In another instant, the collision took place.

The watermen, who manned the larger wherry, immediately shipped their oars, grappled with the drifting skiff, and held it fast.

Wood, then, beheld two persons, one of whom he recognised as Rowland, spring on board the chase.

A fierce struggle ensued.

There was a shrill cry, instantly succeeded by a deep splash.
"Put about, waterman, for God's sake!" cried Wood, whose humanity got the better of every personal consideration; "some one is overboard.