That ought to bring me to a comparatively safe spot, where I could crawl ashore unobserved.

What was awaiting me there in the dark could not be reckoned; but surely no graver danger than what already menaced me here.

I knew the Jerseys, and that now, with the main contending armies withdrawn, all that country from the Delaware to the sea was overrun by small parties of partisans, more intent upon plunder than any loyalty to either side.

To pass through between these bands was likely to prove a desperate venture enough, yet it seemed the only choice remaining.
At the lower end of the float I managed to silently remove my boots, and then waited, listening to the movements of the men above.

I must have clung there ten minutes, expecting every moment the party scouring the shore would return, yet not daring to make the venture with those fellows sitting there, and silently gazing out across the water.