Heraklas pulled on the rope that fastened the small boat to the ship.

The rope was stout and well-fastened.
In the dark, he began to climb the rope with trembling fingers.

Now he hung by the side of the ship, and now, one hand above another, he drew himself higher, higher, till he grasped the ship's side.

He struggled over it, and dropped down on board in the darkness.

He waited.