The sentry was deceived; he knew the hat and cloak, and he was only too glad to have, as he thought, escaped the challenge of having slept at his post; so he began resolutely to pace the deck.
Gering watched him closely, and moved deliberately to the stern.

In doing so he suddenly came upon a body.

He stopped and turned round, leaning against the bulwarks as before.

This time the watch came within twenty feet of him, saluted and retired.
Immediately Gering looked again at the body near him, and started back, for his feet were in a little pool.

He understood: Radisson had escaped by killing his guard.