I then told Jack to return to Falcon's Nest with the karata-leaves, and I would swim across the river.
I returned about a hundred yards up the stream to find a wider and less rapid part, and easily crossed.

Judge of my surprise when I saw a human figure approaching to meet me; I had no doubt it was the captain of the vessel, and--" "And it was Captain Jack, _sans peur et sans reproche_," said the bold little fellow.

"I was determined not to return home a poltroon who was afraid of the water." When Fritz was gone, I tried the bridge, and soon found there was not sufficient water over it to risk my being drowned.

I took off my boots, which might have made me slip, and my cloak, which was too heavy, and, making a dart, I ran with all my strength across, and reached the other side.

I put on my boots, which I had in my hands, and advanced to meet Fritz, who called out, as soon as he saw me, "Is it you, captain ?" I tried to say, "Yes, certainly," in a deep tone, but my laughter betrayed me.
"To my great regret;" said Fritz, "I should truly have preferred meeting Captain Johnson; but I fear he and his people are at the bottom of the sea.