They went far up on a sandy beach, where the boat struck.

They sprang out, Obed taking with him the unloaded musket, and ran.

The retreating water caught them about the ankles and pulled hard, but could not drag them back.

They passed beyond the highest mark of the waves, and then dropped, exhausted, on the ground.
"We've got all Mexico now to escape in," said Obed White, "instead of that pent-up castle." The alarm gun boomed once more from San Juan de Ulua, and reminded them that they could not linger long there.

The rain was still falling, the night was cold, and, after their tremendous strain, they would need shelter as well as refuge.
"They'll be searching the beach soon," said Obed, "and we'd best be off.
It's against my inclination just now to stay long in one place.