As soon as General feels the pull on the rope, he wants to start hauling. I have to stop watching Gordon to keep General quiet. If we shift the log jam while Gordon’s still out there—it doesn’t bear thinking about, so I don’t.
When I’ve calmed General and look up again, I can’t see Gordon.
My heart stops. I’m sure it does. Then it’s pounding so hard I can hardly breath. I look around wildly to find him. He must be ashore! But he’s not.
He’s gone.
He must have slipped off while I was busy with General, but I don’t want to believe it.
If he’s gone, I’m on my own. I still have to clear this jam. But if he’s out there, if I just can’t spot him, I don’t dare move the logs.
I stand there for ages, staring at the log jam, hoping against hope.
Nothing.
I’m about to give General the command
