Chance had brought him life, if he only had the presence of mind to take it.

He struck out for the land with all his vigor, hoping to reach it before he could be carried back by a returning wave.
The wave caught him, but it was not as powerful as he had feared, and, when he had yielded a little, he was able to go forward again.

Then he saw a head bobbing upon the crest of the next retreating wave and being carried out to sea.

It was the captain, and reaching out a strong arm Robert seized him.

The shock caused him to thrust down his feet, and to his surprise he touched bottom.