The boat was a good-sized one, and when not under sail was generally rowed by two strong negroes accustomed to the work.
Sometimes for half an hour at a time Vincent ceased rowing, and let the boat drift along quietly.

There was no hurry, for he had a day and two nights to get down to the mouth of the river, a distance of some seventy miles, and out to sea, far enough to intercept the vessel.

At four o'clock they arrived at Cumberland, where the Pamunky and Mattapony Rivers unite and form the York River.

Here they were in tidal waters; and as the tide, though not strong, was flowing up, Vincent tied the boat to the branch of a tree, and lay down in the bottom for an hour's sleep, telling Dan to wake him when the tide turned, or if he heard any noise.

Day had broken when the boat drifted round, and Dan aroused him.
The boat was rowed off to the middle of the river, as there could be no longer any attempt at concealment.