There was a burst of joy, for it was hoped his comrades were near at hand.

His story, however, was one of disaster.

He and his companions had found it impossible to govern their boat, having no rudder, and being beset by rapid and whirling currents and boisterous surges.

After long struggling they had let her go at the mercy of the waves, tossing about, sometimes with her bow, sometimes with her broadside to the surges, threatened each instant with destruction, yet repeatedly escaping, until a huge sea broke over and swamped her.

Weekes was overwhelmed by the broiling waves, but emerging above the surface, looked round for his companions.