Do you still stick to your bargain ?" Venning answered by sliding off the bridge and climbing up into the bows, where a knot of sailors had gathered at the gangway.

A rope was looped round his thigh, so as to give his arms play, and two men stood to pay him over and down.
"Here she is!" sang out the mate.
The bell rang out, "Stop her," and Venning went over, catching the rope above his head with his left hand, and taking a turn round with his right foot.

There was a scraping sound against the side of the vessel.
"I've got hold," he shouted.

"It's a tree--no, a boat." Then, "By Jove!" "What is it ?" cried several together, excited by the startled exclamation.
"Lower the light!" The lantern sank over the side, but those above could not see well because of the bulge of the hull.
"Now lower me.

I shall get in and make fast." "Take care!" cried Mr.Hume.
"Look out for the sharks, sir," sang out a sailor.