Then a strange thing happened.

The rudder, with all the broad Atlantic to sail in and the coasts of two continents to search for a resting-place, came bobbing back into our cove.

With anxious eyes we watched it as it advanced, receded again, and then advanced once more under the capricious influence of wind and wave.

Nearer and nearer it came as we waited on the shore, oars in hand, and at last we were able to seize it.

Surely a remarkable salvage! The day was bright and clear; our clothes were drying and our strength was returning.