But he was not sure that his ears had not deceived him.

Far out he could see a faint light and, knowing that this marked the place where the ship was moored, he prepared to strike out for it.
It was a long swim, and further than he had expected; for in the darkness the captain, unable to see the land, had prudently anchored at a considerable distance from it.

Even, however, had it been several times as far, Ned could have swum the distance without difficulty; but the whole way he could not forget that those seas swarmed with sharks, and that any moment he might have to encounter one of those hideous monsters.

He had left his sword behind him, but carried a dagger and, as he swam, kept his eyes in all directions, in order that he should not be attacked unprepared.
The ocean was however, fortunately, at that time deserted by these beasts; or if they were in the neighborhood, the quiet, steady, noiseless stroke of the swimmer did not reach their ears.
As he neared the ship his heart rose, and he sang out blithely, "Ship ahoy!" "Hullo!" was the reply.

"Where are you?
I cannot see your boat." "I am swimming," Ned answered.