The water had risen a little up the steep declivity of the pebbled beach, and the vessel was some distance nearer than she had been when they first climbed the bank. It was a favorable time for starting, but not so much so as it would be in the course of half an hour. But they were too impatient to delay, and so they started. As it was, they had not more than fifty yards to go. The bottom was not muddy just here, but composed of hard’ sand, like the sand-spit on which they had landed. The water was quite smooth, only disturbed by a gentle ripple, which, farther out, rose into small waves. The descent, like that farther out, was but very gradual, and it was only by almost imperceptible degrees that the water deepened. Bruce and Bart went first, with their poles held in their hands in such a way that they were able to splash the water before them, so that if there should chance to be any more “shovel-mouth sharks” near by, they might take notice and govern themselves accordingly. For they firmly believed that all fish are frightened by any splashing, and deterred, just as wild animals are frightened and deterred, by the flashing of flames. Tom and Phil followed more slowly, the former armed with a boat-hook, and the latter with the pistol. The distance was quickly traversed. The water grew deeper and deeper, until it was up to Bruce’s armpits and Bart’s shoulders. By that time they touched the schooner’s bows. At that instant a splash was heard close by them, and the movement of some body was felt amid the waters. “Up! Quick!” cried Bruce. “You go first,” said Bart. “I won’t,” cried Bruce. “Nor will I,” said Bart. Bruce said no more. He stooped down, and clasping Bart in his brawny arms, he jerked him up out of the water. Bart clambered on board, and held out his hand to Bruce. Another instant and the latter stood by his side. Arthur followed at the same time. “Did you see that?” asked Arthur. “Yes. Did you?” “Yes. What was it?” “Another shovel-month shark--wasn’t it?” “I don’t think so. It wasn’t the same color. It was white.” “Perhaps it turned over to bite.” Arthur shook his head. “‘No. It came between us. It was not so large as that other fellow. It dashed off at once.” “Perhaps it was only a codfish,” said Bart. “Well, it was a large one, then. It might have been a porpoise. I wonder if porpoises come so near the shore.” “Sometimes, but not often.” “I shouldn’t wonder if it was a sturgeon,” said Arthur. “After all, it may only have been a codfish. At the same time I’d much rather be here than down there.” “Boys!” shouted Bruce to Tom and Phil. “Boys, you may as well go ashore. and dress. We’ll stay here a little while. It’ll take some time to get things ready.” At this Tom and Phil went back and dressed.