Loose the wherry, and stand to your oars--quick--quick!" These commands were promptly obeyed.

The boat was set free, and the men resumed their seats.

Rowland's purposes were, however, defeated in a manner as unexpected as appalling.
During the foregoing occurrences a dead calm prevailed.

But as Rowland sprang to the helm, and gave the signal for pursuit, a roar like a volley of ordnance was heard aloft, and the wind again burst its bondage.

A moment before, the surface of the stream was black as ink.