It was but for a moment, for he immediately dived again, under the next wave, and then came up within a few yards of the floating oar.

A stroke or two, and he was alongside.

He seized the man, and held up one arm as a signal.

In a moment the rope tightened, and they moved towards shore.

When they were close to the edge of the breaking waves, Jim held up his hand, and the strain stopped.
"Now," he said to the man, "the moment they begin to pull, leave go of the oar, and throw your arms round me." He waited until a wave, bigger than ordinary, approached, and, just as it began to pass under him, gave the signal.