Unknown Destiny

"Throw the rope up! Hurry!" Webber roared at Tom, while hurling the only halfway-sturdy coil of rope on the raft upward with all his strength. An iron hook was tied to the end of it. This was their final hope.

The first time, the iron hook struck the damp hull and slid back down.

The second time, the iron hook reached the edge of the ship's rail, but failed to catch on anything and fell back again.

The third time... Webber used almost every ounce of strength in his body. The iron hook traced an arc through the air, and finally, with a clang, seemed to jam against some protrusion above the ship's rail.

"It caught!" Tom shouted in delighted surprise.

But before they could rejoice, the rope suddenly went slack and slid down again. It clearly had not lodged fast.

Just as everyone's hearts clenched and they were nearly sinking into despair, a figure suddenly poked his head out over the high ship's rail. It was a Carnford sailor with a face covered in soot, his expression weary yet carrying a trace of pity. He had clearly seen this group of survivors struggling desperately below.

"Grab it! Climb up, now! The ship won't stop!" the sailor shouted down. Quick-eyed and quick-handed, he caught the falling end of the rope, swiftly wrapped it several times around a bollard on the rail, tied it in a dead knot, then waved hard downward.

"Quick! Up!" Wild joy surged through Webber's heart. He immediately grabbed the rope, tested its strength, and after confirming it was secure, turned his head and shouted to everyone, "One at a time! Hold tight! Climb up!"

The enormous joy of finding life in a dead end instantly drowned everyone on the raft. Jenny wept with joy. Juan held