Run round and meet me, and we'll row back together." The South Point was a low cape of land which stretched a considerable distance out to sea, about three miles to the southward of Bilton harbour.

It formed a large bay, across which, in ordinary weather, a small boat might be rowed in safety.

Martin Rattler was well known at the sea-port as a strong and fearless boy, so that no apprehension was entertained for his safety by those who saw him blown away.

Bob Croaker immediately started for the Point on foot, a distance of about four miles by land; and the crew of the _Firefly_ were so busied with their stranded vessel that they took no notice of the doings of the boys.
But the weather now became more and more stormy.

Thick clouds gathered on the horizon.