It was not possible that the crime and the escape could go long undetected; the watch might at any moment come the full length of the ship.

Gering flashed a glance at him again, his back was to him still,--suddenly doffed the hat and cloak, vaulted lightly upon the bulwarks, caught the anchor-chain, slid down it into the water, and struck out softly along the side.

Immediately Radisson was beside him.
"Can you dive ?" the Frenchman whispered.

"Can you swim under water ?" "A little." "Then with me, quick!" The Frenchman dived and Gering followed him.

The water was bitter cold, but when a man is saving his life endurance multiplies.
The Fates were with them: no alarm came from the ship, and they reached the bank in safety.