But no fooling! I have no time to spare.

Jump on the rock, or I will fire before you are ten seconds older!" said Christy resolutely.
"Come back into the boat, men!" shouted the officer.
"The first one that comes any nearer the boat is a dead man!" added the prisoner, "Five seconds gone, Mr.Dawbin." The mate did not wait for anything more, but made the leap to the rock.
He accomplished it so hastily that he fell when he struck the ledge; but the impetus he had given the boat forced it from the rock, and sent it a considerable distance.

Christy restored the revolver to his pocket, and, taking one of the oars, he sculled towards the Chateaugay, which was now much nearer than the Snapper.

The two boats from the man-of-war took no notice of him, and perhaps did not see him.
Taking out his white handkerchief he attached it to the blade of one of the oars, and waved it with all his might in the direction of the steamer.

He set it up in the mast-hole through the forward thwart, and then continued to scull.