The anchor wasn't tied, you know!" "The boat! You great booby!" cried one and all, springing to their feet and rushing in the direction of the pier, upsetting and trampling over the unhappy Tubbs as they did so.
"What on earth shall we do ?" gasped Gayford, as he ran by Bowler's side.
"We must swim for it," said Bowler.

"It's our only chance." "Can't do it.

She's half a mile out." "It's all up with us if we can't get her!" groaned Bowler.
They reached the landing-stage, and there, sure enough, danced the "Eliza" half a mile out at sea.
"I'll try it," said Bowler, flinging off his coat.
"What, to swim?
You'll do nothing of the sort," said Gayford, seizing his friend by main force.
"I tell you it's our only chance," cried Bowler.

"Let go, do you hear ?" "No, I won't, old man.

We must make the best of it.