Bembo's weight had answered the purpose, showing that the deserters must have ascertained his specific gravity to a fibre of hemp.

There was another boat remaining; but it was as well to examine it before attempting to lower.

And it was well they did; for there was a hole in the bottom large enough to drop a barrel through: she had been scuttled most ruthlessly.
Jermin was frantic.

Dashing his hat upon deck, he was about to plunge overboard and swim to the corvette for a cutter, when Captain Guy made his appearance and begged him to stay where he was.

By this time the officer of the deck aboard the Frenchman had noticed our movements, and hailed to know what had happened.