It must be so.

I must land here, venture among these people, and trust in that Providence which had hitherto sustained me.
Having thus resolved at all hazards to try my fate, I rowed in toward the shore.

Thus far I had seen galleys passing and small boats, but they had taken no notice of me, for the reason that they were too far away to perceive anything about me that differed from any other boat; but now, as I rowed, I noticed a galley coming down toward me.

She seemed to be going in toward the shore at the very point at which I was aiming, and her course and mine must soon meet if I continued to row.

After some hesitation I concluded to make signals to her, so as to attract attention; for, now that I had resolved to venture among the people here, I was anxious to end my suspense as soon as possible.
So I continued rowing, and gradually drew nearer.