The rowboat had drifted ashore unharmed.

Captain George launched the boat and rowed out, paddling about until finally they saw him stop and raise the end of a rope from the water.
"Bring the launch out here, Bill," he called.

"Yes, I've found it, and I've found something else too.

There's been some crooked work here!" "What do you mean ?" called Harriet.
"I'll tell you when I come in.

I've made a find, all right!" The captain had indeed made a find--one that more than confirmed the suspicions he had formed earlier in the morning..