O'Reilly was in a quandary. He gravely doubted Esteban's ability to stand the rough return journey, and when he spoke to Norine of turning back she was panic-stricken at the suggestion.
"No, no!" she cried, anxiously. "We MUST get him away. Oh, Johnnie, every day we lose by waiting lessens his chances! His heart is set on going through and it would--kill him to go back."
"Then I guess we'll have to go through," he smiled.
For the first time in their acquaintance Norine lost control of herself.
"We simply MUST find a boat. All he needs is proper care, proper food, and medical attention. Here we can get nothing. Why, the disappointment alone--" Her voice failed her, tears started to her eyes, and she began to tremble wretchedly. "If he--If I--lose him I'll die, too," she sobbed.
O'Reilly tried to comfort her and she bowed her head upon his shoulder.
"Promise that you won't go back," she implored him.
"Very well, if you'll consent to risk this miserable tub we found on the beach--"
"I'll risk anything--a raft, even."
"It is large enough to carry us if we can manage to make it hold water, but it won't be safe. The weather is good at this season and it shouldn't take us long to run across to Andros if we have luck. If we don't have luck--"
Norine dried her eyes. "What would you do if you were alone? Would you dare try it?"
He hesitated, then confessed, "I think I would, but--"
"Is there an even chance of our getting across?"
"Perhaps. It all depends upon the weather."
"Can't we--build a boat?"
He shook his head. "Even if we had lumber and tools it would take too long. Ten miles to the east there are Spaniards. We must do one thing or the other quickly, before they learn we're here."
"Then let's go on. I'm sure Rosa will agree."
Rosa did agree. When her husband put the question fairly to her she showed by the pallor of her cheeks and by the rekindling light of terror in her eyes how desperately she feared remaining longer in this land of hate and persecution. "Don't turn back," she cried. "I'm not the girl I was. I've endured so much here that-- I'm always in fear. Anything would be better than going back."
When morning came O'Reilly made a closer examination of the abandoned boat. The result was not encouraging, and when he told Leslie of his intention to make use of it the latter stared at him in open amazement.