediately. I insist upon it. Your going can do no
good, as you do not understand the thing so well as I do; and go I
will, so there will be double risk for nothing. Mr. Seagrave, order him
back. He will obey you. I insist upon it, sir."
"William," said Mr. Seagrave, "come back immediately, I command you."
William obeyed, but before he was clear of the water Ready had swam
across to the first rocks on the reef, and was now dashing through the
pools between the rocks, towards the boat.
"Oh, father!" said William, "if that good old man is lost, I shall
never forgive myself. Look, father, one - two - three sharks, here,
close to us. He has no chance. See, he is again in deep water. God
protect him!"
In the meantime, Mr.
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