The time of high water had gone, and the tide was beginning to fall, when the Myra essayed the task of crossing the inner bar. There was no surf breaking at the mouth of the river, since the coral reef enclosing the lagoon effectually sheltered the shore. Only a few ripples marked the spot where the down-current met the submerged barrier. In a few minutes the great volume of water pouring down the river, having time to overcome the up tidal stream, would be surging furiously over the bar.
"I wish to goodness we could crock the steering-gear," said O'Hara in a low voice. "If the old hooker grounded on the bar she would prevent the Pelikan from entering."
"Not much use," objected Denbigh. "In fact, it would be more of a help to her than a hindrance."
"How's that?" asked the Irishman.
"Si
